Let me assure you that the Bible isn’t just for preachers or Bible teachers; it’s for everyone! God gave the Bible to us and He wants every one of us to be able to read it and learn from it. The Psalmist said, “It gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

How can you begin to discover the Bible’s treasures for yourself? Let me make several brief suggestions. First, read the Bible intelligently. Get a Bible you can understand — a reliable modern translation with print you can easily read. (My wife used to say that the devil liked nothing better than Bibles with print so small you couldn’t read them!) Your local Christian bookstore can help you with this.

Then read the Bible systematically. Don’t skip around; begin reading a portion of a book every day. I suggest beginning with Psalms, or with the Gospel of John, which tells us who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Don’t try to read too much; you might read only a paragraph or so at first. Before you start, ask God to help you understand it, and then read it thoughtfully and carefully. What does it tell us about God, or Jesus, or how God wants us to live?

Finally, read the Bible obediently. What does God want to teach you through this passage? What difference should it make in your life? Make the Bible part of your life every day, and God will use it to change you into the person He wants you to be.
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