Five Ways to Get More Out of Reading the Bible

There are quite a few fascinating characters in the Bible, both evil and good, and there is much to be learned from studying their life experiences. Put yourself in that Bible character's shoes, think how you would have felt in their situation, and try to figure out why they did what they did. Write he old adage "study history or you will repeat it" in the front of your Bible, and think about how you avoid some of the mistakes made by the Bible characters you study. If you also try to emulate the good in those characters, you will definitely be a better person because of your efforts.

2. Pick a Bible study plan that fits you

If you always start at the beginning of the Bible and get bogged down in the book of Leviticus, try something new. Start with the New Testament, or the Gospel of John. Try studying a certain character attribute you are interested in, such as unselfishness, pride, generosity, greed, etc. Talk to other Christian people you know and ask what they have found to be the most interesting. It is a whole lot easier to study something when it fascinates you, and there has got to be something in the Bible that will have that effect on you. You just have to find it and get started.

3. Switch Translations

If you are bogged down with the King James Version, try the New King James, the Revised Standard Version, the New International Version or the Living Bible. Many people I know have found a new paraphrase of the Bible known as The Clear Word to be very easy to read and spiritually helpful.

The key here is to stay out of a rut. The King James Version was translated in the 1600's. While some people enjoy the poetic phrasing of the English of that era, others get bogged down in the "thee's" and "thou's". Don't let choosing the wrong translation keep you from an otherwise positive experience.

4. Say a Prayer

You can pray for God's guidance before you start reading. You can also pray that you will find something interesting and/or helpful to you. Some people like to find prayers in the Bible and make them their own. There are plenty of those in the Psalms to choose from. There is also the famous "Lord's Prayer" in the New Testament.
Some people find it especially helpful to journal their thoughts or prayers as they read. There is something cathartic about applying a verse or passage personally to your life, and even writing it out. You might even imagine yourself as a "character" of the Bible and write out your own epistle. Read the epistles written by the apostles, and model yours after theirs. Your epistle should be more than your story, it is for the edification of others as well as yourself. Whether you share it with anyone will be up to you, but it is quite likely that you will be blessed (that means benefit) from that exercise alone.

Conclusion

Although it seems much easier today to turn on the television and be entertained than to actually open a book such as the Bible and read it, there is much to be gained from applying our minds to trying the understand God, His purposes, and the deep spiritual themes in the Bible. Why not give it a try-today?