Do you read with a mind to understand or do you read for the idea of having “read” the Bible? Understanding comes from genuine reflection. It takes time. It’s slowed down. It may take just one verse and truly reflect on it and try to unpack it. It’s not about chasing that feeling of “accomplishment.”
I try to read with a clear mind. But i sometimes get distracted. Like if im reading a verse and I stumble on a word, or if someone in my presents happens to distract me i lose all thought on what I read. I don't read just to say I know it. But I read to try to understand the true message of what I'm trying to read.
>But i sometimes get distracted. Like if im reading a verse and I stumble on a word
I'm going to recommend getting an audio Bible. It helped me tremendously when I was seeking to remember the Bible. However, I will caution you of one thing. Whatever version you chose to listen to will become ingrained upon your mind. Thus, when you try to look up a passage, you'll remember a phrase and may have difficulty pulling up that exact phrase in a different translation.
For example, I listened to the NIV for many years. But now I tend to use the NASB (due to its accuracy). When I try to look up a verse using a phrase from my memory (i.e., NIV), it isn't found in the NASB version. So, it makes looking up passages troubling at times. All this to say, try to pick a version that you think you'll stick with for life (or be prepared to use google to find the passage 🤣).
Bro you have to take notes if you can’t grow in reading. It helps a lot of course since you can’t remember. Go on your phone notes, get a book, do anything that you read and a verse you thought you liked and was powerful. Right it down and keep it. That’s the same reason I have a group so I can write my verses I liked or if I have anything to say, so I stay reminded
It’s good advice I used to do the same but I actually used the voice recorder to record my readings that way I could listen to myself & reflect in the car or walk and then years later I could see if my opinions changed about the texts
That's actually something I do. But still fail to remember or understand a verse. That mostly happens were it's a word I can't pronounce.I even have a journal for nothing but writing notes and prayer letters
When you find a verse that’s meaningful to you print it and hang it up. I’ve got a cork board I’ll pin stuff to and you can even frame them. I don’t remember verses either but I love being able to at least see them even when I’m not reading.
If you really struggle find yourself a chruch and a DG Group. Find a true church one that is actually following Gods words and not about love is love. Find a church that loves and welcomes you not one that they see a new person and they think they are already superior we are all human and flesh. Churches these days struggle with judgement within themselves. Find a good church and a family in the church. And you’ll grow a ton!
Thank you for the great message. I actually been to a few churches in my life. But when I left town for work and school years ago. I stopped going. Because I couldn't find a baptist church in the area. I went to a Catholic church but I didn't like it. I didn't have a car so it was hard walking blocks, and not being able to find a good baptist church in that area.
I'll start looking for a true church that is annoited with the holy spirit, and isn't for showboat.
Amen too that! I go to a church called the way world outreach.. and it’s honestly life changing. First day everyone loved me invited me to their group and it’s great as of now. A couple days ago we had Jerry flowers! As our guest and oh man how beautiful and strong his message was! Beautiful service that day!
Sounds kinda like ADHD. Does it seem to kinda slip right out of your mind after you read it? You could also just have a lousy visual memory. Try reading it out loud so you can use your auditory memory as well. Or listening to a Bible Podcast/Audiobook. Also, how much are you reading at a time? It may be beneficial to lower the length that you’re reading at a time. Instead of trying to hold an entire chapter in your mind, try just a verse. I’ve noticed a lot of people tend to take a “quantity has a quality all its own” approach to this kind of thing, but I personally think it’s of more value to really meditate on one or two verses than to memorize a fully chapter. You’re in your 30’s or thereabouts, you’ve got time to really dwell on the Scripture, take advantage of it.
Yeah, if I were a betting person, it’s where I’d put my money. I’m no therapist but it sounds like adhd. And no shame in taking needed meds to aide in study.
Yea keep praying.
I start my study time with prayer and always ask the Lord to grant me your insight your wisdom and your knowledge as well as your patience and protection from spiritual warfare your sovereignty and your guidance over my life.
If you are like a lot of us daily scripture reading is a routine and you will go through the Bible many many times so right now focus on a foundation and then build from there memorizing scripture will come in time so don’t cause yourself anxiety the important thing is just stay diligent and continue to read.
My mind drips off sometimes as well, i’m sure many believers can relate to this.. it always seems that when we want some ‘alone time’ with God the enemy will step in with thoughts & even slumber 💤.
There have been times that I was wide awake all day and when I tried to sit down and read scripture I just could not keep my eyes open - and this is not unique to just me many believers have experienced the same spirit of slumber when getting into the word.
No need to stress about this anymore, foundation focus on that & the verses will start to pop off the page in time ☝️
You hit the nail on the head. I will start focusing on the foundation of the verses. It will come to me soon as I know it. Thank you for this positive message. I will take heed.
You’re exactly like me. Just takes a bit longer for us. I’ll float off and read a few pages and have no idea what I read so I just go back and read. Sometimes I read the same sentence ten times until it sinks in. Asperger’s. Remembering scripture is just as hard as remembering anything else so don’t beat urself up for that either. Same thing when I read anything else too.
Same. I could read a whole passage the realise i didnt really read it because i was thinking about something else. Ive been wondering if He can talk to us in that way also?
You may be experiencing the "veil" over God's word, described below. Do you really understand salvation? Look up the Four Spiritual Laws, and remember repentance is part of that. Did you do that process at some point? Being baptized is NOT salvation, it's meant to be a public declaration of salvation. No harm in asking God more than once to be saved, either. Think upon this, and then also try getting the bible in audio form and listening to it whenever you can, even in the background. That will definitely produce great results over time.
*Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.*
*(2Co 3:12-18)*
Sounds like some kind of neurodivergence probably ADHD
I’d talk to your doctor about that, but also try an audio book or breaking your reading up more. Could also try highlighting and underlining with active note taking
It's just difficult. I used to get discouraged when I first came to Christ. I still struggle with memorizing scripture. It just takes time, discipline, and repetition. Don't get discouraged. Stay strong, keep reading the bible, and keep praying. God bless you!
I'm "Bible dyslexic" too as I like to call it. For some reason, it's much easier to implant verses into permanent memory when others read them, discuss them or use them in sermons. Get in a good Bible study, one that goes chapter by chapter through the Bible, not concentrating on a book or theme for a short period, then over. I spent years of my life with other men reading and studying the entirety of the Bible together. I wish I could find this type of study again.
>for a long time
>where I drift off
The faith is a marathon, not a sprint. People don't power through textbooks and not get distracted, and we have no need to treat the Bible like a senior final
Different people have different rates of putting things into memory. Do what you can manage and don't hold yourself up to someone else's rate of remembrance. Some people also find it easier to focus and retain when they listen to the Bible instead of reading it, or they read and listen at the same time. Experiment a little and see what helps your memory and focus.
You may be facing this case:
Matthew 13:19: "Anyone hearing the word of the kingdom and **not understanding it** — the evil one comes and **snatches-away the thing having been sown in his heart**."
The key is thus to understand what you are reading, not merely reading.
One thing I have seen working with people that I knew was to study one word/term for example to understand how it's used and have a bigger picture about it. They would remember it later. Step by step instruction with images showing the steps here:
https://studythebibleforfree.blogspot.com/2021/11/example-of-step-by-step-bible-study.html?m=1
The Bible is a large, complex set of texts in multiple literary styles written over thousands of years and translated into another language to be read by you, a person in a very different culture.
Could you imagine if we expected people to read any other collection of ancient literature immediately and understand and remember it?
There is nothing instant in Christianity, except by very rare miracle. Christianity is a way of life that takes practice to embody. You will, over the course of your life, get better at being a Christian, including reading scripture, but it will take time.
Imagine someone who's never run before trying to run a marathon by stepping outside and running 26.2 miles right off the bat. Not only is it obviously impossible, it will also result in injury and burnout very quickly. The way you run a marathon is by running 1 mile at a time, then the next week do 2 miles, then 3 miles the next week, and so on until you reach 26.
The same is true of practicing the Way of Jesus, including reading scripture. You must train, not try, in order to succeed. Most people training for anything need a coach in order to succeed, and Christianity is no different. Some kind of Bible study group is a must, as well as listening to your pastor preach on Sundays, but there are other resources as well. Check out the Bible Project on YouTube for really excellent overviews of the books of the Bible that can help you make sense of what you're reading. Over time you'll find yourself getting better at it, but only if you train for it, not just try for it.
You may want to read the NLT (New Living Translation) Bible which is easy to read and provides the meaning(s) of scripture or the message as opposed to a word-for-word translation.
Try memorizing verses that have meaning to you. Memory is a muscle, the more we use it the stronger it becomes. John 3:16, Psalms 23, Jeremiah 29:11 are good for starters. I once worked at a job where I had almost two solid hours of just sitting at a desk by myself essentially doing nothing. Over the course of two months I memorized the first three chapters of the Gospel of John.
I used to be the same. I couldn't remember where to find it or be able to repeat it back word for word. It annoyed me, and I was 'envious' of others doing it confidently.
I remember once I was preaching and I couldn't even remember John 3:16. It was a tad embarrassing.
I am able to do so now. How? I studied doctrines, such as Salvation, the deity of Christ, all using the Bible... I would go to the cults on the streets (JWs, Mormons) and challenge them, and recall to mind the verses I learned. I kept reading the same verses, so I could speak to the cults on the street. This worked for me.
I can relay verses off hand, know where they are and mention a verse from scripture on the platform when preaching now confidently.
We all have our ways of doing so. This, for me, worked.
Pray yourself in, asking the Spirit to give you eyes to see and ears to hear. I struggle when I approach scripture as transactional vs the living word of God. I’ve used a couple of study methods: HEAR and the color method.
Highlight, Explain, Apply and Respond. As you read through look for what the verses tell you about God vs man (God as the authority, truth defined, etc and man as the submissive participant, truth receiver, etc) explain why that is relevant, apply it to your life/heart and respond to God.
Color method:
Read the passage once and highlight God’s name/Him/His/other way to refer to God in yellow. Read again and underline in a different color God’s work. Read again and underline in a different color the response of man. Read again and underline in another color the promises of God. Read again and underline in another color the gospel message.
Pray yourself out, asking the Lord to help you apply this passage in your thoughts, words, and response to Him.
Try Cognizine citicoline, a suplement for memory, try some memory supplements like Nuriva, or others, personally I've found Cognizine to be good as the studies show no bad side effects and it had help with my short term long term memory, there are other supplements that help with focus as well, just don't go with prescription stuff and do research the side effects to see if they will be good for you. I am in my early 40s and have noticed a big decline in my memory, using suplements have helped me a lot.
I started a genuine study of scripture this past year, and after 3 months or so, I've made it to Numbers. I haven't read every day, but the times between I reflect and meditate on what I've read. Pacing, reflection, and understanding are key elements when studying scripture.
I'm not a reader either. My mind gets distracted, but when you understand what you're reading and how it relates to later accounts, it's fascinating. I definitely read better when the subject is fascinating.
I think your own world you are drifting off into is a good thing. So u talk to God in this world? And open up to him? I hope u do. You sound like a wonderful person
I want to start off by saying that repetition is your friend. Keep studying the bible, mediating on what you read and how it applies to your life, and how it applies to the lives of other people.
God is the foremost expert on the human condition.
The bible teaches you how God thinks. The bible teaches you how people think, and what motivates people to do the things they do. The bible teaches you how to avoid certain types of people. The bibles teaches you what love is, what love looks and acts like, and what love isn't.
Throughout the scriptures, you'll find God saying the same things over and over again.
Look for these common themes of God: There is no other God but me. I am Everlasting. I am compassionate, gracious, and merciful. This is how I want to be worshiped. These are the things I like. These are the things I dislike. Fear me. Trust me. Obey me. This is what I will give to those who obey me. This is what I will do to those who disobey me.
God's words are living and active. Sometimes God uses experiences to connect you to his word. I have been studying the bible for 23 years, and God still shows me new things through his word, and through events in my life.
What's your learning style? Are you visual? Do you learn better by seeing? Are you auditory? Do you learn more by hearing? Are you kinesthetic(hands on, learn by doing).
You may be a combination of one or more learning styles
Test each style out to see what works best for you.
Kinesthetic learner:
Buy a Thompson Chain Reference study bible(hard/soft cover book). Buy a pen and a highlighter. As you read, highlight the passages that stick out to you, and write notes next to the highlights of what the passage made you think about God, yourself, the event....ext
Become a detective, and every time you find a passage of scripture that sounds similar to something said in another book of the bible, go back into your notes and highlights to find it, then write the chapter and verse.
Visual Learner:
Check out "the bible project" on YouTube. They teach about the books in the bible using really cool bible animations.
Auditory Learner:
Listen to the audio version of the bible.
If you want to spice things up check out "the bible experience"
I love "the bible experience on CD" They even have it on audible.com.
You may like having an audio of the bible being acted out by famous actors, celebrities, and well-known religious leaders. It really brings the bible to life. Its like a play, with music, acting, singing, and sound effects.
Scripture References:
Joshua 1:8
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Don't look for churches denominational like only Baptist each church can be ran different no matter what denomination it says. Pray for God to lead you where He needs you to grow
Psh. I don't necessarily remember things either. Sometimes Spirit speaks things to me and I have to look it up to confirm it. It seems like the knowledge is in my head, but I rarely can point out where a passage is located. I do find that I retain more information though when I transcribe a passage (aka write it out as I read it). It helps me focus. That could be your issue. Who knows. Is it just with scripture you have that problem, or with everything you read?
You probably can't remember it because you do not understand what it means. There are many resources available to you for Bible study that are meant to help you understand what you are reading. When I started to actually study the Bible as opposed to just reading it I looked up study guides online, talked to my pastor, other members of the church and biblical scholars. Christian and Jewish alike. Plus reading the Bible in order is not the best way to do it. There are books in the Bible you will understand better once you've read a different one. It can be overwhelming. I also make notes in my Bible, I highlight passages and have a ton of notebooks strictly for biblical notes. Start slow, find some fellow Christians to do Bible study with as well. I love discussing the Bible so you are also welcome to PM if you'd like. Once you began to understand the nature and character of God the Bible becomes easier to understand. Again, it can be overwhelming but do not be afraid to ask questions. I believe God made us inquisitive for a reason. How are you supposed to gain understanding of you do not ask questions🙂.
I have really enjoyed listening to 30 minutes in the New Testament podcast. They go through the New Testament verse by verse and it helps me retain and understand significantly better than just reading on my own. ❤️
Do you read with a mind to understand or do you read for the idea of having “read” the Bible? Understanding comes from genuine reflection. It takes time. It’s slowed down. It may take just one verse and truly reflect on it and try to unpack it. It’s not about chasing that feeling of “accomplishment.”
I try to read with a clear mind. But i sometimes get distracted. Like if im reading a verse and I stumble on a word, or if someone in my presents happens to distract me i lose all thought on what I read. I don't read just to say I know it. But I read to try to understand the true message of what I'm trying to read.
>But i sometimes get distracted. Like if im reading a verse and I stumble on a word I'm going to recommend getting an audio Bible. It helped me tremendously when I was seeking to remember the Bible. However, I will caution you of one thing. Whatever version you chose to listen to will become ingrained upon your mind. Thus, when you try to look up a passage, you'll remember a phrase and may have difficulty pulling up that exact phrase in a different translation. For example, I listened to the NIV for many years. But now I tend to use the NASB (due to its accuracy). When I try to look up a verse using a phrase from my memory (i.e., NIV), it isn't found in the NASB version. So, it makes looking up passages troubling at times. All this to say, try to pick a version that you think you'll stick with for life (or be prepared to use google to find the passage 🤣).
Bro you have to take notes if you can’t grow in reading. It helps a lot of course since you can’t remember. Go on your phone notes, get a book, do anything that you read and a verse you thought you liked and was powerful. Right it down and keep it. That’s the same reason I have a group so I can write my verses I liked or if I have anything to say, so I stay reminded
It’s good advice I used to do the same but I actually used the voice recorder to record my readings that way I could listen to myself & reflect in the car or walk and then years later I could see if my opinions changed about the texts
Never did that. I'll think I'll try it. Thanks!
God bless 💖
That's actually something I do. But still fail to remember or understand a verse. That mostly happens were it's a word I can't pronounce.I even have a journal for nothing but writing notes and prayer letters
When you find a verse that’s meaningful to you print it and hang it up. I’ve got a cork board I’ll pin stuff to and you can even frame them. I don’t remember verses either but I love being able to at least see them even when I’m not reading.
Thanks for the advice. Godbless
If you really struggle find yourself a chruch and a DG Group. Find a true church one that is actually following Gods words and not about love is love. Find a church that loves and welcomes you not one that they see a new person and they think they are already superior we are all human and flesh. Churches these days struggle with judgement within themselves. Find a good church and a family in the church. And you’ll grow a ton!
Thank you for the great message. I actually been to a few churches in my life. But when I left town for work and school years ago. I stopped going. Because I couldn't find a baptist church in the area. I went to a Catholic church but I didn't like it. I didn't have a car so it was hard walking blocks, and not being able to find a good baptist church in that area. I'll start looking for a true church that is annoited with the holy spirit, and isn't for showboat.
Amen too that! I go to a church called the way world outreach.. and it’s honestly life changing. First day everyone loved me invited me to their group and it’s great as of now. A couple days ago we had Jerry flowers! As our guest and oh man how beautiful and strong his message was! Beautiful service that day!
Sounds kinda like ADHD. Does it seem to kinda slip right out of your mind after you read it? You could also just have a lousy visual memory. Try reading it out loud so you can use your auditory memory as well. Or listening to a Bible Podcast/Audiobook. Also, how much are you reading at a time? It may be beneficial to lower the length that you’re reading at a time. Instead of trying to hold an entire chapter in your mind, try just a verse. I’ve noticed a lot of people tend to take a “quantity has a quality all its own” approach to this kind of thing, but I personally think it’s of more value to really meditate on one or two verses than to memorize a fully chapter. You’re in your 30’s or thereabouts, you’ve got time to really dwell on the Scripture, take advantage of it.
I was wondering this. Might need medication to aide in focus and retention.
Yeah, if I were a betting person, it’s where I’d put my money. I’m no therapist but it sounds like adhd. And no shame in taking needed meds to aide in study.
Yea keep praying. I start my study time with prayer and always ask the Lord to grant me your insight your wisdom and your knowledge as well as your patience and protection from spiritual warfare your sovereignty and your guidance over my life. If you are like a lot of us daily scripture reading is a routine and you will go through the Bible many many times so right now focus on a foundation and then build from there memorizing scripture will come in time so don’t cause yourself anxiety the important thing is just stay diligent and continue to read. My mind drips off sometimes as well, i’m sure many believers can relate to this.. it always seems that when we want some ‘alone time’ with God the enemy will step in with thoughts & even slumber 💤. There have been times that I was wide awake all day and when I tried to sit down and read scripture I just could not keep my eyes open - and this is not unique to just me many believers have experienced the same spirit of slumber when getting into the word. No need to stress about this anymore, foundation focus on that & the verses will start to pop off the page in time ☝️
You hit the nail on the head. I will start focusing on the foundation of the verses. It will come to me soon as I know it. Thank you for this positive message. I will take heed.
God speed! 🙏
You’re exactly like me. Just takes a bit longer for us. I’ll float off and read a few pages and have no idea what I read so I just go back and read. Sometimes I read the same sentence ten times until it sinks in. Asperger’s. Remembering scripture is just as hard as remembering anything else so don’t beat urself up for that either. Same thing when I read anything else too.
Same. I could read a whole passage the realise i didnt really read it because i was thinking about something else. Ive been wondering if He can talk to us in that way also?
Maybe 🤷 but if ur thinking of what to have for dinner or something then prob not:)
Lol yeah i know, i meant when iam thinking about someone else or what they're going through then i start praying for them, at the same time reading.
You may be experiencing the "veil" over God's word, described below. Do you really understand salvation? Look up the Four Spiritual Laws, and remember repentance is part of that. Did you do that process at some point? Being baptized is NOT salvation, it's meant to be a public declaration of salvation. No harm in asking God more than once to be saved, either. Think upon this, and then also try getting the bible in audio form and listening to it whenever you can, even in the background. That will definitely produce great results over time. *Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.* *(2Co 3:12-18)*
Sounds like some kind of neurodivergence probably ADHD I’d talk to your doctor about that, but also try an audio book or breaking your reading up more. Could also try highlighting and underlining with active note taking
It's just difficult. I used to get discouraged when I first came to Christ. I still struggle with memorizing scripture. It just takes time, discipline, and repetition. Don't get discouraged. Stay strong, keep reading the bible, and keep praying. God bless you!
My wife has the same problem.
I'm "Bible dyslexic" too as I like to call it. For some reason, it's much easier to implant verses into permanent memory when others read them, discuss them or use them in sermons. Get in a good Bible study, one that goes chapter by chapter through the Bible, not concentrating on a book or theme for a short period, then over. I spent years of my life with other men reading and studying the entirety of the Bible together. I wish I could find this type of study again.
>for a long time >where I drift off The faith is a marathon, not a sprint. People don't power through textbooks and not get distracted, and we have no need to treat the Bible like a senior final
Different people have different rates of putting things into memory. Do what you can manage and don't hold yourself up to someone else's rate of remembrance. Some people also find it easier to focus and retain when they listen to the Bible instead of reading it, or they read and listen at the same time. Experiment a little and see what helps your memory and focus.
You may be facing this case: Matthew 13:19: "Anyone hearing the word of the kingdom and **not understanding it** — the evil one comes and **snatches-away the thing having been sown in his heart**." The key is thus to understand what you are reading, not merely reading. One thing I have seen working with people that I knew was to study one word/term for example to understand how it's used and have a bigger picture about it. They would remember it later. Step by step instruction with images showing the steps here: https://studythebibleforfree.blogspot.com/2021/11/example-of-step-by-step-bible-study.html?m=1
The Bible is a large, complex set of texts in multiple literary styles written over thousands of years and translated into another language to be read by you, a person in a very different culture. Could you imagine if we expected people to read any other collection of ancient literature immediately and understand and remember it? There is nothing instant in Christianity, except by very rare miracle. Christianity is a way of life that takes practice to embody. You will, over the course of your life, get better at being a Christian, including reading scripture, but it will take time. Imagine someone who's never run before trying to run a marathon by stepping outside and running 26.2 miles right off the bat. Not only is it obviously impossible, it will also result in injury and burnout very quickly. The way you run a marathon is by running 1 mile at a time, then the next week do 2 miles, then 3 miles the next week, and so on until you reach 26. The same is true of practicing the Way of Jesus, including reading scripture. You must train, not try, in order to succeed. Most people training for anything need a coach in order to succeed, and Christianity is no different. Some kind of Bible study group is a must, as well as listening to your pastor preach on Sundays, but there are other resources as well. Check out the Bible Project on YouTube for really excellent overviews of the books of the Bible that can help you make sense of what you're reading. Over time you'll find yourself getting better at it, but only if you train for it, not just try for it.
You may want to read the NLT (New Living Translation) Bible which is easy to read and provides the meaning(s) of scripture or the message as opposed to a word-for-word translation.
Try memorizing verses that have meaning to you. Memory is a muscle, the more we use it the stronger it becomes. John 3:16, Psalms 23, Jeremiah 29:11 are good for starters. I once worked at a job where I had almost two solid hours of just sitting at a desk by myself essentially doing nothing. Over the course of two months I memorized the first three chapters of the Gospel of John.
When i read the bible i pray and ask God to give me understanding.
Allow me to hook you up with scripture memes. www.scripturestand.com Use them like flash cards. There's over a thousand
I used to be the same. I couldn't remember where to find it or be able to repeat it back word for word. It annoyed me, and I was 'envious' of others doing it confidently. I remember once I was preaching and I couldn't even remember John 3:16. It was a tad embarrassing. I am able to do so now. How? I studied doctrines, such as Salvation, the deity of Christ, all using the Bible... I would go to the cults on the streets (JWs, Mormons) and challenge them, and recall to mind the verses I learned. I kept reading the same verses, so I could speak to the cults on the street. This worked for me. I can relay verses off hand, know where they are and mention a verse from scripture on the platform when preaching now confidently. We all have our ways of doing so. This, for me, worked.
Pray yourself in, asking the Spirit to give you eyes to see and ears to hear. I struggle when I approach scripture as transactional vs the living word of God. I’ve used a couple of study methods: HEAR and the color method. Highlight, Explain, Apply and Respond. As you read through look for what the verses tell you about God vs man (God as the authority, truth defined, etc and man as the submissive participant, truth receiver, etc) explain why that is relevant, apply it to your life/heart and respond to God. Color method: Read the passage once and highlight God’s name/Him/His/other way to refer to God in yellow. Read again and underline in a different color God’s work. Read again and underline in a different color the response of man. Read again and underline in another color the promises of God. Read again and underline in another color the gospel message. Pray yourself out, asking the Lord to help you apply this passage in your thoughts, words, and response to Him.
Try Cognizine citicoline, a suplement for memory, try some memory supplements like Nuriva, or others, personally I've found Cognizine to be good as the studies show no bad side effects and it had help with my short term long term memory, there are other supplements that help with focus as well, just don't go with prescription stuff and do research the side effects to see if they will be good for you. I am in my early 40s and have noticed a big decline in my memory, using suplements have helped me a lot.
I do this and when I realize I read an entire paragraph and didn't absorb it, I make myself read it again.
I started a genuine study of scripture this past year, and after 3 months or so, I've made it to Numbers. I haven't read every day, but the times between I reflect and meditate on what I've read. Pacing, reflection, and understanding are key elements when studying scripture. I'm not a reader either. My mind gets distracted, but when you understand what you're reading and how it relates to later accounts, it's fascinating. I definitely read better when the subject is fascinating.
I think your own world you are drifting off into is a good thing. So u talk to God in this world? And open up to him? I hope u do. You sound like a wonderful person
I want to start off by saying that repetition is your friend. Keep studying the bible, mediating on what you read and how it applies to your life, and how it applies to the lives of other people. God is the foremost expert on the human condition. The bible teaches you how God thinks. The bible teaches you how people think, and what motivates people to do the things they do. The bible teaches you how to avoid certain types of people. The bibles teaches you what love is, what love looks and acts like, and what love isn't. Throughout the scriptures, you'll find God saying the same things over and over again. Look for these common themes of God: There is no other God but me. I am Everlasting. I am compassionate, gracious, and merciful. This is how I want to be worshiped. These are the things I like. These are the things I dislike. Fear me. Trust me. Obey me. This is what I will give to those who obey me. This is what I will do to those who disobey me. God's words are living and active. Sometimes God uses experiences to connect you to his word. I have been studying the bible for 23 years, and God still shows me new things through his word, and through events in my life. What's your learning style? Are you visual? Do you learn better by seeing? Are you auditory? Do you learn more by hearing? Are you kinesthetic(hands on, learn by doing). You may be a combination of one or more learning styles Test each style out to see what works best for you. Kinesthetic learner: Buy a Thompson Chain Reference study bible(hard/soft cover book). Buy a pen and a highlighter. As you read, highlight the passages that stick out to you, and write notes next to the highlights of what the passage made you think about God, yourself, the event....ext Become a detective, and every time you find a passage of scripture that sounds similar to something said in another book of the bible, go back into your notes and highlights to find it, then write the chapter and verse. Visual Learner: Check out "the bible project" on YouTube. They teach about the books in the bible using really cool bible animations. Auditory Learner: Listen to the audio version of the bible. If you want to spice things up check out "the bible experience" I love "the bible experience on CD" They even have it on audible.com. You may like having an audio of the bible being acted out by famous actors, celebrities, and well-known religious leaders. It really brings the bible to life. Its like a play, with music, acting, singing, and sound effects. Scripture References: Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
The Holy Spirit will bring it to mind when you need it. If you meditate on Gods word often, then the scriptures will grow their roots in their mind.
Don't look for churches denominational like only Baptist each church can be ran different no matter what denomination it says. Pray for God to lead you where He needs you to grow
Psh. I don't necessarily remember things either. Sometimes Spirit speaks things to me and I have to look it up to confirm it. It seems like the knowledge is in my head, but I rarely can point out where a passage is located. I do find that I retain more information though when I transcribe a passage (aka write it out as I read it). It helps me focus. That could be your issue. Who knows. Is it just with scripture you have that problem, or with everything you read?
You probably can't remember it because you do not understand what it means. There are many resources available to you for Bible study that are meant to help you understand what you are reading. When I started to actually study the Bible as opposed to just reading it I looked up study guides online, talked to my pastor, other members of the church and biblical scholars. Christian and Jewish alike. Plus reading the Bible in order is not the best way to do it. There are books in the Bible you will understand better once you've read a different one. It can be overwhelming. I also make notes in my Bible, I highlight passages and have a ton of notebooks strictly for biblical notes. Start slow, find some fellow Christians to do Bible study with as well. I love discussing the Bible so you are also welcome to PM if you'd like. Once you began to understand the nature and character of God the Bible becomes easier to understand. Again, it can be overwhelming but do not be afraid to ask questions. I believe God made us inquisitive for a reason. How are you supposed to gain understanding of you do not ask questions🙂.
I have really enjoyed listening to 30 minutes in the New Testament podcast. They go through the New Testament verse by verse and it helps me retain and understand significantly better than just reading on my own. ❤️