Getting to Know God: Scripture

  Topic#3:Seeking God In His Word

 

Part II 

Remember that childhood song
 "Read your bible, pray every day and you'll grow, grow, grow"
 This is the simplest reminder of how to build a relationship with God; just like with anyone it starts with
Talking (prayer) and listening (spending time in His word)

And like any good relationship, you have to be committed.
Even when time's get rough

Psalm 43 vs. 5 New Century Version puts it like this
"Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God & keep praising Him. My Savior and My God.

My. Not the God of your parents or the distant bearded figure sitting on a heavenly golden throne. Your own.
A personal, eternal friend for life.

Besides, no one else can have your exact relationship with Him.
No one else will know all the drama, the tears, the anger, the joy and all the in-between.

Reading the Word

Here's some tips for bible reading and prayer time

a mix of my own experiences and other sources

 

 

1. Start with the Basics

It's ok to start small, what matters is that you do

 

1.) Get a bible, physical or digital with a translation you like
2.) Read familiar verses, Psalm 23 is a great start
      Try this list too!
3.) Read the context (usually the whole chapter) of a familiar verse, so you can get a better understanding of it
4.)Try starting in the Psalms, or the beginning of the New Testament.  
5.) Use Google for topics searches. For example:  "What does the Bible say about.."

6.) daily bible verse text messages:
*http://www.bible-sms.com/
be sure you have a data plan with your cell phone provider

 

7.)a daily devotion:
   account set up required for each
(usually just username or email and password)
*  https://www.bible.com/reading-plans
- search by topic, length (3 days to 1 year) and category
* https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/
- you can create an account with your email or Facebook

2. It's a Meeting, Not a Habit 
Spend your time reading and praying wisely. If all you can manage are a few minutes, than give it your all.

3. Don't Feel Guilty
 Don't focus on guilt for not "paying your dues" to God. Rather, in whatever time you have, focus on expressing your love and devotion to him.

4. Find a Plan That Fits You
And stick to it. Even if you start slacking after a day or two, just pick back up where you left off.

5. Be Creative, Add Variety
To keep your daily walk with God fresh, vary your approach from time to time
 Read the passage in a new Bible translation.
 Keep a journal of your reflections.
Sample different Bible reading plans or study one Bible book in depth using a commentary.

6. Give Distractions to God
When distractions come, incorporate them into your quiet time. If your mind wanders, give those thoughts to the Lord in prayer. Don't get angry or frustrated. Just come back into the presence of your Heavenly Father. He's waiting for you.

7. Learn to Listen
Prayer is not just talking to God, it's also listening.When you really love someone, you take time to listen.
Take time to still yourself in God's presence. Invite Him in
 Give your worries and concerns to him.
Wait in silence listening to the still small voice of his Spirit.
Think back on the experiences of the last day.
How did you see God's hand at work?
Reflect on what you've read in God's Word.
What is God saying to you?


 

Sourcehttp://www.scriptureunion.org/how-read-bible-and-pray