The problem is that many who open the Bible expect it to be like a novel, a short story, or simply a history book. But this is not the case.
The Bible is not a human creation. It is the living Word of God. Through the Bible, God Himself speaks to man, revealing Himself, His will, and His truth.
When a person opens Scripture, it is important to understand: there are things that cannot be comprehended by human logic alone.
The Bible is opened not just with one’s mind, but with one’s heart, when a person reads it with faith and a sincere desire to know the Truth. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us see the depth of God's Word, renewing both mind and heart so that a person can accept what God has to say.
Sometimes it is difficult for a person to understand what it means that the Holy Spirit reveals.something. This may sound unusual. However, if you go step by step in learning the truth, God Himself will show you what it means.
Just as a small child may not immediately understand everything his or her parents say, but grows and begins to understand the world, so a person who reads the Bible gradually grows spiritually. This is a path of growth: step by step, the truth becomes clearer, and God reveals Himself ever more deeply.
Try following a few practical recommendations:
1. PRAY BEFORE READING.
Ask God in prayer to reveal the meaning of what you are reading.
It is important to remember that without the Holy Spirit, the Bible remains just text, but with Him, this Word becomes alive and begins to act in your heart.
2. REFLECT, DON'T JUST READ.
Do not chase the number of chapters. One verse is better, but if it is understood. Ask yourself questions:
— What is God telling me through this text?
— What should I change in myself?
— How can I use this today?
3. WHEN READING, FOLLOW A PLAN.
A structure helps you see the overall picture: how all the parts of Scripture are interconnected. A daily reading plan that combines the books of the Old and New Testaments will help you see how God's plan unfolds step by step and how everything points to Jesus Christ.
4. ASK QUESTIONS.
If something is not clear, do not skip it. Write it down and send it to the 17:17 School.
The answer may also come from another passage of Scripture, through a conversation, or even through a life situation. Sometimes God does not answer immediately, but always in time.
5. LIVE WHAT YOU HAVE READ.
If you simply read without applying, the meaning is lost. God's Word works when it is accepted with one’s heart.
If you read about forgiveness, try to forgive.
If you read about trust, trust.
If you read about love, show it.
6. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
The Bible is not a detective story or a collection of ancient legends. It is a living book about God, Who reveals Himself to man. When a person reads Scripture with an open heart, the Holy Spirit begins to speak, teach, and change.
If we treat it simply as a piece of ordinary literature, it will remain just that — incomprehensible black letters on white pages. However, if we read it with praying, with faith and a desire to hear and learn God, the Word comes to life and begins to change the life itself.