Your Own Bible

Don't have a Bible?
New or Used?
Sometimes going new is best. Get a Bible that is new and fresh; it will remind you that there is something new in you, or that can be renewed. It's a fresh start. In my humble opionion, it's sad that big publishers market the Bible as a profit making book. You can spend as much as you want on one. For a nice and inexpensive copy, get one at a place like Sam's Club, or a book store. For your first Bible, go cheaper, then get that nice one later on. You may want to sample a few translations before you buy that nice leather bound version anyway.

Maybe you have an old one, or a hand me down. This might be a special Bible of a parent, grandparent, or other loved one. The important thing is finding one and claiming it as yours. It can be one that you can read and enjoy. You can find it, bookmark it, and keep it in a special place and take it with you on trips.

Free Gift:
If you are at a hotel or hospital, feel free to take the Gideon Bible there on the night stand. They have nice helps, and verses listed for various situations, and needs.

Translations:
Many people today find modern translations are easier to understand than the old King James Version. Unless you are use to the old "thee's" and "thou's", a modern translation will be easier to understand. If you are, (like me) needing a few "thee's" and "thou's" a very excellent compromise is the New King James.

Method:
Bible reading is boring only to those who don't know where to read. The new reader should not read the Bible like an ordinary book, from cover to cover--initially. I'm not saying that you should not read the whole Bible. Just don't start from the beginning and try to read through it--at first. There is a time when that is helpful and necessary. But for most new Christians, not initially. I recommend that you take 5 minutes a day and find a verse, or short passage, and read that. Then expand from there. Read that chapter, the one before it, the one after it until either you've read the whole book or you move on to something else. Don't feel you have to keep reading in a particular book or chapter. If you are not understanding something, come back to it later. And for the time being read something you understand. Be sure to pray as you read and during the day. Many find it helpful to make light pencil marks, or to highlight helpful passages. Be careful not to over mark it though, and watch for bleeding through the paper with highlighting pens.

Comfort and Answers:
Ultimately, many people find comfort and peace from reading the Bible, Yes there are passages about wars, etc. but reading in the Psalms for example can bring comfort to one's soul. God's Holy Spirit will begin to work through this Book to bring answers to problems and life's mysteries. Yes there is discomfort too, as the Bible acts like a mirror to show us our sin and need for forgiveness. But best of all, the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ, and His life on this earth and then his innocent suffering and death on the cross.

Conclusion:
These are only a few thoughts, believe me, much more has been written on this subject. The important thing is that you start, or return to Bible reading. We are not saved by doing this. There is no merit in reading by itself, but we can learn of the grace and mercy of God extended to us through Christ. Accepting it into our hearts through faith then, begins that wonderful journey heavenward.

Another thought from the poor part-time country preacher.