Is the bible your favorite book? Really?

Do you like reading the bible? Seriously. You don’t have to answer out loud…but hear this, God knows your answer already. Scary thought huh? Especially if you’re a Christian who believes that reading your bible is incredibly important to God. Want to know my answer? My answer is not usually. I’ve been reading the bible regularly for 5 years and can honestly say that I still don’t understand a lot of it. And honestly, I hear that from a lot of people that I talk to so I don’t feel so bad about it anymore. But the thing is, we can’t just give up and decide not to read it just because we don’t get it or it’s boring or whatever excuse you’re giving yourself to make it okay.

So what should you do? Well do what I’m doing. Take it 1 chapter at a time.

So where should I start? First, ask God. Seriously. Just pray a simple prayer. “God, I really want to read your word and understand what I’m reading. Where should I start?” He may tell you. You may turn to a part of the bible that just feels right. You may read a quote someone posted and want to read more of where it came from. But…what happens if that doesn’t happen? Well here’s 2 options: 1-start with the book of Matthew (the beginning of the New Testament). Reading about Jesus is fascinating. Seriously. Or 2-follow me as I follow Lysa TerKeurst as she writes a blog helping people just like us read and understand the bible. Start now though – we just began! Part One, Part Two.

I just read Philippians 2 and got more out of it than I think I ever have. I honestly think I can read this chapter every day for the rest of my life and have something to work on and pray about lol. Seriously, in 1 chapter i’ve learned:

• I should be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
• I should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit
• I should look to the interests of others and not just myself
• My attitude should be the same as Jesus
• I should be a servant
• I should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and give glory to God for him
• I should work out my salvation with fear and trembling
• God works in me according to His purpose
• I should do everything without complaining or arguing
• I should shine like a star in the universe as I hold out the word of life
• I should be glad and rejoice

OH MY GOODNESS. That’s all in 1 chapter. Imagine what we’ll learn after reading another chapter? And another? And another? The thing is, instead of seeing a list of things I have to be, I see a list of things I CAN be. What I can strive to be. What God can make me into if I let him. How cool is that?

Whatever you decide to read…take the time to see what you can learn from it and how you can apply it to your life. It really will make a difference and there is nothing boring about that.