I've been wanting to get into reading the Bible, and whenever I read it out loud with my wife I find I am constantly yawning. I know reading the Bible is good for my soul, but why do I yawn so much?
Plus, when you read the Bible for yourself do you begin at Genesis and read straight through or do you hop around from book to book?
I'm afraid if I begin in Genesis ill get tired and bored before too long, and if I hop around I might miss some previous verses that might tie into a particular book.
Also, what time of the day do you crack it open? Morning or evening?
Just wanting some insight. Thanks.
I'm not a great reader. Just too slow. (I have a college degree and all, but still never been a good reader.) Then I got into audio books. I go through a book every 2 weeks or so while driving, in bed, even running or walking. Anyway, I found this Ascension: Catholic Bible app for the iphone. It is available as a podcast as well. They have the Bible in a year that I listen to.
Perhaps a Chronological Bible might help you?
I know my brain gets tired of trying to remember what happened and when.
Chronological Bibles are great for a one year reading plan, too.
Maybe something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/One-Year-Chronological-Bible-NLT/dp/1414314086
Or maybe you are using a version that is hard for your brain to process?
Since I switched to an NASB, I have any easier time reading it. You can try different versions here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/
I have been wanting a chronological Bible, thank you for reminding me...
Don't stress the yawning. It happens.
I, personally, have a 365 day bible that gives me a little bit to read each day of the year. I read that during break at work.
The New Testament is easier to read. For beginners, I would probably go with new testament, maybe Luke or John and then Acts.
The same thing happens to me and I think it's the result of the Holy Spirit rising up within you. I always say Welcome or Thank you, stop reading, and start just talking to the spirit. It may sound nuts, but I thought that I'd share.
As a kid, esp during prayers, Ithought it was Satan trying to get you to quit.. tempting you to sleep.
I would encourage you to start with the new testament. The first four books(gospels)..reAd all the new then go back to the old. Read it as often as you can. Timing is only important on an individual level. We all feel different calls. Some love morning reading. Some night... some like another time. The biggest thing is what time will you actually read it
Yawning is not because you are bored. It is because you forgot to breathe. That usually happens when you’re very tired. But can happen when your mind is very focused. I catch myself now before the yawn.
I would suggest reading the gospel of John first, then Acts. It is not a marathon and does not need to be rushed. It is a daily listening and talking with God. He is committed to you every moment.
I took my first bible study on Revelations then John and it was quite detailed from the guy who taught it He spent months just on Revelation. Was very enjoyable as he would jump back to the old testamont to show relevancy to each of the books we covered. Unfortunately he moved away.
I am currently reading Acts with a womens's bible study group.. We are currently in Acts. We use a bible study guide called Engaging God's Word. They cover most of the books in the old and new Testamont and I find it helpful to answer the questions in there and read a bible scholars summary of each chapter.
I would suggest getting the guides and discussing them with your wife after you both read the section of study. You will get more out of your bible reading.
And remember every time you reread a section of the bible the Holy Spirit will show you more information
Yawning is a "release" and letting go of something... and contagious.
I recommend starting in Matthew, in the New Testament. Then read Acts.
I read in the morning, first thing, but I'm a morning person. I also listen to it in the car.
Finally, if you have never seen the series called "The Chosen", I highly recommend this. You can download The Chosen app and watch it for free. Its an amazing series that portrays Jesus as he teaches His disciples. Its very very well done, and very insightful. But dont ever let that substitute for reading Scripture.
I like reading in the evening before bed for bulk consumption and to focus on a verse or two in the morning. Beyond that I keep a couple/few pages open on my browser on my phone and read sporadically through the day. I also have a few days of the week I read and will study intently at various moments of the day. In my humble opinion you're already succeeding and over target. Perhaps approach your readying time with a note pad and pencil and write notes about what you read. Write down questions you may think of. Always try to understand God and make observations of His interaction with people. I find intentional reading more engaging like that.
As far as what part to read, I'd suggest the Gospel of John and then start at Matthew and move through the New Testament. If you think John is interesting enough read through it a second or third time before moving on. You will notice the same things in new ways each time.
Taking a moment and asking God for help in understanding is a great idea too. Press on fren.
I read from Genesis forward but many people start at mark to revelation. It is through those passages you will hear about Jesus.
I skip around, On Good Friday I read the account in all four gospels. Sometimes I am looking something up for clarification, or I just want op read it again.
I use my phone with an e-book reader and Kindle app. Then I can read it anytime, anywhere, add bookmarks, search etc.
My wife has to have a paper copy, so I get it if the electronic angle doesn't work for you.
For me, morning. I like the New Testament and would recommend that. If you don't want to read all the gospels, read John and then continue onto Acts, etc. Get a solid foothold there, then go to the Old Testament. Just my opinion. I also like to do themed studies. There is loads of study guides on line on just about any theme you'd like to study.
Btw, yawning is a way for your brain to get oxygen.
So what I did was I have my carrying Bible and I have a good audio version.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1444786407
I watched him read the Gospel of Mark on youtube and enjoyed his voice, so I picked up the CD set of him reading the whole thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjOgcMQXvSc
Sometimes I curl up with a coffee and snuggle one of my cats while I read a bit, sometimes I'll sit at my PC and listen to the audio if I'm having trouble getting through a section. I been listening to it Sunday mornings and enjoying randomly picking sections to listen to and finding the relevance in what I'm dealing with that day/week.
I read 5 chapters of my KJV Bible every morning before I begin my day. I read it from front to back and it takes me approximately 5-6 months. I pray over it and ask the Lord to open it to my understanding and imprint it upon my heart and mind so that I may recall it at any time. If something happens and I miss a day, I read 10 chapters the next morning. I feel like I'm tithing my time to the Lord. I've been doing it for about 20 years now. :)
I say start in Matthew and read all the way through the NT and stop at Revelation, then read the OT from Genesis to Malachi, then go read Revelation
This might seem like a strange response, but one that has helped be greatly for bible reading is this neck light:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WNRN9WQ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1
Whether I'm in the easy chair or laying down in bed with my head propped on a pillow this neck light makes it very nice. It has 3 levels of brightest and 3 "light temperature" settings and is very flexible to put the light right where you want it.
I've read it so many times, i just read it whenever now.
Why not start with this: https://kingstonecomics.com/products/kingstone-bible-trilogy-hardcover-collection