<<big sigh>>

[Silly]

I am sorry to say this folks, but the bible is boring, and it puts me to sleep. HELP! I want to read it, and I think it would help me to know God's word, but how do I do this? I am a loner, so I mostly don't go to bible studies, or have any friends to learn with. I have tried it online, and on a tape.......UGH! Just not picking it up! I even got the life application bible, and still not reading it. I understand it but not interested, and I don't know how to get motivated and hungry for the word.

I tried praying for guidance and understanding as people have told me before reading, but I also feel like my prayers don't go anywhere.....Not even sure if God is hearing me......

I want my heart to change, and I want my attitude to change towards others, and I want a closer walk with God.......Also, I attend church, but do not have a home church that I know people at......I am standoffish, and not a people person. Just the way I am, I am hoping God can change me.....

What should I do? Thank You

 

[Rowan]

Hello, Silly! Love the username, by the way

About Bible Reading:

There are different Bible readings for a different emphasis. I, for example, basically knew the Old Testament stories, and I wanted to focus on Jesus, so I read at least one Gospel and one Epistle (letters of Paul) together, like when I was finished reading a part of one I would continue reading the other. I would recommend The Gospel of John and Romans together first, because John focuses better on Jesus as Lord and Romans gives good instruction and emphasizes what it means to live in the Spirit, and I think that's good for new Christians. Then, you could go through the Gospels and Epistles this way, until you get to the other Letters, and eventually Revelations. I would suggest reading Acts right after Luke though, because Acts is a sequel to Luke, even though John is placed in front of Luke.

About the Old Testament, I'm not too sure. I think The Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) are meant to be read in order, other books are other stories and prophecies, and sometimes poetry.

Also, this might sound crazy, but after you read the real books, you should browse through the Spark Notes Old and New Testament at http://www.sparknotes.com. This isn't to replace real Bible reading, because they don't go over all of the books, but it helps you put the reading into the context of the times.

On a personal level:

As a fellow not-people-person, I hear ya'. I have yet to officially join a church and join in Bible Study and fellowship with other Christians, with the exception of the Christian message boards I'm apart of, of course.

I am in deep prayer about this, you can do the same. Please don't feel as if you cannot come to God with all your woes. God does listen. He hears the moans and groans of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. Try to start depending on yourself less, and leaning on the Lord more. Instead of just praying for understanding of his Word, pray to him about the fact that you feel as if you're heart isn't close enough to him...you might be pleasantly surprised ...

Overcoming this is almost never an overnight battle; sometimes you feel as if the battle's uphill, but trust Jesus Christ has a forklift ready to get ya' up that hill, and maybe even a hammock so you can rest on the mound

His Word feeds our souls, so we're hungry for more. I think that once you're in deep prayer with God, the Holy Spirit will give you an appetite for the Word that will probably never be fully quenched. Before you know it, days will come to when you just want to do nothing but just read it.

Praying for ya'

 

[HumbleBee]

Try reading the two messages in my sig...they are based on the Word......

Seven more at this link... Exhortations for Eager Ears!

 

[BalaamsAss51]

Hello Silly.

Your hesitation to study God's Word is symptomatic of the sin which is within all of us. Being sinful, you do not want to hear what God has to tell you.

Would you like to have specific suggestions, which would be denominational specific?

Pax

 

[trustgod]

I can sympathize! Haven't really read my bible in about 4 years.

 

[Sketcher]

I've had funks like that. I can relate. You're doing the right thing by praying. Pray to fall in love with His word. It's so broad, there ought to be some part of it that will be more interesting to you. If you're slogging through the New Testament, try Psalms or Proverbs. If you want more action, try Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, or 1-2 Chronicles.

The thing that really got me interested in it the most was being so desperate for change that I had to read it. This is something you can pray for as well.

 

[Jenka]

The Bible can be really boring..it's true! Espically when you get into all of the "begats" as I call them.
Then I read a book called "Adam's Kin" and it was the entire Genisis account, but written like a novel. It was really good and made me interested.

I generally don't read the OT..I should, but I plead 'boring' just like you, so I don't actually know many OT stories and I wish I did, even just for knowledge's sake and not entertainment.
I prefer more "instruction" books, like James and Phillipians. Now those are good books that help me stay on track.

good luck hun,
~Jenka

 

[Silly]

The Bible can be really boring..it's true! Espically when you get into all of the "begats" as I call them.
Then I read a book called "Adam's Kin" and it was the entire Genisis account, but written like a novel. It was really good and made me interested.

I generally don't read the OT..I should, but I plead 'boring' just like you, so I don't actually know many OT stories and I wish I did, even just for knowledge's sake and not entertainment.
I prefer more "instruction" books, like James and Phillipians. Now those are good books that help me stay on track.

good luck hun,
~Jenka

I am glad I am not the only one that finds it boring.......!!! That is the trouble finding the motivation to read it. Do u have to force yourself to do it?

 

[Chrystal-J]

I do sometimes, but once I switched to the New International Version--that helped me a lot. It wasn't as hard to read and I could get into the 'story-lines' better. Once you think about the fact that this is a true story about real people, it gets more interesting too. I started with the New Testament and worked my way to the Old Testament because I found the Old Testament harder to follow.
Hope that helps...
Take Care,
C J

 

[£amb]

Are you trying to read too much at one time? I know when I read for a long time my eyes get tired and my brain starts wondering. Maybe you should just read a couple chapters at a time so you can stay focused on what you're reading.

 

[millerrod]

There is much that is hidden within the bible, if you will search these mysterys studying the bible becomes an adventure, it wont be boring and you will find yourself not sleeping and sneaking at work to study, as one that has been on such an adventure i will list some leads to help get you started, understand each lead may take months to completly study, Good luck!!!
1. There is a hidden message of Christs coming in the meanings of the names of the 12 tribes of Israel as listed in birth order of Genesis, the bible in different areas defines each name put these definitions in birth order and read and the mystery will reveal itself and show the golden thread that runs through scripture.
2. Do the same thing but put the name meanings as listed in the order of the 12 tribes as listed in Revelations and the message reveiled is to the individual that discovers this message[ this personal message from scripture is far greater than any diploma could ever be ]
3.Re study Matthew, Mark , Luke, and John using John the Babtist life [When preachong, time in prision, time after death] as a guide line to organize the gospel, this will reveal great mysterys such as who was the first deciples, where the Wilderness was, it will bring nuch greater understanding to so much, why Christ said to Peter upon this rock i will build my church, and much more will be revealed by following the time guidline of John the Baptist. Good luck this should take you months - or even years to search out, very exciting and will bring greater understanding of the Bible, it will be so exciting it becomes an obsession and way cooler than Indiana Jones Adventures, When you need more leads to some mysterys give me a shout and i will get you some more leads, dont give up, at times you will want to, pray and God will guide you when you hit difficultys, you will need a good concordance . a dictionary, Bible for your journey may God be with you!

 

[izeofblu1973]

I am sorry to say this folks, but the bible is boring, and it puts me to sleep. HELP! I want to read it, and I think it would help me to know God's word, but how do I do this? I am a loner, so I mostly don't go to bible studies, or have any friends to learn with. I have tried it online, and on a tape.......UGH! Just not picking it up! I even got the life application bible, and still not reading it. I understand it but not interested, and I don't know how to get motivated and hungry for the word.

I tried praying for guidance and understanding as people have told me before reading, but I also feel like my prayers don't go anywhere.....Not even sure if God is hearing me......

I want my heart to change, and I want my attitude to change towards others, and I want a closer walk with God.......Also, I attend church, but do not have a home church that I know people at......I am standoffish, and not a people person. Just the way I am, I am hoping God can change me.....

What should I do? Thank You

i am also having trouble reading the bible, it even seems to push me further away. I am going to try to read a child's bible for the way they tell the Bible. I llike to watch the bible stories made into movies, this seems to help too. good luck and let me know if you found something that works!

 

[pastel]

One of my favorite ways to get into Bible reading is getting a topical Bible, and then it follows that looking up certain topics in the Bible can be followed throughout the entire Bible and the topic is a lot more interesting. You can get a fuller view of the topic doing this.

Sometimes just leafing through the Bible something will catch my eye and it will be interesting for me at that time. I find that I am open to only certain things each day to read about. If I go against that then it becomes boring.

Don't underestimate the gathering together of other Bible believers in a Bible study. I know you say you're not a people person, but others can input things that are fascinating into a Bible topic. Don't forego the gathering of your fellow Christians! This is scriptural to be together, and it really helps your faith. You cannot do it alone.

 

[NilSineChristi]

I too have trouble trying to read the Bible. At this point I have pretty much read all of the New Testament, but very large sections of the Old Testament remain almost completely untouched. And yet, when I am able to read I frequently find myself muttering under my breath "amazing" as I find all the wonderful wisdom and truth contained in the Word.

 

[beluverly]

The hardest part about reading the Bible for me has always been that sometimes I Just don't quite understand what it's saying. I picked up a "study" bible just for this, which has little blurps of "what it's talking about here..." in the margins, which is handy. It also decreses the "boring" factor a bit.

Of course, I'm having trouble getting into the NT. I know most of the OT and understand it, but I'm just not quite sure where to start in the NT. *scratches head*

 

[VerdantTruth]

I am sorry to say this folks, but the bible is boring, and it puts me to sleep. HELP! I want to read it, and I think it would help me to know God's word, but how do I do this? I am a loner, so I mostly don't go to bible studies, or have any friends to learn with. I have tried it online, and on a tape.......UGH! Just not picking it up! I even got the life application bible, and still not reading it. I understand it but not interested, and I don't know how to get motivated and hungry for the word.

I tried praying for guidance and understanding as people have told me before reading, but I also feel like my prayers don't go anywhere.....Not even sure if God is hearing me......

I want my heart to change, and I want my attitude to change towards others, and I want a closer walk with God.......Also, I attend church, but do not have a home church that I know people at......I am standoffish, and not a people person. Just the way I am, I am hoping God can change me.....

What should I do? Thank You

I'm a new Christian as well. I was gonna suggest bible-on-tape, but you already have. Hrm... I think that talking to expirenced people about the gospel will put it in context with your life. The gospel was meant to be talked and heard. ...keep this between you and me, but I took a small step earlier this month and purchased "Bible Bedtime Stories for Children". It basically had it all, except the more finer details. =) Easy to digest, too. You see, I have the same problem. I moved then to bible-on-tape. I know they sell children's bibles too... they have it all, but in less confusing context. If you don't mind middle-english, buy an amplified too. They have notes for better understanding.

Remember, it's not the bible - but the message behind it.

P.S. - The children's bible and "Bible bedtime stories" isn't an insult... they just explain things simply. =D Simple is better.

 

[heymikey80]

What should I do? Thank You

So you find you want God to change you, right? You really think this is not such a "hot" way to study the Bible, right?

If that's your view, it was my view years ago when I couldn't get through a chapter without wondering what was really there.

So I took my still small voice inside seriously. When I yawned through a chapter and wondered why it wasn't saying anything to me, I took that to heart.

Whatever I yawned through, that I could say, "I didn't get anything out of that," I decided the answer from the Spirit was, "No, that's not what I'm saying. Read what I'm saying again."

You can also generate trouble with this method, though. There are other spirits than the Spirit of God, plus there's your own sinful will trying to justify yourself. Once you gain an insight, you need to confirm it with other people you trust who have the Spirit of God as well. If they confirm it, then you've got something from Him. That can come from commentaries (there're a number of them online), or from teachers & leaders.

 

[Johnnz]

Thanks for being honest.

Yep, the Bible can get real boring, and even seem irrelevant at times. This has happened to me for several reasons over the years.

Here are some reasons and what I have discovered.

1 I get locked into familiar understandings. What has helped me so much here is good, intelligent Christian reading that has given me fresh insights and challenged my thinking. I am not talking about devotional material, but about being given concepts and understanding that illuminate, and challenge my thinking and framework etc. I have gone through several major revisions of my Christian framework over the years. Each has added something new and vital.

Reading for context not just a "special verse for the moment" has produced many exciting insights. For example when I followed up on an insight from a verse in Colossians I saw that being a Christian was not primarily about 'being saved'. It was instead a whole of life journey, based on establishing God's kingdom around me in my life. Finding out what that entails still keeps me studying and learning and getting real excited at times. I need to know where thinking, work, relationships, church,educations the arts, creativity, sex etc etc, all fit together in a meaningful and fruitful way.

I needed information about the culture and context of the Bible especially the NT. This has given me many new insights that I can apply. For example, when you know something about Roman culture you can suddenly see how radical Paul's teaching on servant leadership was. It still confronts much of what is commonly accepted by many modern Christians in our church life.

Involvement with non Christians. I find Scripture comes alive in amazing ways when I interact and converse with non Christians and am confronted with their values and life style. How to understand and then successfully challenge their assumptions and arguments had added greatly to my confidence in Christ and the Christian message.

Really listening to people, including Christians, and learning about their deepest inner struggles and pain allows God to reveal biblical insights that bring healing and change. Both with troubled Christians and non Christians I have found that God will delightedly reveal things because of His love for them. Live a life amongst comfortable church members and you will learn much less from God.

The formulas of immerse yourself in Scripture, pray more, its just faith, get more of it, its the devil trying to stop you etc will most often not getyou anywhere long term. Enthusism for bible study, prayer etc arise should more from an inner excitement and a committment to better understand so as to better serve, rather than as ends in themselves.

John
NZ