Reading the Bible

[Daily Miracle]

I just started reading the Bible for the first time in my life.

Did anyone else have very strong feelings when you read it for the first time?

I don't know how to explain this. My mind is painting pictures as I read, and after reading SMALL amounts, I feel as if I've been reading for hours instead of a few minutes.

I can only read small amounts at a time, because I am literally exhausted by how much I've taken in, even though it may have only been a page or two.

For example, when I read about Lot...I read the words and saw everyone gathered around his home, rioting. I saw him and his family running to safety, and imagined the feelings they must have had to leave their home and belongings by faith alone. I wondered if I would have turned around, like Lot's wife, or if I would have just left without wanting to see what was happening behind me. I wondered how Lot knew his wife became a pillar of salt if he couldn't turn around himself. By the time I finished reading just that chapter alone...I was beat!

I've been reading at least once a day for a little over a week, and each time I think I've read enough, I am shocked to learn I only read a few pages! I look forward to my time reading the Bible, and I'm in awe over how much I feel like I'm taking in when I've only read what appears to be "a little".

What was your experience when you read the Bible for the first time?

 

[ShetlandRose]

The food for our spirits and our souls is God's Word, The Bible. We need daily nourishment and a continual building up through reading, meditating on it, and letting it become a part of us. That is the way we grow as Christians. From what you have written in your post, you are well on your way to the keys of spiritual stability and maturity. I think you must be quite open to the Holy Spirit as you are reading--this is wonderful! What a joy! The Holy Spirit will reveal to you wondrous things as you continue to read.



ShetlandRose

 

[swingnscream]

It's great isn't? The Bible has all this great advice and great stories, and the really mind blowing thing is that it's all real, all true stories. It's amazing.

 

[Blessed-one]

great to hear that you enjoy reading the bible. I don't think i ever think that much in depth about the feelings of the biblical characters; but when i do read the bible with my heart, i can't seems to get the bible off my hands. The stuff inside is so interesting...

 

[Jack_Racz]

I love to read God's word!

He never ceases to amaze me with how powerful His word is...

 

[nicodemus]

I...and after reading SMALL amounts, I feel as if I've been reading for hours instead of a few minutes.

I can only read small amounts at a time, because I am literally exhausted by how much I've taken in, even though it may have only been a page or two.

I wouldn't say my experience is completely analogous, but I do find that I can't sit down and read the Bible like any other book, of course, it isn't just any other book. I've always felt after reading a few chapters that I've read a lot, but I assume this is because the material is so significant and powerful that it is slightly overwhelming, but in a good way.

 

[Lotar]

Same with me, I tend to read it like a book. Just reading little portions feels like I am taking things out of context.

For a new believer, the NT, especially the Gospels, is the best place to start. Try to leave the OT, other than the Psalms, until you are a little better grounded in the faith.

 

[The_Smell]

I've read the NT now, and it speaks to me like no other book. Indeed, it is not just any book. Once I start reading, I can't put it down. It speaks to me and I feel filled with the Holy Spirit each time! Does anyone else have it that once they read something once, they seem to remember it very easily?
When someone asks me about a scripture, I know which one and where it was written, even though I have only read it once. (it's only my second time reading the Bible now)

Me LUV THE BIBLE!!!

God Bless,

***SmElLy***

 

[cyberwing]

I've read the NT now, and it speaks to me like no other book. Indeed, it is not just any book. Once I start reading, I can't put it down. It speaks to me and I feel filled with the Holy Spirit each time! Does anyone else have it that once they read something once, they seem to remember it very easily?
When someone asks me about a scripture, I know which one and where it was written, even though I have only read it once. (it's only my second time reading the Bible now)

Me LUV THE BIBLE!!!

God Bless,

***SmElLy***

Smell, you are amazing!!! I'm jealous! I can't remember the chapter and verse just the scripture! This ability you have is a GREAT gift! WOO-HOO!
~Cyberwing

 

[Daily Miracle]

I remember everything I've read so far, but couldn't even take a guess as to which chapter or verse anything was in. I start Exodus today.

How do I know what kind of Bible I have? I couldn't afford to buy one, so I asked my mom if we had one in the house. The one I'm using is from when my dad was in Catholic school, and I don't think it's been opened since then because it still contains his homework from 1964.

 

[jons911]

Daily Miracle,
Try looking just inside the front cover, on a title page, it may tell you there...
Or, punch up a verse on here from your Bible and I will tell you the version. Try John 3:16...

I'd probably guess KJV (King James Version, 1611) though, given the age of the Bible. NIV (New International Version) was in 1978, and most other contemporary versions are afterwards. Let me know!

Jon

 

[Daily Miracle]

Here's what I have...

The Holy Bible : New American Catholic Edition.
The Old Testament is the new Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine translation for the Books of
Genesis to Ruth, Job to Sirach and the Prophetical
Books; the remaining books are the Douay Version.
The New Testament is the new Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine translation. With the
pronouncements of Pope Leo XIII and Pope Pius XII
on the Study of the Scriptures. Historical and
chronological index. A table of references and
maps. Benziger Frothers, Inc.

 

[Ceris]

New American Catholic Edition. Says right there that's the version that you have. Unfortunately, I know nothing about this version. Has anyone else read this version?