How to Read and Understand the Bible

 (Excerpts from 'Transformed by the Word - How to handle the Bible and grow closer to God' by Dr. Charles F. Stanley -In Touch Magazine June 2011 issue) 

Read *(New American Standard Version or the New International Version is the easiest to understand) 

The Bible is not just for emergencies. Sure we cn find help in times of trouble, but God wants to reveal Himself to us each day. Those who read Scripture only during times of crisis miss the joy of an intimate relationship with the heavenly Father, which develops through consistent fellowship with Him.  The first step is to open the Bible and begin reading daily, even if in small portions at first.

(Prov. 8:33-35) 

" Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord." 

The goal is character transformation and an ever-deepening relationship with the Savior.  You might wonder, How much should I read each day? Bible reading should be a matter of quality, not quantity. Sometimes reading less will actually allow the Word to really permeate your soul. 

Meditate

The process is slow and thoughtful, but as you continue, the Bible's pages will come to life with significance. Remember, your goal is to gain a deeper understanding of God and yourself. Ask Him to show you His ways, search your heart, and reveal any changes you need to make. If a verse doesn't make sense, look to the Lord to guide your search for answers.

Through the process of contemplation, exploration and prayer, the Lord's transforming power is released in your life, and He enables you to face every difficulty or situation that comes your way. 

Study

So often we read the Bible only when we're longing for a verse to help us through a moment of need. But how often do we really look for the Lord - examining Scripture for understanding about His ways? *Ergo the cliched scripture 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...' Matthew 6:33

Do we care enough about Him to search His character and learn who He really is? The more we learn about Him, the more we love him, and that increases our desire and continue meditating on and studying His word. What a wonderful cycle of joy!

Don't let the word 'study' scare you off - this doesn't have to be some abstract academic process. Think of it as a more intense form of meditation. For example, if you've been badly hurt and have trouble letting go of our bitterness, research what God says about forgiveness. * Check Bible study websites, purchase a Guide to the Bible - an in depth analysis on the Bible. One book that helped me was this: 

 

But you can choose any guide to the Bible that fits your budget (or your pocket) whichever is convenient :) 

The truths discovered through your study time have a way of sticking with you more than those handed to you by teachers, priests or pastors.  

Apply
This last step is important. If you want to become spiritually mature, application of what  you learn is essential. 

Doing what God says is not always easy. When the Lord tells us to step out of our comfort zone or do something we don't want to do, we may be tempted to back off. But at such times, remember that obeying God is always the best path. The Father both uses and blesses those who say no to self and yes to Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.'

Make the Bible a Priority

Few of us will miss a meal, but how often do we skip spending time in the pages of Scripture? How can we be so careful to feed our bodies, which will one day die, and yet starve our spirits, which will live forever?

If you start seriously "tasting" God's word, you will begin to develop a hunger to go deeper. Instead of feeling an 'obligation' to read, we'll long to spend time hearing from our Savio and growing in our understanding of His character and ways. We'll become walking treasure house- filled with wealth that can not be stolen from us, even by death.

Matt. 6:19-21

'Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven where neither moth, nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.' 

(In a Nutshell...)

* For more information on Dr. Charles Stanley, visit his website at Intouch. Org and / or subscribe to his monthly magazine for free at: http://www.intouch.org/magazine/current-issue

(*Admin's own posts)