Reading the bible problems.

T_Laurich · May 25, 2013

Okay so lately I have fallen into a rough patch in my faith. I know that reading the Bible will solve and answer majority of my questions but I always procrastinate and postpone when I will read. It seems I always remember when I pray to God right before I fall asleep, I will think; "man I should have read the Bible today like I told myself I would, ehh I will do it in the morning."

I think I am honestly scared of this book. I am scared to my bones about the Bible, I feel like I am preparing for my death if that makes any sense. And to think I only have so many years to live is beyond scary. Days are flashing by in an instant, it seems like time is speeding up and I am still the same young 8 year old boy. I know death is inevitable but to read about it nearly everyday is kind of frightening. I know I am still a child to majority of the people on this site, I know the Bible teaches about God, love, Jesus, happiness, and peace, and it tells us about a heaven. But this world is the only thing I have ever known. These people; enemies and friends both make this world livable for me. To think you are forever separated from some of your loved ones because they may have not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior is beyond heart breaking.

I know in my heart I need to read the book for my answers and to quench my thirst (sort to speak) but its either temptation, procrastination, or my own fears that keep me from reading it...

Anyone go through a similar thing please give me guidance. I mean I can pick it up and "read" the book but to me reading is more then just looking at words... I don't want to go through the motions and read a verse or two.

Sorry for the depressing post.

hattiebod · May 25, 2013

There is more than one way to soak up the word of God

I do think it's a good idea to start your day off with God, that way you are focused on Him through your day. Doing devotions in the evening....too easy to fll asleep mid prayer

What about listening to the Word? Loads of good stuff on the Internet you could find. Listen to a good Christian radio station too, the more we soak in the Word and ways of God, He strengthens our faith andmsomthe more wemwant it!
When you read the Bible, do so along with a study....that way you are guided through the Word, which can be useful at the start. One thing is to be sure of is of your salvation and that it is built on a solid foundation, so a wee 30 minute a day study on just that may be a good place to start. I note you are 18, so finding a study that's relevant to you, speaks to you....designed for younger believers can be helpful too. A solid daily devotion is also good as it gives you a reading, bible verses to look up and ties it all into life. Some classics stand the test of time, Oswald Chambers, Utmost for your Highest or Streams in the Desert....but you can find lots. Just make sure they are not 'whacky'

As for losing unsaved family and friends to 'hell'. This is not the focus, God wants all to know Him. The prayer of a righteous man availeth much so you can use Christs power, through prayer. Seek Him with all your heart andmyoumwill,learnnHis ways, His will and are will give you peace. God Bless you and your seeking heart, you are His precious son, rejoice in that! <><

dyingeveryday · May 25, 2013

I pray before I read. I ask for God to focus my mind and speak to me through His word. I don't just read, I meditate on it. read each scripture a few times and really listen. This helps and God always speaks to me. I used to just open and read and expect to just get something. Now I meditate and listen. I find myself praying what I read to God. As I connect with the word in my life and the lives of others.

starfield · May 25, 2013

Daily bible reading is important to stay connected with God but it can be tough when one does not know how to go about it. Before reading the bible rid yourself of physical distractions (i.e. go to a quiet place) then start with a prayer asking God for spiritual understanding and to shield you from mental distractions and anxiety, and impart to you zeal and passion for His word. You may want to have a journal to record observations and life-applicable lessons as you read. Also, I find that following a Bible Reading Plan make it easier. It gives you the number of chapters to read a day that you can check off once you're done. You can find some online or get from a bookstore. Some are comprehensive with leading questions for you to answer. I think this approach will make bible reading a bit more fun and help you to stay organised. Reading the bible takes discipline but where there is a will there is a way.

God bless ya.

homwardbound · May 25, 2013

Ask God to show you God's point of view in everything you come across and do in this life here. seek to learn from all things, grab an interest in how God sees things between God and you. You shall know the truth this way and this truth from God will set you free
1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

So then if you do this give thanks in even what you are going through now any and all tragedies, you will be shown a reason and you will be thankful knowing GODJUSYLOVEYOU, and thus be a responder to the lovew of God in lace of an intiatoir that we all are taught from childhood on to be creators when we are nothing more than the creation, that are in need of a savior that we respond to and this Savior is Jesus Christ the way, the truth and the life to the Father of Christ us restored back to Spirit of God life, born of the Spirit by the resurrection and dead to sinful flesh by the death of Christ
Romans 6:1-11

yac11 · May 25, 2013

T_Laurich said:

Okay so lately I have fallen into a rough patch in my faith. I know that reading the Bible will solve and answer majority of my questions but I always procrastinate and postpone when I will read. It seems I always remember when I pray to God right before I fall asleep, I will think; "man I should have read the Bible today like I told myself I would, ehh I will do it in the morning."

I think I am honestly scared of this book. I am scared to my bones about the Bible, I feel like I am preparing for my death if that makes any sense. And to think I only have so many years to live is beyond scary. Days are flashing by in an instant, it seems like time is speeding up and I am still the same young 8 year old boy. I know death is inevitable but to read about it nearly everyday is kind of frightening. I know I am still a child to majority of the people on this site, I know the Bible teaches about God, love, Jesus, happiness, and peace, and it tells us about a heaven. But this world is the only thing I have ever known. These people; enemies and friends both make this world livable for me. To think you are forever separated from some of your loved ones because they may have not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior is beyond heart breaking.

I know in my heart I need to read the book for my answers and to quench my thirst (sort to speak) but its either temptation, procrastination, or my own fears that keep me from reading it...

Anyone go through a similar thing please give me guidance. I mean I can pick it up and "read" the book but to me reading is more then just looking at words... I don't want to go through the motions and read a verse or two.

Sorry for the depressing post.

All the above are such wonderful thoughts and opinions. For me, even though I knew God existed, nothing clicked and I had some of the same thoughts you are dealing with. Not until the day I learned to love God above everything, even my own children, did everything fall in place. I could pick up the bible and understand everything and even deal with the part of being separated from loved one's. God Bless you

CatHerder · May 25, 2013

When I am coming out of a "dry spell" of not reading the Bible for a while, I always go to Judges. This may seem like an odd choice, but it reads like an adventure story more so than the other books. This whets my appetite so that I want to dive into other parts of God's word. Soon, I'm back in the habit. It's just a little trick I play on myself to reboot my Bible reading.

jerusalem · May 25, 2013

start small. read one proverb a day perhaps. it is a matter of developing a discipline and sometimes people make too big a project of it in the beginning. savoring smaller bites can make it not only easier for you but more enjoyable. you may absorb more of the deeper meaning also. you are not alone. this is a common complaint in the beginning.

RedTent · May 25, 2013

I convinced my dear friend that there was a God, I told him about Christ, and he accepted Christ. But he would not learn any of what Christ said. I told him that Christ wanted him to be baptized and he said he wouldn't do that, he knew people who died after they did that, it brought on their death. He refused to learn, he refused to obey. One night he had a heart attack and died. He was very elderly, but he was not prepared.

Don't be afraid. The bible is life. Without understanding God you aren't really living today with how reality is, for God runs our world, tells how it operates. Without knowing, you are living blind.

The bible is written in spiritual language, and the people it uses to express who God is and how He operates our world lived 2,000 years ago, and more. The only way our minds can understand at all is through the Holy Spirit. That comes when you accept Christ as the power that you can take your sin to and be forgiven, and so be able to live eternally. Without that the bible words are meaningless gibber gabber. So open your bible to Matthew chapter six. Christ was talking to a huge group of people who knew nothing about him. They had followed him way out of town, hadn't even brought food with them. So you can sit and listen to Christ talk, too.

There is a secular book that I would suggest. It is "How to Read the Bible for all it's Worth" by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. It would help.

kessy001 · May 25, 2013

Alternatively, you can get an audio bible and just listen. I do that most times on my way to work in the morning, listening through my headphones and at night just before i go to bed. often times i sleep off while listening n meditating at bed time.

GRA · May 26, 2013

T_Laurich said:

Satan is always working to keep us from reading our Bible. You are not alone in the "procrastinate and postpone" experience...

T_Laurich said:

"The Bible is not a book of death; rather, it is a book of life! And, that life is in the Lord Jesus Christ! A book to be cherished!"

I know it does not always "feel" this way -- but, this is the 'ideal' to strive for...

The more mature in Christ you become, the more you will realize the following:

~ God becomes more real.
~ Satan becomes more real.
~ The Bible knows more about you than you do.
~ The 'spiritual' realm is more real than the 'physical' one.
~ Both the 'significance' and the 'value' of the Word of God becomes greater.
~ The life we have "in this world" gets less desirable while the life we will have "in the hereafter" gets more desirable.

T_Laurich said:

How much more important then that they be saved?

T_Laurich said:

See if you can develop a 'habit' by reserving a certain window of time each day to read your Bible - with as little distraction as possible.

T_Laurich said:

Find those passages that "excite" you and "encourage" you to read even more.

GRA · May 26, 2013

T_Laurich said:

GRA said:

I misread your statement. You are talking about those who have already passed on...

I hope I did not come across as insensitive. If I did, then please accept my sincere apology.

Yes - I understand. It is truly sad, and can be very heart-breaking.

However, it should also remind us to at least pray for those we know who are still living and do not yet know the Lord.

T_Laurich · May 26, 2013

GRA said:

Don't worry you didn't

Siberian_Khatru · May 27, 2013

You have to understand that the world will show you death more than the Bible will, and in an arguably more aggressive, depraved way. And that's not a subjective statement; the media promotes - even glorifies - it. It's in our streets, it's at your local drug store and convenience market, it's in the military, on the local news channels, papers, and internet, and sometimes even in our dreams.

The notion of death is probably not why you're afraid to read your Bible (I don't mean to sound presumptuous).

T_Laurich · May 28, 2013

Siberian_Khatru said:

I understand what you are getting at, and I thank you for your reply.

But I feel invincible and immortal. Maybe it is my age, but reading the Bible is like a reality check. It is funny because it shows you who you are not passively but blatantly. But when I read it I am afraid of the afterlife. Because I know I am weak in my faith. In fact I am beyond weak. I have moments were I am glorious sort to speak. I will be as Christ-like as the next person. But those are only moments. Majority of the time I cower from God and sin knowing His truth. And I think who am I to deserve a perfect loving God. Who am I to deserve his presence. I know everyone says that God loves you and it doesn't matter but to be honest. I feel like a child who just stuck his hand in the cookie jar.

I am not scared of the word death. I am not scared of others deaths. I am not even scared of my own death. See I am not afraid of death. It is just another chapter in my story. But I am scared of what lies beyond death. There is only two possibility's to death. Heaven or Hell. And frankly I am scared of that chance I go to hell. I don't know what my future is. And to be honest I can barely watch a commercial now-a-days without cursing God's name. My thoughts are so blasphemous that I honestly wish I was mentally handicapped so I wouldn't have to deal with such thoughts.(Not trying to be insensitive). I am not looking for someone to guide me or give me advice anymore. See I have tried this many times. And honestly every time I get great advice. But for some reason I decide to torture myself instead of finding peace... It's almost I want to go to hell. I almost want to cry out, "God does not exist" in the middle of my church at times. Not to displease God or denounce God. But to torture my soul, and watch my self cry in anguish over my thoughts.

This is my battle I must win. I must concur my own mind... And to be honest. I am smarter then myself... (if that makes sense).

But thanks for all the reply's: sincerely thank you.

Siberian_Khatru · May 28, 2013

It really is, isn't it? That's a bold but true statement.

And as for the "I feel invincible/immortal. Maybe it is my age..." statement, that reminds me of the song Sentimental, by Porcupine Tree (part of it, anyway). It has been shown that a lot of [young] men in the service that come back from serving have a bit of a super human ego for similar reasons. Oh, how fickle is reality!

Aw, do you know how many people go through exactly the same? That is why Christians are under so much heat, I think, from secularists; it's easier to talk the talk than it is to walk it. Salvation is free, but discipleship is not, and it is difficult - especially in the world we live in.

The book of Proverbs states that those who seek the advice of many shall find wisdom/are wise, but he who rebukes counsel is a fool. I just heard a sermon today from Chuck Swindoll on the subject of unity in which he said that we are all growing together (interesting timing to have heard it

).

"In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas (commonly translated as "unity in necessary things; liberty in doubtful things; charity in all things"

Not sure if you will refer back to this thread, but I'll continue praying for you in any case, T.L.

homwardbound · May 29, 2013

T_Laurich said:

I understand what you are getting at, and I thank you for your reply.

But I feel invincible and immortal. Maybe it is my age, but reading the Bible is like a reality check. It is funny because it shows you who you are not passively but blatantly. But when I read it I am afraid of the afterlife. Because I know I am weak in my faith. In fact I am beyond weak. I have moments were I am glorious sort to speak. I will be as Christ-like as the next person. But those are only moments. Majority of the time I cower from God and sin knowing His truth. And I think who am I to deserve a perfect loving God. Who am I to deserve his presence. I know everyone says that God loves you and it doesn't matter but to be honest. I feel like a child who just stuck his hand in the cookie jar.

I am not scared of the word death. I am not scared of others deaths. I am not even scared of my own death. See I am not afraid of death. It is just another chapter in my story. But I am scared of what lies beyond death. There is only two possibility's to death. Heaven or Hell. And frankly I am scared of that chance I go to hell. I don't know what my future is. And to be honest I can barely watch a commercial now-a-days without cursing God's name. My thoughts are so blasphemous that I honestly wish I was mentally handicapped so I wouldn't have to deal with such thoughts.(Not trying to be insensitive). I am not looking for someone to guide me or give me advice anymore. See I have tried this many times. And honestly every time I get great advice. But for some reason I decide to torture myself instead of finding peace... It's almost I want to go to hell. I almost want to cry out, "God does not exist" in the middle of my church at times. Not to displease God or denounce God. But to torture my soul, and watch my self cry in anguish over my thoughts.

This is my battle I must win. I must concur my own mind... And to be honest. I am smarter then myself... (if that makes sense).

But thanks for all the reply's: sincerely thank you.

thank you for being honest and not hiding, something like King david a man after God's own heart, Honest who had a hiding worldly sorrow as many today do, and then an open honest Godly one
maybe read the story about the prophet Nathaniel that confronted him about Bathsheba and her Husband with her being with child.
David could have not repented and could have killed Nathaniel and no one of the kingdom that he was King of would know,as many have killed the Prophets of God, and went as far to kill his Son
Anyway I see you with a true sorrow, and that you are a work from God personally in progress

T_Laurich · May 30, 2013

homwardbound said:

thank you for being honest and not hiding, something like King david a man after God's own heart, Honest who had a hiding worldly sorrow as many today do, and then an open honest Godly one
maybe read the story about the prophet Nathaniel that confronted him about Bathsheba and her Husband with her being with child.
David could have not repented and could have killed Nathaniel and no one of the kingdom that he was King of would know,as many have killed the Prophets of God, and went as far to kill his Son
Anyway I see you with a true sorrow, and that you are a work from God personally in progress

What book is that story in? (The profit Nathaniel.)

homwardbound · May 31, 2013

2 Samuel 12
[h=3]2 Samuel 12[/h]New International Version (NIV)

[h=3]Nathan Rebukes David[/h]12 The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. [SUP]2 [/SUP]The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, [SUP]3 [/SUP]but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”
[SUP]5 [/SUP]David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! [SUP]6 [/SUP]He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!

homwardbound · May 31, 2013

Acts 13:22After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

Reading the bible problems.

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