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Having Trouble Reading Your Bible? You're Not Alone...

 Shalom, family. I want to address what I believe is probably the largest barrier for people engaging in the Word of God. Do you have trouble connecting with scripture? Does it feel like trying to read Shakespeare? Do you all of the sudden get tired as your eyes scroll down the page? 

You're not alone. Back when I was a teen this was my experience almost every time I opened the book. Even as an adult I still struggle at times with intentionally being *in* scripture. The truth is that the language of scripture is not easily understood to the modern reader. What I did not know is that this is an easily remedied issue. Whether you're on your kindle, iPhone or you desire a physical copy, there are translations that exist that make reading that word feel more natural for the 21st century Christian. Here are a few recommendations:

  • The New Living Translation. Example text: Genesis 1:14  Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years.

  • Bible in Basic English. Example text: Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the arch of heaven, for a division between the day and the night, and let them be for signs, and for marking the changes of the year, and for days and for years:

  • The Message (this Bible is paraphrased and a more controversial option, but may be a good starting point depending on the person's literacy). Example text: Genesis 1:14 God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky! Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and years, Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was.  

  • Easy English Bible. Example text: Genesis 1:14 God said, ‘There will be lights all across the sky.[c] They will make the day different from the night. They will show the seasons, days and years. 15 The lights in the sky will give light to the earth.’

These are a few recommendations. I don't want to assume where people are in their reading level so I want to include options the make God more accessible to people. I believe He will meet people where they are at and guide them if their heart is toward Him. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment. Now, a prayer: Dear heavenly Father, let us pray that this information reach those whose heart cry out for you that they may find your word accessible to them for the nurturing and cultivation of their faith. That you may make more disciples in Yeshua's name and your family continue to grow. In Yeshua HaMashiach's name we pray. Amen.

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