you are doing the right thing by praying. Try your best to keep reading and stuyding God's word and eventually you'll understand.
2007-02-01 08:40:06
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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To pray before reading the Bible is a great start. If you want to understand what you are reading do a topical study. If you have a concordance it will make it much easier. A bible dictionary is a must. There are some really good pod-casts that can help you. I like The Bible pod-cast with Preacher Tony Walker, that's one I listen to. I also like the daily audible Bible with Brain Hardin, not a lesson or teaching but it's a good pod-cast and bible reading.
Go to a bible study. The best way to get closer to God is to know Him, know the Word and to just spend time with the Father.
2007-02-01 16:53:20
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answer #2
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answered by hiscinders 4
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You're on the right track. The best way to draw close to God is to get into the Word, but that's not enough. There are many people out there who are Bible wizards, but aren't close to God.
I meditate every morning. Get by yourself, in a quiet place, and close your eyes. Pray. Ask Him to open your eyes and heart and mind to understanding His Word.
Then stop, and wait. Sit in silence, and while you're sitting in silence, reflect on His creation. Look outside and look at the trees, and thank Him for them; look at the birds, the clouds, the stars, or the blue sky, and just ponder -- how He created all of this, and yet He loves you the most, over all His creation. Just sit and soak in that thought.
Spend as much time as you want. If tears come to your eyes, that is His Spirit within you. Let them come and don't be ashamed.
Begin your Bible reading with Psalms 139. Imagine it is you, speaking to God. Take it slowly, don't rush. Dwell on each line, and think about what it means to you.
When you gain an understanding how much God loves you, and how important you are to Him, you will want to draw closer -- like a magnet.
Then I would suggest you get into a study with other believers, in a good Bible based church.
God wants to be first in your life. He wants to make changes in your life. He wants to bless you.
But, most of all, He wants a love relationship with you. It's awesome, fulfilling, secure, peaceful.
Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.
2007-02-01 16:53:27
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answer #3
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answered by Dianne C 3
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The Bible doesn't really work that way for me. Sometimes I'll study a certain chapter or story for months, looking up extra historical information to help me understand it. I'll get perhaps 1/4th of what is meant, but I keep reading.
Then, months, maybe years later, I'll need that verse to help me through a trying time and suddenly .... it all makes sense.
But, if you are seeking to understand, it is always wise to pray for discernment. I'd also suggest checking out the books, tapes and video's of Dr. Ed Young Senior. He's got a PhD and is one of the best bible teachers I've ever come across.
2007-02-01 16:42:56
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answer #4
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answered by arewethereyet 7
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God will give you wisdom as you need it in life. Perhaps the answers you don't get are answers you don't need right now and God knows that. When the time is right, He may reveal something to you unexpectedly. Yes, you should keep on studying the bible. I would suggest James 1: 5-8.
Yes it can be hard to show love sometimes to certain people, and easier to show love to others. I believe sometimes God puts people in our lives who are hard to love so we can take on the challenge and learn to love them anyway. When that happens, we become spiritually stronger. If you desire to be closer to God, He will draw closer to you.
2007-02-01 16:48:57
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answer #5
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answered by out of the grey 4
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Sounds like you are doing a great job. Yes keep reading it, and read the entire book if its a particular passage. Also seek the advice of your minister or buy a good commentary on the particular book or subject.
I am willing to help you out along your journey. Feel free to IM me or EMAIL me with specific questions or advice.
Continue reading God's Word and Praying and being a part of a Christian Fellowship. (aka church) God will grow you spiritually just be patient.
2007-02-01 16:43:58
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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I think you need to hook up with other Christians or a bible believing Church. First you need to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. They will help you do that. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit. That's why you can't understand it. He will guide you into all truths the bible says. You're heart is in the right place. Now take the next step and get yourself saved. God bless.
2007-02-01 16:42:40
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Yes God tells us to meditate on His Word. I know worship before I read really helps me. I put on a great worship CD and get in the presence of God and His Word just comes alive to me. God is good and He doesn't want to hold things back from you. He wants a closer relationship with you too.
2007-02-01 16:42:08
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answer #8
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answered by alytherehn 2
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Have you accepted the path to God that He has made available to all of mankind? The path that is freely given and offered to all through Jesus? If you have then the revelation of scripture in the Holy Bible is from the Holy Spirit that indwells within you. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us to all truth. Reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on the written word of God is how we renew our mind and learn to see our life and the world around us from God's perspective and point of view.
When we read the Holy Bible we learn about God, His heart, nature, character and His personality. It is when we take the time to commune one on one with our God and Creator through prayer and praise, coming into His presence, that we build on the relationship that was begun when we accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
It is a part of our growth and maturing process to become involved in the family of God. One of the many benefits is that you are able to learn about God from your brothers and sisters perspective and what God is saying to them. Sometimes we do not recieve revelation because we have not fully learned the previous lesson God had for us. Faith and hurry do not go hand in hand. It is important to continue to build on our relationship with our heavenly Father and remember that everything happens in God's time and not ours. When we do not recieve new information and direction is a good time to be not stagnate but still before God and listen to what His agenda for us is.
It is when we do all of the above that we are more able to reflect, represent and honor God with our thoughts, choices and the actions that follow. God's perfect love for us is not the same as the love the world promotes. It takes time and experience in recieving it and letting the true and perfect love of God in us out in healthy ways. I encourage you in your pursuit of God's truths over the truths of man and applying them to your daily life.
2007-02-01 17:19:42
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answer #9
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answered by David R 3
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You may want to check out different versions that use
modern english(if this is where the hangup is). In any case,continue to pray and ask God,
by the Holy Spirit, to open up his Word to you and to make it real and alive. And to increase your understanding.
Also, get with your pastor, elders,or other brothers and sisters in Christ, for fellowship and help in understanding.
You are on the right track!...and God is faithfull to those that dilligently seek Him.
2007-02-01 16:51:45
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answer #10
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answered by bonsai bobby 7
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Meditation is a great way to get closer with God. Also, know that a close relationship with God doesn't occur over night nor does knowing his will. It takes time so be patient with him and with your faith and you will find a deeper realtionship with Him.
2007-02-01 16:42:35
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answer #11
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answered by nosrettaptnilc 2
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