how can i start reading my bible more?

Question

miscatagorized the first time.

Answer 1

Take it with you everywhere you go. If you are on a break or just have some downtime, you will always have it to read.

Answer 2

Make sure you have a Bible that is both easy to carry, but still has print that is easy to read.

Get a translation that you understand. Many like the NIV. I have a compact edition of the New King James, it is about 4x6 inches and an inch thick, the whole Bible.

Pray before you read it, to be given insight and attentiveness, and you WILL get more out of your reading. The more you come to know the Bible as a tool to help you through everyday life, the more you will turn to it.

Read with the mind of a student...study a theme, or learn the history, or whatever. The bible as pleasure reading always distracts me, I have never read the Bible cover to cover as I would read a novel.

Some themes to consider: study a character, such as Jesus (in the gospels, or Paul in the letters, or Moses, or whatever. Study a situation, such as being in or out of the will of God, or having hard times, or miracles. Study a period in the history of the Jews or the early church. Study the prophecies of the OT and see where they come back in the NT. Study a situation in your life and see how a character dealt with it, or do a character study of someone in the Bible that you admire, or see if you can find someone who reminds you a LOT of yourself in the Bible. For instance, Peter had a big heart, and was beloved by Jesus, but had a huge mouth, often with a foot in it. As often as he said glorious inspired things, he bumbled along and doubted. He reminds me of myself a LOT. So reading about Peter in the Gospels, and reading Pauls first and second letters to Peter, was pretty helpful to me.

If it helps hold you accountable, you can join a Bible study group....kind of like a book club. Often times this is what adult Sunday School classes are for (mine is). They will kickstart you with a theme and help boost your comprehension because you get other people's insights on what they read...plus you may be motivated to read because you are expected to participate in the class.

Whatever happens, just plug along at it. If you drop off for a while, don't stop all together, or start over, just pick it back up. Even if you only read a few verses a day...it's better than nothing. I think nothing delights the devil more than when Christians hold themselves to too high of standards and then quit because they get discouraged.

Answer 3

You can do the same thing I do: just before I go to bed I read at least one chapter from the Bible. It makes going through the Bible a long process, but it keeps me reading it. It's now both a habit and a routine.

If you want to try to read more than that, try reading at least one chapter just before bed and one chapter when you wake up in the morning.

I agree with the thought that you could purchase a small version of the Bible that fits in your handbag and read some during your lunch break.

Here's something else, memorize something like the 91st Psalm that you can quote to yourself throughout your day. (If that's too long for you, try the 23rd Psalm instead.)

You could also read a bit while you're on your computer. This site http://www.e-sword.net/ lets you download free software and various versions of the Bible and commentaries, etc. You could just take a few minutes each time you turn your computer on and read.

This http://www.biblegateway.com/ allows you to search the Bible for various subjects and then read the verses.

Here's another online site that may help: http://bible.com/

These sites will send Bible verses to your e-mail address:
http://www.bibleshack.com/
http://abibleverse.org/

I hope this helps.

Addition: I discussed this with my mother, and she said you have to start by making a DECISION to read it every day.

Answer 4

Fit it into your schedule. Reserve some time each day to read a passage. Or, if your church offers daily devotions thats always a good way to read your bible more. You could also carry bible with you if you think you will have some time or when you know you'll be waiting.

Answer 5

that's a hard one. i should probably try that myself...well, i would suggest reading it from the beginning or starting somewhere (like the begging of a book or chapter) where a story begins. i think it might help it seem more like reading a regular book. i like Genesis. i usually read my books at night before i go to sleep- you could try that. even if it is just like 5 minutes. good luck.

Answer 6

I had the same problem. Now I read my bible while I'm having breakfast. This way I read it every day. It's a great way to start your morning.

Answer 7

why limit yourself to ONE book? why not read tons of different ones as well?

:)

**edit: by the way, why do I deserve a thumbs down for an honest answer?*