The bible is not to be read smartphone style....

This one is a reminder for me too.

Basically I have been having some dry Bible reading sessions lately, I don't get anything out of them.

I have found two possible solutions which have worked for me, I'd like to share them.

1. Read slowly- I mean this, read slowly- like a proof reader with a document, I caught myself reading the bible as if I was browsing my text messages or SW on several occasions today- chew and enjoy God's word- this is not a race!

2. Spend x minutes (time yourself) focusing on God's glory- this should get yourself in a better mood for a great bible study!

If you have any tips, I'd love to hear! ☺️

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4meAndyou · F Best Comment

I have my Bible on a bookstand on the table where I eat. Whenever I eat, I read. I flip back to the yellow highlighted areas in Matthew quite often and read them over and over again.

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4meAndyou · F

@BritishFailedAesthetic Thank you for Best Comment!

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@4meAndyou You're welcome- it was an inspiring devotional practice!

4meAndyou · F

@BritishFailedAesthetic Thank you!

LadyGrace · 80-89

Yes, reading slowly is very important. You really can't digest it as well if you don't and it's meant to be studied, not breezed through, just to say that we read a chapter or whatever. It's also important to meditate on what you've read afterwards and see what God gives you to think about and what it was he wanted you to learn.

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@LadyGrace So true, the meditation bit is crucial too- it also provides a lifelong exciting habit that will never grow boring!

LadyGrace · 80-89

@BritishFailedAesthetic Yes!!!

Random3838 · 41-45, M

Have you tried Lectio Divina? It is latin for divine reading and christians used it from the beginning of scripture to read Gods word.

Step 1: Read
Step 2: Meditate
Step 3: Pray
Step 4: Contemplate

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@Random3838 Thankyou for reminding me- will give this one a try!

fakable

@Random3838
yes, that's the way the Torah is read
i agree

Thinkerbell · 41-45, F

Imagine yourself in God's very presence.

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@Thinkerbell Thanks, I do this all the time! The great thing is we can only grow and get better at doing this, each time we do a new experience of God's presence awsits!

PathwayMachine · M

1. Don't make the mistake of thinking the Bible was written specifically for you in this time. It was written for various people in various times and to be used as an example.

2. Don't intentionally memorize passages. The memory distorts things as it pieces them together.

3. Keep in mind the writing of the Bible was inspired, the translation wasn't.

4. Don't adhere to traditional interpretation but don't try to make up your own either. Do like the Bereans and examine the scripture to make sure they are true.

Random3838 · 41-45, M

@PathwayMachine

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 ESV

The Bible is absolutely meant for our time and for each of us.

PathwayMachine · M

@Random3838

The Bible is absolutely meant for our time and for each of us.

For clarification. The laws God gave to the angels were different than the ones given to Adam. Those were different than the ones given to Moses. The ones given by Jesus and the apostles were different than those. So, as James said, the ways of the earlier people mentioned in the Hebrew scriptures didn't apply to Christians such as himself the same way, but still could be used as he put it "an example."

Practically, such variations as you as a Christian, can eat pork, don't need to put fortune tellers and homosexuals to death. Or, Paul said to abstain from pharmakia. The word is translated as "spiritism" because of the pagan practice of using drugs to get access to "the spirit world." Since they don't only use drugs for that a Christian can carefully, if necessary, have surgery where such drugs are used. But those drugs also include tobacco and caffeine. Chocalate, tea, coffee.

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

@Random3838 Amen!

Adstar · 56-60, M

Trust God that no matter how boring or confusing the text seems to be, He will eventually cause you to understand what you need to understand to be Right with Him..