mlbrokish

I have read some of the OT and several portions of different books of the Gospel, and I definitely find more understanding when I re-read it. I know that it would waste my time if I breezed through it all too fast and little actually fits together in my mind. I feel the same way that one day, when we meet Him, it will all be understood.

@GandalfTheWise I appreciate all of the detailed information you have outlined, which can help most anyone looking for ideas in accomplishing a great undertaking of reading the bible completely. I consider myself an average to above average reader as I the subject of English (writing, reading, proofreading, etc.) was a something with which I did quite well when in school, some years ago. I have to say, though, comprehension of the bible seems a bit overwhelming when I am trying to "decipher" the meaning of a passage, so I feel it is not as easy to skim over too many words. -at least it is that way for me. (perhaps a different version will help??) I've always been comfortable with the NIV version, but that's not to say that I may find a new version to be more comprehensive, so I will explore other versions online. Also, I'm glad you mentioned about skipping some parts, esp genealogies, as I found myself rambling through the list of names incoherently when I realized I probably would never be able to remember it all. The main idea I got from those sections is that I know where to reference when I am wondering about descendants of a certain family member or whatnot. -- mlb

What a blessing to have all of these great ideas! I LOVE the support you have all shown and I look forward to trying out a couple methods to see what is most comfortable.

Great advice! Thank you, Becky! xo

I have participated in bible studies which discusses a summary of portions of the bible. If I would plan to set a goal to read the bible completely, an suggestions? Certain version preferred. Read straight from front to back or follow a reading plan for a method?

Are there apostles and prophets in our current time, throughout the world?

I was just reading a passage for a bible group I lead. It seems to fit with this topic... Romans 14 22:23 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin and @Neighbor, I think I know "Mrs Gretchenellini", only she had a different name back in my middle-school years. lol

Sometimes, I have to think the some people aren't happy unless they are miserable.

@LadyKay , This is an all too familiar story. I guess we can laugh about it after the fact, to save ourselves from making it worse. I laugh because I can relate.

My grandparents shared this eleemosynary love as you have defined. I don't see that kind of love and kindness very often, but it is certainly a blessing when it shows through.

I can almost here the song, "Christmas Shoes" (written by Donna VanLiere , sung by NewSong). Makes me tear up almost every Christmas season when I hear it again.

I am reminded of a passage I just read in a Bible Plan I participate in. Acts 4 32:35 The Believers Share Their Possessions 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Always better to have extra weight from muscle, than fat. Way to go!

Learning kindness as children can be as basic as hearing "Treat others the way you would want to be treated", or Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Give an example of kindness given to you, simple or extraordinary, so that we may "pay it forward". Just recently, a man in the grocery checkout line behind me insisted he pay for the $20 shortage I had, when I found myself trying to decide which items were to be put back on the shelves. I was a bit embarrassed and thanked him, then he said "Jesus loves you" so I just smiled and said "yes, He does."

I Love ! reading all of these posts about feeling old and I can relate to many of you. God's kept me out of danger of broken bones, although I've have some injuries and things that need surgery, etc., but who hasn't in 47 years? My grand mother would always say that she feels much younger on the inside. She lived in her own home until she passed away at 94 years old young, and tried not to let this world keep her from enjoying life. I started feeling a bit old when my kids started dating at the age I met my husband. Of course, my kids constantly remind me that I'm old, but I just smile and laugh along.

@Rebecca Pickles Thank you for posting this article. We, as believers, know that He will return, but an article like this may be reaching some people who haven't come to believe God's promises. That is encouraging, in itself.

Well, I know he was a minister and a great leader. One dictionary meaning is: a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God. I just wondered if others had a different take on "prophet", perhaps based on readings from the Bible.

Would Martin Luther King, Jr. be considered a true prophet?

Thank you for your advice about the music, @lovethelord. I think I had heard about that study, but forgot about it. That is an excellent idea.

What a wonderful way to honor our Lord! -- simple, meaningful, and powerful when offered in Jesus' name. I love small, easy to remember prayers that I can concentrate on, even when I am working for hours outside. Thank you, @turtletwo.

Thank you for this thread. Verses from a psalm I say most every day is Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, Lord. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

I am not well-versed in bible passages, but my understanding is that if you put soccer first, above all else (including time with and devotion to God), then it would be a sin. If you put God first by praying with all your heart that you give Him the glory for your skills, opportunities, and all soccer-related aspects of your life, then, I believe you will be right with God. Just remember that your life is not your own; give Him praises for all you have.

I would imagine that if we all sing, then maybe I would actually be in tune.

@Jayne, @Margo1945, & @Willa - I am sitting here, in tears, as I read your posts, knowing God has answered my prayer from this morning, when I asked for more help and encouragement. Thank you all, and Thank you God!!

I had actually pondered this idea at one time also, but since I am not well-versed or know a lot about the bible, I wasn't prepared to back up my ideas. Thank you!