| Do you often find yourself questioning someone's | | | | for life on earth. He would not give you a |
| interpretation of a particular Biblical passage? Do | | | | roadmap that you could not understand. After |
| you desire to find a deeper understanding of what | | | | slowly reading (and re-reading) your selected |
| the Bible really says? Does your Bible reading | | | | passage, ask yourself these questions: |
| leave you with more questions than answers? If | | | | What is the main subject of this reading? |
| so, here are some helpful tips that will make your | | | | Who is speaking? What is being said? To Whom? |
| reading more enjoyable and meaningful. Whether | | | | What is the key verse? |
| you are participating in a daily reading program, | | | | Does this passage contain a command for me to |
| preparing for a Bible study, or hoping to gain | | | | obey? |
| insight on a particular subject, there is a wealth of | | | | Does this passage reveal anything I see as a |
| wisdom within the pages of "the greatest book | | | | stumbling block in my own life? |
| ever written." | | | | Does this passage relate to you or your situation? |
| 1. Keep it personal. Religious beliefs and convictions | | | | Is there something in the passage that needs to |
| are very personal matters. Ask three people for | | | | be incorporated into your own life? Answer these |
| their interpretation of a scriptural passage and you | | | | questions as truthfully as possible and see what |
| will get three different responses. That explains | | | | direction this takes you. |
| why there are so many denominations within the | | | | 5. Use resources. Many translations will contain |
| present day church. No one can tell you what you | | | | references to other correlating scriptures in order |
| should believe, and you are solely responsible for | | | | to clarify or reiterate the main point. Some will |
| your own actions, responses, and behaviors. | | | | have scriptural notes explaining the circumstances |
| Choose a Bible translation that suits you. If you | | | | in greater detail. Many contain dictionaries, maps, |
| find the King James Version too difficult to retain | | | | weights and measures conversions etc. A |
| your focus, check into other translations that are | | | | concordance is an invaluable searching tool that will |
| available. The Bible should not be a "chore" to | | | | list the passages which contain any word or |
| read. | | | | phrase that you may wish. Commentaries are |
| 2. Read regularly. You can't expect to master | | | | great resources that go into detailed explanations |
| rocket science by picking up a book "occasionally." | | | | concerning each passage. These will assist you in |
| Read the Bible regularly and it will come alive for | | | | better understanding the cultural and spiritual |
| you and your understanding will increase | | | | aspects of the scripture, but keep in mind that it |
| dramatically. Try to choose a time and place that | | | | is one man's opinion. The best online resource that |
| you go each day. Soon this routine will be a | | | | I have come across is called E-sword. It is a |
| highlight of your day and you will look forward to | | | | downloadable Bible that can be customized with |
| the rejuvenation that comes with the time spent | | | | different translations, concordances, dictionaries, |
| in the Word. | | | | and commentaries. Translations can be viewed |
| 3. Prepare. You should prayerfully ask God for | | | | side-by-side for comparison and notes can be |
| guidance and insight into what you are reading, | | | | saved within the file. Although this is a free |
| and listen to your inner voice for direction. Have | | | | resource, some translations charge a small fee. |
| faith that your prayers and questions will be | | | | (see resource box for info) |
| answered. Some find it helpful to listen to | | | | Online Christian forums and chat rooms have |
| inspirational music before reading in order to focus | | | | ongoing discussions about many of life's questions. |
| their attention on spiritual matters. Choose a quiet | | | | You may get some helpful insights, as well as |
| place free from distractions and try to clear your | | | | different viewpoints about any number of topics. |
| mind of pressing issues that may cloud your | | | | After using these 5 tips, you should have a better |
| thinking. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques | | | | understanding of the Bible, and a better |
| are beneficial exercises that will help you to focus | | | | relationship with God, not to mention the people |
| more clearly on your reading. | | | | around you. You will begin to gain the wisdom of |
| 4. Take what you read literally. God is not the | | | | the ages, and who knows, you might just find |
| author of confusion. This is the owner's manual | | | | more than you were looking for. |