I am 23 years old and am in the process of joining the army. When i was younger i went to church, but never really was to involved in it. Then college came and it never even crossed my mind. All i cared about was partying and girls. Well now i have finished school and looking to move on in life so I decided to enlist. I sat down with my old coach who was also in the marines and the first thing he asked me was where i stook with my faith, and i laughed it off but to find out he was serious. He told me to find myself and start reading the bible as much as possible and if only for 5 minutes a day. At first I was completely against doing it, now thinking more and more and reading things i decided it is time to explore more into it and discover something i always thought i was to cool for. I am in no way perfect, have committed so many sins, and dont have a complete understanding of christianity. So i guess im really asking is where is a good place to start reading the bible, somewhere that i can understand and relate to a little. Or any advice for me. Im completely new to this, would ask my parents but they would try to get me to go to church with them, and honestly i dont think that i am ready for that step. I want to discover this one on one not with others involvement if that makes any sense. Anywyas im sorry for writing such a long post and thank you for any advice you may give.

You may want to pick up one of the versions of the bible that is written in "plain English" to understand it a bit better. You can find tons of sites on the internet too where you can read passages with explanations. Many of the sties have forums as well to post questions and it is "anonymous" online so you don't have to do it face to face.

Just keep reading, asking questions and take it a step at a time.


Sgt Mom

Here are a few of my favorite verses, which may help you find some understanding and peace.

John 3:16
The most quoted verse ever........ but don't just read it, read the chapter surrounding it, and focus on gaining an understanding of what that means.

Phillippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."
This verse is important because one of the biggest things we all need to learn is that we can do nothing without him, and through Him, we can do everything! Take a moment to stop and pray, ask God to help you understand what you are reading and to lead you to the right verses - each and every time you read. Pray first. This will help.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
This is the "Love is patient, Love is kind..." verse that you may have heard quoted. It also gives you a good look into how much God loves you (just as does John 3:16). That description of love is the way God lvoes you......... and the way He wants YOU to love others.

As SgtMom said, just keep reading... Post back here often, we'll be glad to talk with you. And, there are many folks who visit here who would be more than happy to answers any questions that you have.

Walking in Faith is not easy......... but it sure puts your heart in a much better place for daily life. It gives a peace that passes all understanding.

God bless you!
Amy

Thank you guys for all the advice, and words of encouragement. I got a life experience bible to help explain things better to me, so hopefully that will help me. I will keep posting back on here and will have lots of questions. Thank you for your kindness, and I wish all of yall a Merry Christmas

If you are earnest about this you must make a concession.

Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Your prayer needn't be long or involved just honest.

"May the spirit of God guide my search." Simple, and simple, is usually eloquent.

Now the reason to do this is two fold, no study of the Bible, or for that matter simple daily reading of spritual material, is beneficial unless you MEAN it!!

Once you read these types of material you are opening your self to the spirit. As your experience increases your understanding will grow.

Also take careful heed of your attention span. A great many read to a point to where they don't quite grasp a concept, and then beat themselves up over it!! DON'T do that!! Sometimes things need to "steep" for awhile like a good tea. As the time goes by, the color deepens and so will understanding.

The secrets of the very universe we live in are in there, it takes a while to understand them!!

May your journey be blessed, and may you be indeed enriched for your efforts!!

BON VOYAGE!!

T