The B-I-B-L-E/
Yes, that’s the book for me/
I stand alone on the Word of God/
the B-I-B-L-E/

Do your remember that little song from Sunday School class? As a child, I enjoyed singing it because the tune is cute and we would sing the phrase over and over. As an adult, I like the song because it makes a clear statement.

Reading God’s Word daily, reinforces the great love He has for us. 

1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Because translations of the Bible are available in various versions, finding a style of preferred reading should not be difficult. I encourage readers to explore local Christian book stores, or go online to discover all the selections.

Which ever way you choose to shop, make sure to browse through the variety of versions. Select one particular verse, then look at that same verse in several different Bibles. Often, first-time Bible shoppers are not aware of the many versions. Reading before you buy gives you the opportunity to compare and select which style of writing allows you to understand His message. This is so very important, because I do not want you to miss out on knowing all the goodness of God.

You need to comfortably be able read His Word, so that you are inclined to learn more about Him.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Just as I enjoyed singing the Bible song over and over, we need to read God’s Word over and over. Unless you enjoy the style of writing, you may deem daily reading a chore instead of a pleasure.

If you are like me, once you find your preferred style, you may seek out other versions just to better compare and better understand what God wants you to know.

During your initial browsing phase, you will also note that Bibles, like cars, come with extras. My Bible is the NIV ( New International Version) Life Application Study Bible. At the bottom of each page, the publisher provides additional information on understanding specific verses, and how to apply them to our everyday lives. It also offers a pretty cover and a lay flat binding.

My husband’s Bible includes all of the above, plus larger print and book title tabs on the side for easy access. But extras show up in price, so if you aren’t looking for anything fancy, you will not be mislead by a simple, standard paper cover Bible.

However, both my husband and I really enjoy the advantage of the study Bible.  I benefit every time I read because it offers biblical background information. Honestly, I learn something new everyday. 

Here are three versions of John 3:16, for you to compare writing styles:

King James Version (KJV) – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

New International Version (NIV) – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Contemporary English Version (CEV) – God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.

Once you select you preferred style of writing, ask God to help your learn something  new, each time you read passages.

You aren’t reading scripture strictly to study it. Your goal is to commune with God during this personal time, trying to understand what He had the authors write to us. 

God desires us to commune with Him. He already knows us intimately, and wants us to know more about who He is and all He proclaims. Think about what each passage means to you.

Eventually, you will stand alone before Him, and it will be nice to greet Him as a friend, not a stranger.

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ORDER copies of LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN @ LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible Study. Learn the importance of keeping God’s name holy.