Great Bible Reading Tips

by Matt Tague

Many people start out to read the Bible with good intentions but very few stay the course to make it a lifelong habit. Why is this? And what is so special about those who end up making a habit of it? I believe that the answers can be found in a few simple reasons which we will explore in this article.

At the outset, a lot of people don’t set aside the proper time to make a lifelong habit out of their Bible reading. Many people have a desire to read the Word regularly, but desire alone doesn’t do much. Just ask ten people who have tried to stick to a diet. So that you actually get something out of reading your Bible, you have to commit steady and regular time to it. I believe that in a thirty day cycle, scheduling twenty minutes a day should be your first step.

Next, it is important that you have a place where you can read the Bible without distraction. Get away from the TV, radio and the internet. Get away from noise and visual clutter. Find a place where you can read undisturbed.

Then, be sure to have a version of the Bible that is easily readable. It isn?t hard to find a modern English Translation. The New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV) are easy to read and solid translations. If you can?t comprehend the sentences you are reading, you won?t comprehend the main thought, so get a translation of the Bible that is easy for you to read.

Next, start choose a book of the Bible that is easy to understand. You don’t have to start reading the Bible from the beginning. the Gospel of John is a great place to start since it is very readable.

It?s always nice to have something to write with and a notebook handy as you read. Jot down thoughts or questions that you have about the passage. This will help keep you reading without pondering too much over one question or thought. You can ask a Pastor or a mature believer your questions later.

Finally, make sure you come to your reading with a submissive heart. The Bible is a special book, given to us by God himself. Reading it with an attitude of humility to grow in your relationship with God is the best way to read it. Before you begin your reading, stop for a moment and pray. Ask God to help you understand what you read and to allow it to change you. You will find that God answers this type of prayer. (more…)

Pray With Out Ceasing

Pray With Out Ceasing
By Susan Darling

There are a great many Christians out there that think, just to pray at night just before you go to bed is all that God wants from us. But the truth of the matter is, He wants our memories all day long. Just in the same manner you think of your lover all day long. He refers us as his brides. He is in love with us. Are we in love with Him? Some times in our lives we feel God is a million miles away and doesn’t really care about us anyway. But the truth of the matter is, are we a million miles away from Him? Are we so full of ourselves that we don’t even try to contemplate the wonder, and love of a God like ours, in a child like manner. (more…)

I Believe In Miracles

By Cindie York

Psalms 66:5

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he does for his people!

Miracles are awesome unexplainable events that occur by the divine power of God. The purpose of a miracle is to show the wonderful, mighty power of God. They provide great opportunities for testimonies and witnessing about God’s mercy, power, and love. (more…)

THE OTHER SIDE OF FAITH

Hebrews 11 has been called the faith chapter and rightly so, because it is the one place in the Bible where all the heroes of faith are paraded for us to see.

This chapter has 40 verses, but most of us stop reading at 35. Though these 35 verses are exciting, uplifting and encouraging, the final five verses are also an integral part of the walk of faith. It is in these five verses that the balance in the faith life is brought about. It is in these verses that most Christians will find solace through a major part of their lives.

What happens when our faith is tested in the trials of life? What happens when faith does not alleviate our pain and suffering?

These are questions that gnaw at those who are in suffering, and those who watch others suffer, praying helplessly as it were for the suffering to be alleviated, and quickly moving from pity to condemning or judging the sufferer if it isn’t. (more…)

The Day I Forgave the Man Who Killed My Entire Family

By Tai Ikomi

Is there room in my heart to forgive the man who killed my family in their prime? Does he deserve my love, my sympathy, or even my consideration? Are there some criteria he must meet before I bestow my forgiveness on him? These are the questions I asked. (more…)

Three Basic Jewish Prayers

Perhaps the most well-known Jewish prayer is the “Shema”. This prayer is recited twice per day (morning and evening). The prayer is translated as “Hear Israel”, and refers to the entire verse “Hear O Israel, the Lord Thy God, the Lord is One.” (more…)

Dear God It’s Me and It’s Urgent

You might hope 2009 slows down for you, but the truth is, in our fast-paced society everything is urgent. What should you do about Aunt Em, who has moved into residential care this year and expects you to visit weekly? You enjoying listening to her memories of years gone by, but truth be told, all the while you are there you are thinking about your to-do list. Between transporting children to appointments, shopping for groceries, and trying to hold down a work-at-home job, you are pulled in many directions. As the list of “need to do” items multiply and you require more than twenty-four hours a day to get it all down, I wonder what gets top billing on your schedule? (more…)

Giving of thanks

Several months ago, I was preparing for a Sunday sermon on thanksgiving. The Lord brought to my attention the Samaritan leper’s thanksgiving recorded in Luke 17 verses 11 to 19. This is a very familiar story among Christians. The story goes like this, there were 10 Samaritan lepers who asked Jesus for mercy. Jesus told them to show themselves to the priest. While going there, they found out that they were healed. Sadly, only one of them came back to thank Jesus. (more…)

A Spiritual Solution

Here is a note I thought quite a few of us would like to read.

It’s about the U. S. elections, our politicians and the divisiveness of politics.

Enjoy.

A SPIRITUAL SOLUTION

I have never been very “politically minded”, even though I have at
times tried to voice strong opinions around political matters. ‘Guess
it’s just not me.

As I watch the increasingly divisive nature of conversations between
Americans of all political persuasions, I am becoming more convinced
that we are all on the wrong tract. (more…)

Prayer Is The Best Thing!

by Verona Raymond

Prayer definitely works and is still working today as it did thousands of years ago. There are many that have experienced it’s power.

Just when you wonder when are things going to get better…prayer gets answered! And most of the time it will be better results than what you imagined! A powerful true experience of what prayer can do for those who have faith in it and in God. (more…)

Lead Us Into Triumph

by: Steve Clement

Someone Cares for YOU

While walking along the street one day thinking about the things that was happening in my life and wondering what I was going to do, how I was going to cope, I was given a piece of paper and told to read it by a complete stranger, so when I got on the bus home, I took the paper and unfolded it, and this is what it said. (more…)

Faith That Moves Mountains: First, Forget The Mountain

Faith That Moves Mountains: First, Forget The Mountain by Rob Marshall

When reading Jesus’ words in Mark 11:22-24, I have never known whether the mountain he mentions is symbolic or real. The Bible simply says, “’Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered. ’I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” (more…)

Savior, life, Jesus, Salvation, Why Do We Need A Savior?

In creation, God made man in his own image and gave him dominion over the earth realm, having a kingdom as he himself had a kingdom called Heaven. He formed the figure of man from the dust of the Earth and breathed his own life into him. Thus he made a friend that he could relate to, talk and walk with. (more…)

I Am A Future Resident Of Heaven

Article by Linda C Dipman

A young Christian woman lay on an examination table, she was just diagnosed with a terminal illness, and she was determined to not be afraid of dying. She closed her eyes and imagined what it would be like to meet God face to face. An older couple lay awake; they just found out there retirement money was stolen by a greedy bank executive. The husband held his wife in his arms, and snickered at Satan’s attempt to ruin their lives, “At least we won’t have to work for money in heaven!” (more…)