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Since Tourist and I were married in November of 2014 we are now on the third reading of the Bible together as a couple. He read it to us the first two times and now I am reading it to us the third time. We will start again when we get through it as to us it is the never ending story.
The interesting thing is even though the two of us have read it through many times as we read along we both will say at some point I don't remember that even though we have read it before it's like a light bulb lights up and we get it. Plus there are many verses that are a comfort and a blessing as you read it through. We will both probably continue to read it until we die as it keeps us close to God.
We have read a different version each time to get a broader meaning of scripture.
The interesting thing is even though the two of us have read it through many times as we read along we both will say at some point I don't remember that even though we have read it before it's like a light bulb lights up and we get it. Plus there are many verses that are a comfort and a blessing as you read it through. We will both probably continue to read it until we die as it keeps us close to God.
We have read a different version each time to get a broader meaning of scripture.
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I have 35 different versions, including 6 different KJVs, in my library. I prefer the ESV when I am reading. When I am studying, I prefer eSword. It has indexed copies of every Bible that I have and more. It is also indexed to copies of most of my commentaries and dictionaries, more dictionaries and maps than I have, and a lot of my books. If you can't afford a study library, the basic program is free.
Always begin and end your reading session with a prayer for understanding.
Always begin and end your reading session with a prayer for understanding.
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I read the Bible from the start to the end and became a Christian as i was doing so.. I do not know the exact time it took me.. Probably a year.. Sometimes i would have a big session of reading and at other times i would read a few verses, but i persisted till the end and it changes my whole world view and it changed me too..
How did i feel.. Lots of feelings but the biggest one was Peace.. Peace of Mind.. Before i read the Bible i was a person given to having bouts of depression and mild anxiety worrying a lot about things like fitting in to society and being accepted by people.. After reading the Bible my depression bouts ended and i was assured of my acceptance by my loving LORD and did not need the approval of other men.. His Word lifted me up from all that and set me free..
How did i feel.. Lots of feelings but the biggest one was Peace.. Peace of Mind.. Before i read the Bible i was a person given to having bouts of depression and mild anxiety worrying a lot about things like fitting in to society and being accepted by people.. After reading the Bible my depression bouts ended and i was assured of my acceptance by my loving LORD and did not need the approval of other men.. His Word lifted me up from all that and set me free..
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I only really have one version which is KJV I read that one all the way through. Old and New Testaments.
I feel I dont need to read 35 different versions..?! Because KJV was enough. Knowing all that scripture means whenever anyone quotes from another version I know what it refers to anyway cos I read the entire Bible first.
So thank you and Praise the Lord to whoever translated it.
I feel I dont need to read 35 different versions..?! Because KJV was enough. Knowing all that scripture means whenever anyone quotes from another version I know what it refers to anyway cos I read the entire Bible first.
So thank you and Praise the Lord to whoever translated it.
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I’ve read the NT a few times almost read the whole one minus a few Old Testament books.
The beauty of reading the Bible is you read it for your whole life and it’s like reading a brand new book! Literally it’s like god blocks out parts from your mind.
Where I’m like wow that was in the Bible? I don’t remember this! It’s quite amazing! Just read at your own pace but there are plenty of apps and plans to read it in a year ect.
The beauty of reading the Bible is you read it for your whole life and it’s like reading a brand new book! Literally it’s like god blocks out parts from your mind.
Where I’m like wow that was in the Bible? I don’t remember this! It’s quite amazing! Just read at your own pace but there are plenty of apps and plans to read it in a year ect.
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K
I've not read Revelations yet and I don't think I've read all the Psalms and Songs of Solomon.
Certain parts I'll skip over like where it says this person begat this person who had two sons and there names were thus and thus who later begat...on and on it goes 1Chonicles 1.
I've started reading from Genesis again, I'm now in Exodus where God is giving Moses instructions on how to build the tabernacle and what kind of garments the priests should wear etc. There is a lot of details and I find it tedious. But it just goes to show that our God is a great big designer, yes the same One who created the world.
When the scripture says eye has not seen nor ears heard what God has prepared for His children (1Corithians 2:9) Oh my! that must be beyond grand!
Certain parts I'll skip over like where it says this person begat this person who had two sons and there names were thus and thus who later begat...on and on it goes 1Chonicles 1.
I've started reading from Genesis again, I'm now in Exodus where God is giving Moses instructions on how to build the tabernacle and what kind of garments the priests should wear etc. There is a lot of details and I find it tedious. But it just goes to show that our God is a great big designer, yes the same One who created the world.
When the scripture says eye has not seen nor ears heard what God has prepared for His children (1Corithians 2:9) Oh my! that must be beyond grand!
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lol it does get a bit repetitious in Chronicles and Kings...
so and so did evil in the sight of the Lord
everyone did what was right in their own eyes
and also all these things are they not recorded in the book of so and so?
By the time youve read some of the things the Israelites did that were really bad you are tearing your hair out cos they made the same mistakes over and over and over and over...
so and so did evil in the sight of the Lord
everyone did what was right in their own eyes
and also all these things are they not recorded in the book of so and so?
By the time youve read some of the things the Israelites did that were really bad you are tearing your hair out cos they made the same mistakes over and over and over and over...
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I have read the whole Bible cover to cover over 50 times. I started the first year I got saved. Reading 3 chapters of the OT and 1 chapter of the NT gets you through in a year.
For 25 years, I read NASB, till the spine broke. I tried ESV but took issue with a lot of the study notes. My Greek professor was on the translation committee, and he said it is basically an updated KJV. Then I read HCSB Study and really liked it. I'm reading through the NET, which has 66,000 notes. They use the Greek and Hebrew letters, and also transliterate for people who can't read the original languages.
I've also read the Bible in French and Spanish. I've read the NT in Greek And many books of the OT in Hebrew, I've also translated some of the LXX or Septuagint, which was challenging Greek. I'm slowly working through the NT in German, which I studied a couple of years ago and in high school.
A
I've read the whole Bible in chronological order with our church one year. When I took OT and NT survey in seminary, I read the book we were studying in class today 3 or 4 times in various versions, in one sitting. But not a few of the longer books. For NT we had a chronological side by side version of the 4 gospels, which was great to read.
At one point, after I had been far from God, he told me to read 5 Psalms a day. I did for 2 years! That's all 150 Psalms every month-24 times. It was amazing!
I also went on a read 3 OT and 3NT chapters a day for a few years, which I am going to go back to.
The Bible looks big and hard, but if you get a modern version, probably NIV is easiest (not ESV for sure). Keep track of your reading, do it the same time each day, in the same place if possible. Pray before you read, so God will show you what he wants you to learn. Use a dictionary to look up words you don't know and keep them in a folder. When I read in other languages I keep track of unknown words, which are usually religious words that will pop up over and over.
Finally, reading the Bible through over and over, is one of the best things you Can do for your spiritual walk. Why? Because the Bible is the revelation of Jesus Christ from cover to cover. You will get to know Christ better, what is expectations are for you, and God will use the Bible to help transform your life into the image of Christ.
Starting to read the Bible daily when I first got saved was the best decision God helped me make. But, it is never too late to start daily Bible reading. And once is not enough! I can't imagine only reading it once. Every time you read it, God will give you more gems, more direction, faith, hope and move. As for the parts you don't understand, read them anyway. Look up the passage, if need be. As for the genealogies, they all mean something in Hebrew. They tell a story of the lineage of Jesus. Although I admit those 11 Chapters of 1 Chronicles can be a pain!
For 25 years, I read NASB, till the spine broke. I tried ESV but took issue with a lot of the study notes. My Greek professor was on the translation committee, and he said it is basically an updated KJV. Then I read HCSB Study and really liked it. I'm reading through the NET, which has 66,000 notes. They use the Greek and Hebrew letters, and also transliterate for people who can't read the original languages.
I've also read the Bible in French and Spanish. I've read the NT in Greek And many books of the OT in Hebrew, I've also translated some of the LXX or Septuagint, which was challenging Greek. I'm slowly working through the NT in German, which I studied a couple of years ago and in high school.
A
I've read the whole Bible in chronological order with our church one year. When I took OT and NT survey in seminary, I read the book we were studying in class today 3 or 4 times in various versions, in one sitting. But not a few of the longer books. For NT we had a chronological side by side version of the 4 gospels, which was great to read.
At one point, after I had been far from God, he told me to read 5 Psalms a day. I did for 2 years! That's all 150 Psalms every month-24 times. It was amazing!
I also went on a read 3 OT and 3NT chapters a day for a few years, which I am going to go back to.
The Bible looks big and hard, but if you get a modern version, probably NIV is easiest (not ESV for sure). Keep track of your reading, do it the same time each day, in the same place if possible. Pray before you read, so God will show you what he wants you to learn. Use a dictionary to look up words you don't know and keep them in a folder. When I read in other languages I keep track of unknown words, which are usually religious words that will pop up over and over.
Finally, reading the Bible through over and over, is one of the best things you Can do for your spiritual walk. Why? Because the Bible is the revelation of Jesus Christ from cover to cover. You will get to know Christ better, what is expectations are for you, and God will use the Bible to help transform your life into the image of Christ.
Starting to read the Bible daily when I first got saved was the best decision God helped me make. But, it is never too late to start daily Bible reading. And once is not enough! I can't imagine only reading it once. Every time you read it, God will give you more gems, more direction, faith, hope and move. As for the parts you don't understand, read them anyway. Look up the passage, if need be. As for the genealogies, they all mean something in Hebrew. They tell a story of the lineage of Jesus. Although I admit those 11 Chapters of 1 Chronicles can be a pain!
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That's great Angela! I remember within the first year that I got saved, I read the Old Testament 2 times and the New Testament 8 times all the way through. I worked nights back then and on my days off, I would stay up almost all night reading the Bible. I started off with the KJV, but have also read through the Bible using the NKJV and the NASB.
I remember within the first year that I got saved, I read the Old Testament 2 times and the New Testament 8 times all the way through. I worked nights back then and on my days off, I would stay up almost all night reading the Bible. I started off with the KJV, but have also read through the Bible using the NKJV and the NASB.-
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Excellent last thread for me. I feel a little guilty for staying up this late as I usually do. Such a nice evening though.
@Tinkerbell725 I take issue with footnotes. They are distracting but at the same time have been useful as well. The only thing that I can recall learning from a footnote that I think is pretty fun is why the little town that Lot fled to was Named Zoar (small I think). Just so generic. This is a blink and you miss it town so we shall name it small. I have a KJV that I got at a thrift store because I wanted an extra but in places half of it is footnotes and a bunch of other stuff. It's a study bible but I find it irritating and not too useful because it almost makes one lazy with older English, and it feels a tiny bit like spoon-feeding so it's just my "car copy".
@GdaxBbb I'm glad I saw someone else say this because it's been a while. Consider when the Lord opened Hagar's eyes and she saw a well. This is a frequent experience and when I'm frustrated and missing something and I feel like I should read in a particular place I am inclined to be more voracious for this reason, because it is highly likely that my eyes weren't opened to it when I read it the first time and so the excuse "I've already read that" Doesn't apply or "I already know that"...Quote it then...Oh alas, I cannot. So...read it again. and again. and again.
For this reason I don't memorize scripture the normal way. Precept upon precept can't be memorized in the traditional sense. How could you when there are certain things you don't get until decades later? So I go for a more randomized approach.
Do I think I've read all the way through it? I can honestly say I don't know for certain. "Actually" read it through cover to cover breathing each word in and meditating on it day and night? That's quite the claim.
I took OT survey in the 9th grade and we had to read each book and write journals on it. Some of them I skimped on, some I skimmed. I've "scanned" it all. That I can say with much more confidence.
Somewhere around the 9th grade I recall reading each of the gospels at least once in a short period of time. I think it was the same day or the weekend. I was consistently searching a lot of my life so I'd be amazed if I hadn't read all of the NT. I would say I've read it fully but somehow the OT is more firmly in my mind.
Every time there is some book by book study or read through in a year or something I shy away from it. I haven't a clue as to why but I will think on it. I guess because each day my appetite is different. Certain sections I would skim one day and feast on the next. Even when I have multiple "erudite" days in a row and endure a sequential study I usually only make it through a book.
Such an interesting thing to think about and it's cool to have a topic on it. Usually when I bring it up, I don't get much discourse but I have listened to pastors and preachers over the years mention it and that's encouraging.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention there are days when I don't want to read. Where it's a chore and an irritating compulsion. I don't think you "have" to read every day. Mediating on the word doesn't require reading. I'm actually considering breaking that habit more forcefully by switching things up through more creative methods. There are times where it was almost like a checklist before I slept but still feels good to have checked. Idk, it's hard to define and I'm wondering if anyone has had this crop up.
I guess a good way to describe this is by comparing scripture reading to brushing teeth. It is compulsory for good oral hygiene but thorough brushing. Is a quick 10 second brush effective? Is overbrushing counterproductive? Are there alternative methods of oral hygiene that are equally as effective? Can certain foods be avoided and simple hydration be effective? I suppose more exploration of this analogy might serve but it has me thinking.
Somehow I continue to be long-winded today. It's been a lifelong thing since around the time I started to read (although I do not distinctly recall it being the first thing I read) I'll try and remember...my earliest memories of reading were hooked on phonics and while I did read it back then I had to be encouraged often.
Funny story though, I did "cheat read" before I could read in order to impress my mother and whomever else I was with (I think it was my Grandma) I was with my Father's mother and husband (who have titles as well ) and I asked what a particular sign said. They told me "Big lots" so I logged it away intentionally, so that when I was later with my mother I could pretend. "Look that sign says Big lots" and they were so impressed...I told them of course that I didn't actually read it and explained but it was a bit persnickety and I still giggle a bit at the memory. I presume I felt guilty and told them because it felt like lying (I told on myself often), but looking back it's useful in gauging children.
@Tinkerbell725 I take issue with footnotes. They are distracting but at the same time have been useful as well. The only thing that I can recall learning from a footnote that I think is pretty fun is why the little town that Lot fled to was Named Zoar (small I think). Just so generic. This is a blink and you miss it town so we shall name it small. I have a KJV that I got at a thrift store because I wanted an extra but in places half of it is footnotes and a bunch of other stuff. It's a study bible but I find it irritating and not too useful because it almost makes one lazy with older English, and it feels a tiny bit like spoon-feeding so it's just my "car copy".
@GdaxBbb I'm glad I saw someone else say this because it's been a while. Consider when the Lord opened Hagar's eyes and she saw a well. This is a frequent experience and when I'm frustrated and missing something and I feel like I should read in a particular place I am inclined to be more voracious for this reason, because it is highly likely that my eyes weren't opened to it when I read it the first time and so the excuse "I've already read that" Doesn't apply or "I already know that"...Quote it then...Oh alas, I cannot. So...read it again. and again. and again.
For this reason I don't memorize scripture the normal way. Precept upon precept can't be memorized in the traditional sense. How could you when there are certain things you don't get until decades later? So I go for a more randomized approach.
Do I think I've read all the way through it? I can honestly say I don't know for certain. "Actually" read it through cover to cover breathing each word in and meditating on it day and night? That's quite the claim.
I took OT survey in the 9th grade and we had to read each book and write journals on it. Some of them I skimped on, some I skimmed. I've "scanned" it all. That I can say with much more confidence.
Somewhere around the 9th grade I recall reading each of the gospels at least once in a short period of time. I think it was the same day or the weekend. I was consistently searching a lot of my life so I'd be amazed if I hadn't read all of the NT. I would say I've read it fully but somehow the OT is more firmly in my mind.
Every time there is some book by book study or read through in a year or something I shy away from it. I haven't a clue as to why but I will think on it. I guess because each day my appetite is different. Certain sections I would skim one day and feast on the next. Even when I have multiple "erudite" days in a row and endure a sequential study I usually only make it through a book.
Such an interesting thing to think about and it's cool to have a topic on it. Usually when I bring it up, I don't get much discourse but I have listened to pastors and preachers over the years mention it and that's encouraging.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention there are days when I don't want to read. Where it's a chore and an irritating compulsion. I don't think you "have" to read every day. Mediating on the word doesn't require reading. I'm actually considering breaking that habit more forcefully by switching things up through more creative methods. There are times where it was almost like a checklist before I slept but still feels good to have checked. Idk, it's hard to define and I'm wondering if anyone has had this crop up.
I guess a good way to describe this is by comparing scripture reading to brushing teeth. It is compulsory for good oral hygiene but thorough brushing. Is a quick 10 second brush effective? Is overbrushing counterproductive? Are there alternative methods of oral hygiene that are equally as effective? Can certain foods be avoided and simple hydration be effective? I suppose more exploration of this analogy might serve but it has me thinking.
Somehow I continue to be long-winded today. It's been a lifelong thing since around the time I started to read (although I do not distinctly recall it being the first thing I read) I'll try and remember...my earliest memories of reading were hooked on phonics and while I did read it back then I had to be encouraged often.
Funny story though, I did "cheat read" before I could read in order to impress my mother and whomever else I was with (I think it was my Grandma) I was with my Father's mother and husband (who have titles as well
) and I asked what a particular sign said. They told me "Big lots" so I logged it away intentionally, so that when I was later with my mother I could pretend. "Look that sign says Big lots" and they were so impressed...I told them of course that I didn't actually read it and explained but it was a bit persnickety and I still giggle a bit at the memory. I presume I felt guilty and told them because it felt like lying (I told on myself often), but looking back it's useful in gauging children.-
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There is a blessing contained in the book of Revelation.. A blessing for everyone who reads it.. So read the book get the blessing
Revelation 1: KJV
1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: {2} Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. {3} Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
Revelation 1: KJV
1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: {2} Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. {3} Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
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The Bible is like the Christian's map so we can navigate through life effectively. And we must meditate on God's Word day and night.
Joshua 1:8 KJV
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
I have learned a daily habit from pastor Peter Tan-chi. Listening to audio Bible while on an early morning run or walk.
Some people learn more from hearing than reading and more from discussions also, like here in CC.
Joshua 1:8 KJV
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
I have learned a daily habit from pastor Peter Tan-chi. Listening to audio Bible while on an early morning run or walk.
Some people learn more from hearing than reading and more from discussions also, like here in CC.
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