How to read the Bible and understand it!
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Hi Friends, Happy Sunday!
Sunday the Sabbath:
Exodus 20:8-11: Sabbath rest is a gift from God.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns
Which that means, you shouldn’t do anything on Sundays! Now in today’s age that is a little hard because we are so busy as humans, but also chronically bored. I watched a video on a neuroscientist, and she explained that humans in todays age are chronically bored because we don’t have to work for anything! We don’t have to hunt our own food, grow our own food, make our own clothes, etc. We as a biological standpoint are bored. Our souls are bored, hence why the depression and anxiety rate is very high.
I can agree with her study and statement. We as humans are chronically bored! We make up things that constantly need to be done to feel some fulfillment. We are craving something more. Our souls need to be filled. Our souls crave time with our creator, God. But, how do we read the bible? The bible in a lot of forms can very very difficult to understand. Especially if you are reading a King James Version (if you like that, then good for you!) 😊
I have been a Christian for my whole life. I grew up Catholic but only am practicing as a Christian now, because I value a relationship not religion. I think that is where people get pushed away from God. If you look at Jesus, he was the son of God, and he too had a problem with religious people. Religious people crucified him, because they were following what their ancestors wrote in laws, not God’s word. If you have had a bad experience I feel you but remember that God wants a relationship with you, he values your time, your heart and to love him fully. Not if you have followed countless rules from religions.
Where Do you begin:
If you’re asking yourself “where do I begin to have this relationship?” You don’t even have to spend a dime! You can download the bible You Version App on your phone. I have this for when I am on vacation and don’t want to pack my bible. I am an old soul. I love paper and pens. So I found a real bible that I love and use that everyday.
My Bible I am currently using
I have used this one for the last 7 years! Its a well used one!
My biggest advice is to take your time, find a version that you understand! Yes, every bible is worded just a little different, meaning the vocabulary is easier to understand for the version and reader. But the stories are the exact same. I personally love the Every Day Matters Bible for Women. It has the version that I can read and understand. It also has little points and stories from real people to talk about a certain part of scripture that revealed itself to them. But what makes me read it everyday is to me, because I can understand the version, I want to read it everyday.
How do you understand what you are reading:
I have tried some bible studies in the past, and they were great! I felt though I was rushed and missing plot points that God wanted to reveal himself to me. I also love to work on my penmanship, I have not wrote much since I graduated high school 10 years ago. Ugh, I just told you how old I am, haha! I felt like I lost touch with this skill and wanted to master my cursive writing again. Which is not even taught in the schools anymore in Colorado! Such a missed opportunity. And I will be teaching it my children.
I wanted to take my time and read the bible front to back! I am doing this my second time through and this is the only way I will do my bible study anymore.
How I read my Bible:
I read the bible from start to finish. I only focus on 2-5 chapters a day or depending on how much time I have. I don’t rush myself. I think working at your own pace is what makes the difference on how you understand a subject that you are self teaching. I write down in my journal every part of the story, sometimes the whole chapter, word for word. I take my time reading and writing (2 forms of memorization.) There are times, that I don’t write anything down, because it didn’t speak to my soul, my situation, or my faith that day, and that’s ok! Numbers, is a really hard book of the bible to get through.
How I start my day:
I usually have the same morning routine, unless we are traveling and not in our own home. But here’s how my morning usually goes.
Wake up by myself or with my family
Let Tarzan and Lucy outside for a bathroom break
Feed the pets and give them their morning treats
If Case is up, get his diaper changed, fresh cup of milk, and a toy
I make us coffee
I settle down and look outside, being thankfully for the morning sun
I start my bible study
I take my time, along as I can sometimes 5 mins to 1 hr, each day is a little different
I feel in a good headspace once I spend my first coffee break with Jesus.
How I plan my bible study for the week:
I have tried to be strict on a schedule but that just made it seem like a chore and not a reward.
My week looks a little like this:
Monday – Friday
I read the book of the bible I am currently on, for as many chapters as I want
Saturday
I choose a Proverbs Chapter and write it down word for word
Sunday
I choose a Psalm Chapter and write it down word for word
A lot of the time after my bible study is done, I will read the book that I am currently reading to expand my knowledge in faith and life, afterwards. Each day or somedays depending on my situation I am trying to work through, or my time, I pull out my Pinterest or Bible App and I just scroll through the word I am needing encouragement and I write down each of those verses word for word.
Sundays we try to attend a local church that we chose in the area, but merely we watch some of our favorite pastors online and get out in nature to have a one on one service that God leads himself. He reveals the most to us, when we are alone and quiet. Attending church with a toddler some Sundays are a challenge within itself, but don’t you fret, you are still getting those blessings mama.
Do I feel like I understand and can relate to the Bible?
Yes, because I found a system that works for me. I found a way to study the way, that my brain works and that works for my life currently! I want you to find the same way for you. It might be completely different! It might be where you have someone read it to you, on the app, in a study that someone already created, listening to worship music, reading the books that your church provided, attending daily church or Mass. You just have to take the leap to find this very special time with God. So, leap friends.
Please let me know if I can help anyway.
Sending you peace today,
Taylor
