Does anyone else......

[ewells36]

In regards to the Bible, does anyone else on here ever struggle with not having the desire to read God's words? This is something that I have always struggled with but moreso now that God has brought me back to Him, I am finding myself having no desire at all in wanting to read the scriptures. Has anyone else gone through the same struggle and if they have, how were you victorious in overcoming a non-desire to read scripture. I know we all are at war within ourselves spiritually and as Paul says - Things I do not want to do I do and things I do want to do, I dont etc, so what have people done in your own life to overcome this.

Thanks in advance

Eric W

 

[ewells36]

Anyone have any suggestions, ideas, etc about this topic?

 

[GodsGirlToday61]

Sure, I have

The way I deal with it, other than of course, humble REPEATED prayer?

I find trustworthy, lively, loving (usually Early Church Fathers) writings that help Bible passages come alive for me in a way that reading it alone usually does not...

Reason the Bible often doesn't come alive, alone, for me--or a whole lot of others?

It is a rich, mixed bag of myth (no, do not hear what I am not saying---myth has more than one definition; I am using it here in the deeper, older meaning: Metaphor for Living); prose; prose poetry; history Hebrew-style (in other words, ancient, primitive peoples--Hebrews, Greek, et cetera--had a way of thinking, i.e. world-thought, we modern-minded people cannot simply read like it's the tee vee guide, a comic book, a textbook for college, an instruction manual, a newspaper report, or even 'today's example(s) of history' and get nourishment from it.

So, with that in mind, get some other books to read with The Bible, and then experience how it starts to come alive for you.

I can't tell you which books or lead you to sources for the books unless you tell me some basics (in a PM if you want, or here is fine too) so that I can suggest books I think you would like to and get something valuable from, rather than what 'I' would:

you are not me; I am not you. But we are connected

What I read at 52 after such a life; wow, what a life, including teaching English lit, poetry workshops at 23 and 24 (published my first poem when I was 21 or 22; had book manuscripts, two of them, accepted to be published when I was the same age), and after 30 years as a professional writer, plus longer as a reader and thinker... then being hired by one of the oldest online literature magazines as a critic...

I know that each of us, whether labeled or self-labeling as Christian; agnostic, atheist, pagan, keep going... have what will help us in mind--some of us; and are not clones, but we are influenced by when we were born; how we were raised; our temperaments, and so much more as individuals, not just members of groups...,

so first question I would have from you--if you want to share--that would help me suggest some books to read along with the Bible--would be which translation or translations do you prefer?

Also, do you enjoy reading generally or not so much?

Like graphic novels or scientific works or what?

Keep going with that kind of thing; tell me what you also do NOT enjoy reading--style as well as content/subject...

Then I'll think of links, book titles, authors you might want to check out (library, used copies to buy).

Ignore if you are not interested in my ideas; I will take no offense and waste no time offering what would not be of benefit to you.

Peace to you in Christ Jesus,

~ Carolyn

 

[ewells36]

Sure, I have

The way I deal with it, other than of course, humble REPEATED prayer?

I find trustworthy, lively, loving (usually Early Church Fathers) writings that help Bible passages come alive for me in a way that reading it alone usually does not...

Reason the Bible often doesn't come alive, alone, for me--or a whole lot of others?

It is a rich, mixed bag of myth (no, do not hear what I am not saying---myth has more than one definition; I am using it here in the deeper, older meaning: Metaphor for Living); prose; prose poetry; history Hebrew-style (in other words, ancient, primitive peoples--Hebrews, Greek, et cetera--had a way of thinking, i.e. world-thought, we modern-minded people cannot simply read like it's the tee vee guide, a comic book, a textbook for college, an instruction manual, a newspaper report, or even 'today's example(s) of history' and get nourishment from it.

So, with that in mind, get some other books to read with The Bible, and then experience how it starts to come alive for you.

I can't tell you which books or lead you to sources for the books unless you tell me some basics (in a PM if you want, or here is fine too) so that I can suggest books I think you would like to and get something valuable from, rather than what 'I' would:

you are not me; I am not you. But we are connected

What I read at 52 after such a life; wow, what a life, including teaching English lit, poetry workshops at 23 and 24 (published my first poem when I was 21 or 22; had book manuscripts, two of them, accepted to be published when I was the same age), and after 30 years as a professional writer, plus longer as a reader and thinker... then being hired by one of the oldest online literature magazines as a critic...

I know that each of us, whether labeled or self-labeling as Christian; agnostic, atheist, pagan, keep going... have what will help us in mind--some of us; and are not clones, but we are influenced by when we were born; how we were raised; our temperaments, and so much more as individuals, not just members of groups...,

so first question I would have from you--if you want to share--that would help me suggest some books to read along with the Bible--would be which translation or translations do you prefer?

Also, do you enjoy reading generally or not so much?

Like graphic novels or scientific works or what?

Keep going with that kind of thing; tell me what you also do NOT enjoy reading--style as well as content/subject...

Then I'll think of links, book titles, authors you might want to check out (library, used copies to buy).

Ignore if you are not interested in my ideas; I will take no offense and waste no time offering what would not be of benefit to you.

Peace to you in Christ Jesus,

~ Carolyn

Thanks for your quick response. It is greatly appreciated. Ok, now to answer your questions

Translations of the Bible vary for me. I already have quite a few. Everything from the NIV, NKJV, The Voice, The Message, etc. I love all of them because sometimes it is far easier to understand and apply to our lives with the other more modern translations but that is not to say that I do not enjoy the older translations as well, I do enjoy them but just find more practicality in the newer ones.

Do I enjoy reading or not so much? Well, hmmmmm. Good question. It really depends on the mood I am in and if I can focus enough on what I am reading to receive the benefit and edification from it. There are days where I do not want to even look at a book and then their are other days where I grab it and begin to read. The topics on which I like to read also depend on my mood, but, in the past, I have got a few books that deal with how to live out and walk out the Christian faith etc and those books, the ones with applicable instructions, applicable messages, are the ones I do enjoy.

There really isnt a subject I do not like to learn about or attempt to understand the subject. Wait, I take that back, there are a few: books about physics, books about math, some scientific texts, etc - those I do not look forward to reading.

Regarding the early church fathers, I have heard that they indeed have some great insight into the scriptures, so I do think that books by those early church fathers would indeed help me in understanding and help me to see the Bible come alive and more real to me than ever before in my life.

Once again thanks for your quick response and may the light of Christ shine bright and into the world so that they may see Christ within you and for those who see His light, may they come to Christ.

Christ is everything! He is alive in me today

 

[GodsGirlToday61]

Cool, your response helps me give some titles and authors, and keep in mind--and I think you will (you're smart; I hear that in your words) that the best way to read, sometimes?, any book for the first time, is to go as far as you can till you get that 'oh-this-is-a-strain' then back off, come fresh and right back to the beginning...

This way, what you read--if it is really hard going but worth it--will penetrate a bit deeper into memory, and you can go ahead a bit further, same thing, get strained, take a break (days, even) come back to the last place you began from and reread, and that will penetrate a bit deeper, then go all the way back to chapter one or the preface and straight through till you strain...

I've found reading like this, and then getting into The Bible where the author tells you to go (as you are reading the book) is a great combo.

So, with that in mind, here are just a few titles for you to check out--go to Amazon and read some reviews, looking at the reasons (and hopefully a sample) for why someone recommends or doesn't recommend it highly:

I just as often DO get a book someone panned because the reason she or he did not like the book is the very reason, I can tell by knowing myself, that I will like it

Titles to Check Out are below, and underlined.

I don't go by denomination EXCEPT for my biases against--just not my thing, so I can't tell you to try what I wouldn't advise; that would be unfaithful; I'm not knocking anyone, just saying you won't find a Jehovah Witness or Mormon text on my list unless it would be Fawn Brody's No Man Knows My History, and wow, that book is worth reading for the history of the United States mid-1800s!!!

1) St. John Chrysostom (Just about anything) but specifically try On Marriage and Family Life; On Wealth and Poverty; The Love Chapter: The Meaning of First Corinthians 13 (Paraclete Essentials)

2) Frank Sheed: Theology for Beginners (If you don't like specifically Catholic books, read the reviews on Mr. Sheed--Protestants give him A+ for lucid treatment of The Trinity, and as for what he has to write on Mary and say purgatory, just don't go that far--it's toward the end, and I read through those parts only once but up to those parts, especially everything on The Trinity makes reading and rereading the book a joy!; Theology and Sanity; Map of Life;

3) Benedicta Ward: The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection (Cistercian Studies)

4) N. T. Wright: Matthew for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1-15 (New Testament for Everyone); also Part 2 and so on.

5) Andrew Louth: Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers

6) The Philokalia: Volume I (Read and reread the sections that speak most to your heart, then go on to Volume 2 if you feel led--I have but everyone is different). There are more than 25 Early Church writers in this--dedicated monks, spiritual fathers, just very inspirational.

7) Father Harakas, Stanley S. and Coniaris, Anthony M. Philokalia: The Bible of Orthodox Spirituality (This is Eastern Orthodox--really wonderful, deeply spiritually-minded and living Christians.

8) The Orthodox Study Bible: Ancient Christianity Speaks to Today's World (This is an authentic translation of The Bible. The difference? It is translated from the Greek for the Old Testament as well as the New whereas most Bibles use Hebrew to translate from for the OT and Greek for the NT; see what you think.

9) Robert Van de Weyer: On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom

10) Josep Pieper: Faith, Hope, Love (and others by him like The Four Cardinal Virtues

***

Gotta help my husband with something.

Please PM or come Visit for any questions--though here is fine, too; I just see my PMs faster...

And ask anything; if I can help, I will, and if I can't, I'll send you to someone I think can--if I can.

Peace to you in Christ Jesus, and happy book hunting

~ Carolyn

 

[Unix]

I ordered Worship in the Early Church: v. 1: An Anthology of Historical Sources: Amazon.co.uk: Lawrence J. Johnson: Books for £0.17 + postage to Sweden on April 27. 2013. A little later I also ordered it in Logos, it was $99.95 initially: https://www.logos.com/product/31154/worship-in-the-early-church-an-anthology-of-historical-sources, and wrote reviews there:

Regarding the early church fathers, I have heard that they indeed have some great insight into the scriptures, so I do think that books by those early church fathers would indeed help me in understanding and help me to see the Bible come alive and more real to me than ever before in my life.

 

[Purge187]

Get into the habit of setting aside fifteen or twenty minutes everyday, the same time of day, to read Scripture. That will make it easier to maintain the goal of reading the Word daily.

 

[com7fy8]

I have used the Bible in order to show people how much I knew So, I was not really reading it, but trying to use it. So, your reason for reading it can help you to be interested.

Now the Bible helps me to learn how to love. This should be a good enough reason to want to read God's word. And this means, of course, first how to relate with God in His love.

But because I am still not really into this, I confess this to God and to other Christians, and we pray for me to be corrected however our Father pleases so we are living and loving the way He wants.

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

 

[pshun2404]

Also try listening to it in the background while you are about your house...audio Bible, Christian Radio, etc.,...the word of God is your spiritual food and drink (along with the Lord's Table properly understood)...if you are getting no food, except one weekly meal, it is possible your spirit man (if genuinely born from above) is starving...When people stop eating long enough they cease to feel hungry...

Now having said that, nothing in the Bible says you have to read it everyday or for great lengths of time. Most early Christians for like 3 or 4 centuries could not even read. I do however think it is a wonderful blessing if you can read, however it is also true that some people just do not learn well visually, some have processing difficulties when reading...some need to hear to get the understanding...

I have a friend Charles who is the most brilliant man I know...He is a walking talking encyclopedia of Physics, Math, Biology, Philosophy...and the truth is his eyes have always been so bad he could hardly ever read...but he listens and attends lectures and so on...just a suggestion from a brother as faith comes by hearing.

Paul

 

[Keachian]

Find someone who is really ecstatic about the Scriptures and read, wrestle, talk about it with them, I have found that not only has my personal Bible reading become more regular but my prayer life is getting deeper and my fellowship with other people is becoming more God centered. Christ has joined us into his Church for a reason, why squander his gift by trying to do Christianity alone.

 

[shturt678]

Most after about 1950 or so read, and even scrutinize, the translated Bible's Text where those before scrutinized the Context. Ie, the primary reason for so many denom./non-denom. of today, and why read the Bible at all as most of the Churches promote we will end in heaven anyway.

Solution to the problem: All accountable enrolled in a life time ancient Greek course, and even ancient Hebrew if time permits, along with scrutinizing the parables in Matt.13. Result will be one having an affinity for the Word 24/7 wayyy beyond Church on Sunday for an houir and a half.

Just ol' old uncomfortable and inconvient Jack that cannot wait to get into Romans this morning - seriously!

 

[spirit1st]

GOD made EVERYTHING simple for us ! The hardest thing is fasting for three days !We just ASK the HOLY GHOST to put the desire in our heart to read and study His LIVING WORDS! He waits 24/7 for us too but ask His help in Everything of LIFE! Nothing HE will not reveal or Teach us or show us ! We are only limited by our Faith !

Mat_17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

1Jn_2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
2Co_13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

 

[EGordo]

Try to make it fun. Also join a church that has bible study. Wisdom is worth more than silver and gold and the bible is full of wisdom. I read through the entire bible in 3 months after what could've been a fatal accident. After I read through it, I finally GOT it.

Get your teachings daily. The first time I went through the bible, I noticed a funny thing. The more I hung around non-Christians and stayed away from reading the Word, the more I became like them in filthy speech and basically works of the flesh. I realized that and then I realized from Ephesians that reading(spiritual food) is your armor (the armor of God). The more I read, the more I saw God working in my life. Basically, I found out that I'm completely in the Lord's hands. I got convicted that since the Lord became a man and put on sinful flesh(yes our Holy God) for ME, I should at least listen to what He says.

Then I found out reading the bible is like going on a treasure hunt to find your blessings. You know the Lord has promised many blessing in the bible but His people don't even know most of them because of this problem? Apathy is a problem we all face and I think it's one of Satan's tools against us. This might not apply to you, but be mindful of this: "To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."
The good thing is you can learn to love the Lord by just hearing Him speak.

Also pray about it. That is a great idea to set aside time. I try to do that every day. I procrastinate sometimes, but I do get the job done.
I could literally go on for pages about how much treasure I've found in scriptures but I don't want to take up your time.

I was convicted by this:
Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luke 11:28
He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

"If I call Him Lord, Lord and don't hear what He says, who am I fooling."
I'm not trying to tear you down or anything. These are thoughts that came up in my mind in my walk.