Simple Tips to find the right Bible for you and grow in God's word.
Just one of the countless wonderful things about God is that He is infinite. Our journey with Him has no end. John 1:1 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." One of the things this means is that the Word of God is God. Tony Evan's once used the word "inexhaustible" to describe the Bible and I believe that is a perfect adjective. It doesn't matter how many times you read it, there is always something more for you there each time.
But, let's face it. The Bible is a thick book and can be intimidating to approach. But Friends, it doesn't have to be. Like many things in life we have to learn, it's important to start in the right spot. We don't start school in 8th grade, right?. These tips can help you start leaning into your relationship with God through his Word by drinking "milk" and then working your way up to "meat", as the Apostle Paul might say.
Tip #1 - Find the right translation for you.
Not all translations are the same and it's important to find the one that speaks to you. There is a lot to say about Bible translations, but to keep it simple, find the one that is the easiest for you to understand. Though there are great things to say about all of the translations, if language sprinkled with "thee" and "thou art" feels hard to follow, a King James Version may not be what you need.
We are so fortunate to live in a time where God's word is not only more accessible than it's ever been, but also is available in a growing number of languages and translations. Generally speaking, some versions attempt to keep the text as close to a word-for-word translation of the original language as possible. Others have the primary goal of being clear and understandable in more of a "thought -for-thought" manner, while still keeping accuracy.
The quickest way to determine which translation speaks to you is at biblehub.com. Search 1 Corinthians 13:4. It will show you the same verse in multiple translations. Go with what makes the most sense to you. As you grow in your Bible reading journey, you can adjust and pick up new translations!
Personally, I started in the NLT (New Living Translation). It was great to start because, to me, it read more like a story. Now that I have been reading the Bible for several years, I prefer the CSB or ESV. If I am really digging into a verse, I may look it up in a YLT (Young's Literal Translation.) My teenager reads from a NIrV (New International Reader's Version). I've found many churches tend to pull from an NIV (New International Version). It seems to fit nicely "in the middle." There is no right or wrong here so enjoy the process! Invite the Lord to guide you as you browse the translations. Ask Him to highlight what would be best for your current season.
Tip #2 - Get a Study Bible.
Most of us only go to church once a week for about an hour. If we are not reading the Word and spending 1:1 time with Him outside of this, we are missing out on the single best thing in life - an ever-growing closeness with our Creator.
Most of us will never go to seminary or even take Bible classes in school. Study Bibles are a great way to understand what you're reading. They include additional information that explain things like culture, context and timelines. A traditional Protestant Bible contains over 66 different books, was written by 40 authors over the course of more than a thousand years...and it is not in chronological order! You can see why additional information would be helpful, right? Some of those books are letters, some are historical, poetic or prophetic pieces. The 4 gospels, which tell us about Jesus' earthly ministry, are the Gospels or "the good news." Study Bibles can help you understand what you're reading, who wrote it and when.
A Life Application Bible is a nice place to start if you're new to the Bible. Many of these have color pictures, timelines and other helpful tools for growing in your knowledge. Or you can find a vantage point that interests you and go from there. For example, some are based on Jewish traditions, key words in the verses, from the view of Creationism, others on cultural backgrounds or some for making the case for Christ.
I've also enjoyed Study Bibles from different church leaders that I consider to preach sound doctrine.
When you read your Bible, it's important to remember that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16. There is something important in all of it and God's Holy Spirit will equip you to understand what He wants you to know.
Tip #3 - Make it your own.
A pastor of mine once gave us the permission to mark up our Bibles. I have not stopped since. Grab some Bible Highlighters and a Bible Pen (so the ink doesn't soak through the thin pages) and make it your own. Highlight the words or verses that stand out to you. Get a Bible with margins so you can write prayers or notes about what you're reading. It's okay to personalize your Bible because God is a personal God. It's a gift to look back at what you wrote before or be reminded of what God spoke to you. Make it yours and you will find that it serves as a beautiful symbol of your time and relationship with the Lord.
Tip #4 - Pray + Start somewhere.
It may feel natural to start "in the beginning." While starting anywhere is a win, if you are new in your faith journey, I do not recommend starting in Genesis. Genesis and the books that follow, known as the Torah, are extremely important, valuable and life-giving books. However, if you were to read them in hypothetical Kindergarten, it may leave you feeling a little disoriented. The book of John or the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark or Luke) may be a more fitting place to start.
Jesus is present throughout the entire Bible. However, He enters it in his physical, human form in the New Testament. As you read the Old Testament, you'll learn about God's character and His people. It's also important to keep in mind as you do, that it all points to Jesus.
Sometimes, it can be tempting just to open the book and read whatever page you land on. I do this sometimes. However, I've found my most fruitful time in the Word is when I ask God where He wants me to read, and then I read that book in it's entirety. I've found that setting the goal of 1 chapter in that book each day is a realistic goal. Savor the Word and ponder it. Do not rush through it to check off a to-do box.
Tip #5 - Don't stop digging.
God's Word has everything we need for our daily life on earth. The enemy of your soul wants you to neglect reading it and live unaware of eternity. I encourage you friend, this book is without end. The more you read it, the more you will want to read it. Dig in and overtime you will find that nothing fills your soul or brings you peace as God's Word. Make it your lifeline. Find a verse that speaks to your heart and memorize it. This is how you we partner with God who fights our battles!
My prayer for you.
May the time you just spent reading about the Word transform into a beautiful catalyst for your personal journey with God in Heaven, the Savior of your soul. I pray that you would learn to love and appreciate His word, unencumbered by fear or lies. your peace would be multiplied, in Jesus name.