Help me read AND understand the Bible...

[happyyogi]

Hey ladies! I have really been trying to make some changes in my life. I want sooo badly to get closer to the Lord. I know that it all starts with a avaliable heart and mind. However, I also know that I must read the Bible and get a better understanding of what "thus says the Lord". But, I find it sooo hard to read the Bible. I just admire those who can read the word and get a full understanding of what they read. So, I was wondering if any of you could recommend a study guide or some other type of Bible or material that I may can purchase in order to help me to better understand what I read? Thank you very much for any suggestions!

[iwantlongerhair]

I just got the Life Application Study Bible and it has helped my understanding a whole lot.

[Sweet C]

Welcome Yogi

I'm so happy for you that you would like to get into God's Word more and learn about what He has in store for you. I also recommend the Life Application Study Bible. Its was really useful to me, especially when I started off studying. Also, if you have a bit of difficulty understanding the KJV (I just assume that most people have a KJV somewhere in the house, though I could be completely wrong), you can always get a NKJV, NIV, RSV, etc. versions of the Bible that are a bit easier to understand typically. Also, when you are on the computer, http://bible.crosswalk.com, is an excellent resource. Has many different versions of the scripture as well as dictionaries, concordances, and lexicons.

[RabiaElaine]

My church publishes Bible study lessons quarterly. I just posted one of them in another thread called "Lord or Our Body Temples." Anyway I find that these weekly study guides are very helpful for reading the bible and understanding certain topics.

You can find this quarter's lessons at either of these sites:
http://absg.adventist.org/

http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/05c/

Here is another bible study:
http://nad.hopetalk.org/

I hope this helps. Also the ladies on this forum offer great texts and passages to read. I also have a bible with 4 different translations in it this helps in furthering my understanding. I think this is the one I have
http://www.zondervanbibles.com/0310903335.htm.

You should also pray and ask God for discernment and understanding and to make you open to receive his Word before you read it.

God Bless!!

[happyyogi]

Thank you ladies sooooo much for the responses! I have made notes of everything you all recommended! Please keep them coming!