I've never read the Bible very much, but I made a New Year's resolution to begin reading it every day, which I've done so far. But to be honest I'm already getting bogged down and don't think I can keep it up. Am I doing something wrong? — C.B.

Let me first commend you for making this resolution - and I pray you'll continue making the Bible part of your life every day. The Bible is God's Word - and God gave it to us to teach us about Himself and show us how to live. The psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).

One reason you might have gotten bogged down is because you started reading some of the hardest parts first. Many people, for example, start reading the Bible the same way they'd read any other book: starting at the beginning and going through it page by page. Before long, they get lost in the detailed laws God gave His people, or in its unfamiliar history.

The best place to begin is with one of the Gospels in the New Testament (such as John) because they tell us about Jesus Christ, who is the center of God's plan for the human race. Christ was God in human flesh - and once you understand who He is and what He has done for us, the rest of the Bible will make more sense.

In addition, whenever you open your Bible, ask God to help you understand it and apply it to your life. The Bible says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).