Thursday, March 28, 2013

GOD where are you? Pt. 2 Reading The Bible..

It has been almost a full month since I began reading the Bible in order to educate myself on the word of God. I have never read the Bible before now, in my last post I mentioned my spiritual walk before now and my previous attempt at reading that was very brief and unsuccessful. In this post I'd like to share with you what has changed along with some tips (italicized) for anyone who may be considering reading the Bible for the first time.

There are many ways one can go about doing this, you may decide to join a study group or church, or you may take this up on your own and choose a schedule that will take you through in a year's time. I have decided to go about it using the latter option. My choice has been to read from beginning (Genesis) to the end (Revelations) on my own for this first time. I am reading an authorized King James Version that was originally published in 1611 with read along references, read along translations, and the words of Christ printed in red. I like being able to reference other passages in the Bible that expand on what I am reading, I also like that there are some translations already entered in to help me understand words I do not know. Although, thanks to the blessing of technology, I can easily look up definitions on my phone or iPad when reading if there is something I truly do not understand. Another thing I like to do is pray before reading. "Thank you God for guiding me and showing me what you would like me to see."

So far I have read Genesis, Exodus, and am in Leviticus now. I am learning a lot and am having a good time doing it. I am not an expert by any means on these subjects, I am not here to have anyone follow me or my thoughts, my goal is simply to share my journey and provide a few tips to anyone who may be interested in reading the Bible for the first time. I highly recommend anyone interested in God to conduct their own search and education. If you ask and want to know, God will reveal himself to you.

Jeremiah 29:13 - And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God bless


Friday, March 1, 2013

GOD, where are you?

My walk with God began many years ago, as an adolescent I would walk myself to church and listen in on stories of God from religious people around me. I have been looking for the truth for a long time. Searching.... I have gone to Catholic church, Christian church, Baptist church, Seventh Day Adventist church, I have chanted to a scroll, taken a meeting with Jehovah Witnesses, and read various New Age books. I believe God is everywhere at all times inside of all of us and around in us in everything.I talk to God every day. Thanking and praying over situations and people and circumstances.

Still, it dawned on me that I have never read the word of God aka The Bible. I had tried it once but it seemed so hard and confusing I didn't go back to it. 3 times in my life so far I feel it has been brought to my attention. This last time I took the call.

I am going to try and read the Bible. Today in a few minutes I am going to honor my first Sabbath. I'd like to see what the ways of the Lord are. I'd like to be a bringer of the light. I'd like to show love and peace. I'd like to give honor to God by way of honoring myself and others the way I was intended. I'd like to learn.

I have doubted God, sinned every sin, and after meeting with a friend yesterday who is very well versed in the bible it turns out there are a number of things I have done and am doing wrong. I do good works, I consciously uplift others. I don't go to church regularly but I hold church inside of me daily. Am I saved? Am I condemned? Do I need to be forgiven? I guess I am about to find out. Since I made this decision I have felt the love of others around me, I have noticed butterflies all day, I have also happened to come upon Bible talk via random sources like other blogs and TV shows. To me, the message is clear. It's time and I am ready.

If you read this blog and have stories or thoughts to share on your experience of God or The Bible, I'd love to hear from you. Blessings to all...