when do u read your bible and how often? and other bible questions?

Question

for people who read the christian bible...why do you read it? how do stay focused to read it?...when do you read your bible and how often? im trying to figure out how to keep motivated to read and keep reading the bible. i have one thats easy to read new american translation. whats the easiest translation of the bible to read?

Answer 1

I try to read at night before I go to bed. I switch off the TV and just open it where I had left off. The only book I couldn't get through was Job, but the rest were definately very interesting. I live in Greece, so the only bible we have is the orthodox one (the only one allowed to be in the bookstores) and that is in ancient greek, or the New World Translation which my brother sent to me. Very cool with references etc.

Answer 2

For me, reading in company with others is helpful. I joined a group in my parish which meets one night a week. We read the assigned scriptures for the upcoming Sunday mass. We also read commentary on those scriptures, then answer questions raised by the commentary, and then just generally talk about our own personal connections to those passages. Hearing what a passage communicates to somebody else is often enlightening to me, especially if it is a passage which I had found difficult. Hearing a half-dozen different minds working on the same passage from a half-dozen different directions can get pretty lively some weeks! Since it takes three years to get through the entire scripture cycle in the mass readings, and I've been a member of this group for just over three years, we've just recently begun re-reading the same scriptures that we were reading when I first joined. Hearing them again, after having read and discussed all the others in the meantime, I'm finding things I missed the first time around. If you are interested in such a group, ask at your own church; -- I'm sure you'll find one there.

I also find that keeping a journal is a great help to me. The mind does tend to wander and drift, away from the Bible in my lap, to the grocery list and tomorrow's work schedule. Reading with a pen in hand, and pausing to write as I read, keeps my mind on what I am reading and cuts down on daydreaming. Besides, re-reading what I wrote, after some time has passed, often helps me remember lessons that I had forgotten.

As to which translation is easiest to read, I guess that depends on the reader. Some people connect better with this or that style of language. There is more than one good translation out there. Try going to the Bible section of a library or bookstore, and reading the same familiar passage in several different translations, for comparison. A beloved psalm, or the Christmas section of Luke, is a good way to try out the "flavor" of a translation. When you find two or three whose language works okay for you, read the translation information to see the who and when and how of the translators, to see whether it's got good credentials for accuracy. (I use an older Catholic translation which is slightly different from the newer versions used by the rest of my discussion group, but that doesn't seem to matter; -- we're all reading the same passage together.)

Answer 3

The best thing for me is to pick a time and a plan. Otherwise it's to sporadic.

At the first of the year, I felt led to start reading the Bible again cover to cover. I did that once in high school, but not since then. I understand much more of God and the Bible now, so I decided it's time to read the whole thing again so I get more than just the verses I already know.

I've gotten around to David's reign in Israel, and it's been interesting. The OT is heavy, and you really have to wrestle with it and ask questions in prayer. It's challenging, but is growing me a lot.

And as for times, I take public transportation every day, so I try and read during my commute. I have to sit and wait, so it works!

Answer 4

I read a few scriptures of the morning in a morning devotional book I have by Joyce Meyers. With two kiddos my morning are quite rushed.

I do my Bible study each evening once I have the kids in bed. I read the KJV Bible and I have a NewKJV Study Bible that breaks each scripture down. I don't set a certain amount of scriptures that I must read. There are some evenings I have a hard time putting it down and going to bed. When you allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes the understanding will come.

It is amazing to me that each time I read the Bible the Holy Spirit opens my eyes to something new.

Answer 5

I have an audio Bible on my computer, so if I'm not listening to anything else, I can listen.

I have bound copies in my car, my bedroom, several all over the house, so whereever I am I can grab one.

I read it more than an hour each day.

The first time I read the Bible cover to cover I was 20 years old. That year I read the Old Testament once and the New Testament thru once a month for six months.

Pastor Art

Answer 6

I have a Bible with NIV on one side and message on the other. Just like your will,you start by doing it,just do it. Like losing weight,how bad do you want a change. Some people said they did not start reading the Bible to be a saint or to beat someone over the head with it. They did it to stop from going insane and began to realize it was the truth,they stuck with it.Soon the word materialized before them, they began to enjoy and love hearing and reading it.....Read Joshua 1:8-9 The Bible is a book of success for those that study it and believe it!

Answer 7

I read the Bible b/c it is literally food for the spirit. without we I die. Spiritually. And that's how the Lord can talk to you , through the Word. I read in teh mornings before the day begins. When that's possible. It's usualy quiet and some music playing preferably Kari Jobe or New Life worship etc... I read everyday at least I try, sometimes though that doesn't happen. A good Bible is teh ONe-Year bible It's very easy and is mapped out for you. U read teh WHOLE bible in one year amazing!!! I like the Engish standard Version is somewhat new and easy to read. Hope you find the real God in your reading. I always pray before I read that He would give me revelation and speak to me, and he always does.

Answer 8

I often read it in the evenings, just before getting ready for bed. This way, I can focus only on that, and have nothing to make my mind wander.
Before I start reading though, I pray for understanding of what I'm readin. After reading, I meditate on what I read, and maybe even do some research on it, if I'm not quite sure on the understanding. Then, later, I apply what I read to my daily life.

To get motivated, try reading the Bible from the middle. This way, you start reading mostly of Jesus' jouney's and so forth. This keeps your attention, then you can go ahead and start from Genesis and read it straight through.

I like to read the New World Translation of Holy Scriptures along with the original King James Version of 1611.

Answer 9

I try to read my Bible daily. I find that I stay focused if there isn't anyone around and maybe some soft light music playing. The best translation is the NIV. It is easier to read but it doesn't stray far from the original message. I read the scripture for my growth in God and so that i may lead others closer to God. I hope I could help.

In Jesus Name.

Answer 10

I read my Bible anywhere anytime. I keep one with me for when I ever have to wait for something...like at the doctor's office, or while my wife shops. I laughed when I read the above answer that says "When I'm pinching a loaf!" Because I keep a copy of the Bible in my bathroom for those long sit-n-wait kind of bowel movements. (I hope that doesn't offend God!) But as far as motivation, I sometimes have spiritual conversations with the people at work and that usually leads to digging in the Word for some answers. Other times I just enjoy being reminded of how God thinks and read Psalms or Proverbs.. I also enjoy Romans and James alot.

Here's a suggestion that might help you keep reading. Buy a good Bible commentary like "Thru The Bible" By J. Vernon McGee or some of John MacArthur's commentaries on the New Testament. Charles Spurgeon is also very good. Then decide on a book of the Bible that you want to get to know really well. Then start reading straight through a commentary on that book. (A commentary, if you don't know, is a book written by a pastor or an expert on Bible interpretation and can be purchased at your local Christian bookstore or Barnes & Noble, etc. It is a verse-by-verse explanation of the Bible and it is like reading through the Bible with a Pastor at your side helping you understand what you are reading and offering his insight into the context of what you are reading.) I really enjoy reading the Bible this way. A good commentary will cover all the possible interpretations of the more difficult passages and then explain why a certain interpretation may be the better of them. They often give you insight into customs of the day which may shed a different light on some things giving you a different perspective and a better understanding of what the Bible was actually trying to say. I love learning how different people interpret scripture. Their insight is often very rewarding to read.

The New American translation is a fine translation. It is the more literal translation of the Bible which can be good and bad. The good being you will see almost word-for-word what is written in the greek and hebrew original. The bad being, due to the language barrier, some things are better translated thought-for-thought rather than word-for-word. The greek and hebrew sentence structure is very different than our own and a word-for-word translation may not be as clear cut in some passages as a thought-for-thought translation would be. For example, a text might be literally (word-for-word) translated from the greek "Gave he to them a days wages." But a thought-for-thought translation would more likely translate the same sentence more clearly to us like this: "He gave to them a days wages."

So in addition to your New American translation, you may want to compare it to the New King James, New Living Translation, New International Version, or explore other translations that might speak to you more clearly. One person wisely said, "Use the translation that you will read."

Don't get me wrong. I like the New American because it sometimes can actually reveal flaws in the other less literal translations. It's always nice to have a translation that does let you know word-for-word what is actually in the text for reference or Bible study purposes. But one of the other versions may prove more meaningful for devotional or casual reading.

If you have a hard time keeping motivated, first and foremost, I'd recommend praying to God about it and telling Him in your own words what makes it difficult for you to stay focused. Rely on Him to answer that prayer for He loves us to stay close to His Word.

Good luck with your reading and I will remember you in my prayers. I'm glad you were honest enough to admit you have a hard time staying motivated. Your honesty here will probably benefit many.