Motivation tips please.
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A
Start with the first 5 minutes of the day.
Keep a Bible by your bedside.
As soon as your alarm goes off, (or you wake up naturally without it) spend 5 minutes reading.
It seems small, and insignificant, but over time those 5 minutes can naturally increase.
If you have another Bible, set it somewhere in the house where you will see it several times a day (kitchen counter, table etc).
Then, when you need a break, instead of jumping online, or watching tv spend another 5 minutes reading through.
Keep a Bible by your bedside.
As soon as your alarm goes off, (or you wake up naturally without it) spend 5 minutes reading.
It seems small, and insignificant, but over time those 5 minutes can naturally increase.
If you have another Bible, set it somewhere in the house where you will see it several times a day (kitchen counter, table etc).
Then, when you need a break, instead of jumping online, or watching tv spend another 5 minutes reading through.
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Narrow Path,
That's a very honorable question that I trust that the Lord will help you with.
Normally, I encourage Christians to start with the gospel of John. However, it was just last week that I reconsidered this very question. The interesting thing is that you just asked it and I had no idea that it might be of use to someone this soon. My new thought on this and advice is going to help you to accomplish your goal.
You have a desire that pleases God, so ask Him for help each day. I think He will answer your prayer.
Please start by reading the book of Proverbs.
Here are two online copies that you can see which is more legible for your eyes. If you have a paper KjV with large print, that is preferable, but not required by any means. Just keep in mind that I don't recommend the bright computer screen or phone just before bedtime.
Please bookmark for ease of daily use.
https://thekingjamesversionbible.com
AND
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org
Start with Proverbs because:
1. It has 31 chapters, which make a monthly goal of 1 chapter per day to complete the book easy to achieve.
2. Most chapters are short.
3. Every chapter is interesting and most cover multiple topics.
If you get real motivated, then add a chapter from John's gospel. However, I would start with the easy to obtain goal of a chapter from Proverbs every morning. Then, if you want to read John in the evenings after the first month. Don't be hard on yourself if you miss a day or three. Just pick up where you left off. The brain and yes even the spirit has to be exercised like your muscles to gain strength. It will in time as it established this pattern for good spiritual health. I pair a couple glasses of water and my morning routine of coffee with my Bible time. This helps me to stay on track because I have already established the other positive habit. You might have a routine that helps you.
Here is a blessing to go along with your routine. Someone cared enough about me to share this message. There's a prayer at the end. I would listen twice when it's quiet and if you have any questions just ask me anytime. Have a great week!
That's a very honorable question that I trust that the Lord will help you with.
Normally, I encourage Christians to start with the gospel of John. However, it was just last week that I reconsidered this very question. The interesting thing is that you just asked it and I had no idea that it might be of use to someone this soon. My new thought on this and advice is going to help you to accomplish your goal.
You have a desire that pleases God, so ask Him for help each day. I think He will answer your prayer.
Please start by reading the book of Proverbs.
Here are two online copies that you can see which is more legible for your eyes. If you have a paper KjV with large print, that is preferable, but not required by any means. Just keep in mind that I don't recommend the bright computer screen or phone just before bedtime.
Please bookmark for ease of daily use.
https://thekingjamesversionbible.com
AND
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org
Start with Proverbs because:
1. It has 31 chapters, which make a monthly goal of 1 chapter per day to complete the book easy to achieve.
2. Most chapters are short.
3. Every chapter is interesting and most cover multiple topics.
If you get real motivated, then add a chapter from John's gospel. However, I would start with the easy to obtain goal of a chapter from Proverbs every morning. Then, if you want to read John in the evenings after the first month. Don't be hard on yourself if you miss a day or three. Just pick up where you left off. The brain and yes even the spirit has to be exercised like your muscles to gain strength. It will in time as it established this pattern for good spiritual health. I pair a couple glasses of water and my morning routine of coffee with my Bible time. This helps me to stay on track because I have already established the other positive habit. You might have a routine that helps you.
Here is a blessing to go along with your routine. Someone cared enough about me to share this message. There's a prayer at the end. I would listen twice when it's quiet and if you have any questions just ask me anytime. Have a great week!
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You could start with the book of Psalms, one chapter a day is 5mos worth of blessed reading. David bares his heart for God, and I find I can relate to his vulnerabilities, triumphs, anxieties, etc. One of the psalms is written by moses, as well as other psalmists. There are also audio bible resources that you can read along with or just listen to.
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Thank you for your reply. I will try your suggestion. Ive never read the whole bible before, actually Ive read only Matthew, Mark and Job and that is frustrating that my attention span is so fleeting. But you are right, I can swap good habits for not so good habits and increase the time like you said.
Thank you so much for your reply. I am watching the youtube video now, Im on a break from decluttering a room. I will happily go with your suggestion to start with Proverbs, I really do need to read the written word as I tried the audio tapes on YT but would fall asleep to it. Im getting a little teary eyed thinking about Him and reading the replies here so please know it means so much to me.
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Thank you for your reply. I had a chuckle at the clearance shop comment 
I actually have huge guilt over letting dust settle on my bibles and struggle to read even one book of the bible. So it is reassuring that you and others here have let me know starting off with a chapter is doable and to even make a start will bring me closer to Him. It is so interesting to learn of what books others find that really speaks volumes to them, then I naturally want to experience it too.
I actually have huge guilt over letting dust settle on my bibles and struggle to read even one book of the bible. So it is reassuring that you and others here have let me know starting off with a chapter is doable and to even make a start will bring me closer to Him. It is so interesting to learn of what books others find that really speaks volumes to them, then I naturally want to experience it too.-
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Thank you for your reply. I have not tried that but will check it out. I had a friend recommend these sites for something similar but we were at very different levels when it came to Bible knowledge and I would get overwhelmed with all the sites he was using to understand one chapter or verse. I do know my understanding is limited and I want to change that so I know I have to be open to finding ways to be closer to Him.
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Thank you for your reply. I had a chuckle at the clearance shop comment I actually have huge guilt over letting dust settle on my bibles and struggle to read even one book of the bible. So it is reassuring that you and others here have let me know starting off with a chapter is doable and to even make a start will bring me closer to Him. It is so interesting to learn of what books others find that really speaks volumes to them, then I naturally want to experience it too.
I actually have huge guilt over letting dust settle on my bibles and struggle to read even one book of the bible. So it is reassuring that you and others here have let me know starting off with a chapter is doable and to even make a start will bring me closer to Him. It is so interesting to learn of what books others find that really speaks volumes to them, then I naturally want to experience it too.
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Take it slow. You don't have to read the whole bible to know Jesus. If you want to be closer to the biblical words from God, maybe read the Gospels.
And then perhaps those old testament scriptures particular to Jesus.
https://www.jesusfamilytomb.com/holy_books/old_testament_jesus.html
As to your desire to make room for God. God has already taken up a room within his temple, you.
From there he leads. Uniquely speaking, guiding, you with his wisdom.
To make room for receiving that, I suggest slowly practicing disconnecting from the noise of the secular world.
Meditate, pray.
God is the word.
May God bless you.
And then perhaps those old testament scriptures particular to Jesus.
https://www.jesusfamilytomb.com/holy_books/old_testament_jesus.html
As to your desire to make room for God. God has already taken up a room within his temple, you.
From there he leads. Uniquely speaking, guiding, you with his wisdom.
To make room for receiving that, I suggest slowly practicing disconnecting from the noise of the secular world.
Meditate, pray.
God is the word.
May God bless you.
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What is it exactly that you are seeking?
What is the outcome you are hoping to achieve?
Many people read the scriptures but for various reasons… tell us yours.
What is the outcome you are hoping to achieve?
Many people read the scriptures but for various reasons… tell us yours.
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Welcome, NarrowPath, and great answer.
Whether you read the Old Testament or the New Testament, the entire Bible is about Jesus Christ.
For example, we read:
Luke chapter 24
[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
[14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
[15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
[16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
[17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
[18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?
[19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
[20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
[21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
[22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
[23] And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
[24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
[26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
[27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
While walking with these two men after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus "expounded unto them IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES the things concerning himself". He did so "beginning at Moses", who authored the first five books of the Bible", and he continued through "all the prophets". All of these scriptures were Old Testament scriptures which concern Jesus Christ.
Continuing on just a bit further in this same chapter, we read:
Luke chapter 24
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
[37] But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
[38] And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
[39] Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
[40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
[41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
[42] And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
[43] And he took it, and did eat before them.
[44] And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
[46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
[48] And ye are witnesses of these things.
Again, when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection from the dead, he "opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures", and those scriptures were all the things "which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning him". God is no respecter of persons. Seeing how Jesus opened their understanding that they might understand everything that was written in the scriptures concerning him, he'll do the same for you if you ask him to.
II Timothy chapter 3
[14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
"The holy scriptures" are "able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus", and "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" or is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said:
Luke chapter 11
[9] And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
[10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
[11] If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
[12] Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
[13] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
If you ask God the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, then the same Holy Spirit who inspired the scriptures to be written will be available to you to let you know exactly what the scriptures which he inspired actually mean.
If you haven't yet asked God to give you the Holy Spirit, then do so today, and then let the Holy Spirit be your teacher as you read the word of God and seek to learn more about Christ.
Again, welcome to the forum.
Whether you read the Old Testament or the New Testament, the entire Bible is about Jesus Christ.
For example, we read:
Luke chapter 24
[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
[14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
[15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
[16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
[17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
[18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?
[19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
[20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
[21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
[22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
[23] And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
[24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
[26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
[27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
While walking with these two men after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus "expounded unto them IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES the things concerning himself". He did so "beginning at Moses", who authored the first five books of the Bible", and he continued through "all the prophets". All of these scriptures were Old Testament scriptures which concern Jesus Christ.
Continuing on just a bit further in this same chapter, we read:
Luke chapter 24
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
[37] But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
[38] And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
[39] Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
[40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
[41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
[42] And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
[43] And he took it, and did eat before them.
[44] And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
[46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
[48] And ye are witnesses of these things.
Again, when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection from the dead, he "opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures", and those scriptures were all the things "which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning him". God is no respecter of persons. Seeing how Jesus opened their understanding that they might understand everything that was written in the scriptures concerning him, he'll do the same for you if you ask him to.
II Timothy chapter 3
[14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
"The holy scriptures" are "able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus", and "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" or is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said:
Luke chapter 11
[9] And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
[10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
[11] If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
[12] Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
[13] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
If you ask God the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, then the same Holy Spirit who inspired the scriptures to be written will be available to you to let you know exactly what the scriptures which he inspired actually mean.
If you haven't yet asked God to give you the Holy Spirit, then do so today, and then let the Holy Spirit be your teacher as you read the word of God and seek to learn more about Christ.
Again, welcome to the forum.
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