If you’re like most Christians, you have thought about reading through the Bible. Maybe you have tried in the past but quit somewhere along the line. Or maybe you have done it successfully … perhaps numerous times.
Why is it so important? Can’t we get everything we need by going to church, reading a verse or two each day, and listening to podcasts here and there? Isn’t it just too time-consuming? One more thing on a long to-do list? And if we make that commitment, how do we press through when it’s tempting to give up?
Please keep reading. I’d like to answer those questions and offer you one more way to help make this your year to read the Bible from start to finish.
Reading through the Bible – Why It’s So Important
One of the most life-changing decisions I have ever made was to begin reading through the Bible each year. It has driven my love for God and my understanding of His word deeper. The result? A closer relationship with my husband, more peace, and the ability to trust the Lord no matter what the circumstances.
And this is not theoretical to me. In the years since, we have faced many of the same kinds of issues as you probably have like caring for aging parents and then their loss, helping children and grandchildren, heart-breaking family struggles, and changes, planned and unplanned.
But despite it all, I have experienced God’s peace and comfort in profound ways.
The Most Important Reasons
Of course, while life change, peace, and better relationships are all good reasons for reading more of God’s Word, the most important ones are to please Him, get to know Him better, and bring Him glory.
The good news is that while those should be our most important reasons, we get many personal benefits, as well.
More Reasons to Read Through the Bible
The world around us is in upheaval. Everything is changing right before our eyes. Even in the church world, there are many examples of compromise and, in some cases, false gospels being taught as truth. The only way we’ll know the difference is by knowing His Word in context and rightly understood.
Also, these are challenging times and we’ve probably just seen the beginning. Without being firmly grounded in the truth, it’s unlikely we can stand strong in a changing world or when life gets hard.
There is only one thing that never changes. One thing that will be a light to our path and a lamp to our feet. One sure foundation and an anchor for our souls … God’s Word.
It’s a firm foundation when all around us is sinking sand, our comfort in chaos, our standard for living, and wisdom for today and the days to come.
How to Successfully Read Through the Bible
Like any new habit, reading through the bible can seem challenging at first. But, here are seven things that can help.
First, remember it’s not about perfection. Even though it has become as much a part of my morning routine as brushing my teeth, I still miss days and fall behind. When I do I don’t stress about it, I simply catch up one chapter or portion of a chapter at a time. Occasionally, I just pick up and start where I need to be.
Second, change your mind. It’s not too much. It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the entire Bible out loud “at a pulpit rate.” That breaks down to 12 minutes a day. And since most of us don’t read out loud, 10 minutes is more realistic.
Granted, you don’t want to just read. 20 minutes would allow you to journal your thoughts and take a few minutes to pray about what you’ve read. 30 minutes would give you time to read a bit of commentary on the readings like my “God’s Word Day by Day” devotionals.
And this year, I’m offering a new way to follow along with me … on YouTube. You can visit my channel and watch the trailer here.
Third, there is value in accountability. Do it with a friend or your spouse, if he or she is willing. You will grow in your relationship with God and with one another.
Fourth, create a habit. Set aside a specific time. Morning is best for most of us but your lunch hour, at naptime or after the kids go to bed or some other time will work if you purpose to be consistent.
Fifth, apply what you read. Seeing God work out His purposes in your life, experiencing changes in your relationships, and seeing the growth of your faith and trust in Him will encourage you to keep going.
Sixth, you can always start small. You might, also, consider just doing the Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament reading which would only take about 5 minutes a day.
Seventh and most important, pray for God’s help. Ask Him to give you a growing hunger for His Word and help to stay on track.
Make the Commitment
So, why not make this coming year the one where you do it? I would love to encourage you with my daily devotional. You can sign up here or as I said visit my YouTube channel and consider following along there. If you sign up for the daily email, you’ll find a link to each day’s YouTube video there, as well.
And if You’ve Been Reading through the Bible
If you read through the Bible this past year, what about taking an even bolder step? Why not ask a friend, family member, or co-worker to read through the Bible with you? Text or email a link to this post and ask, “How about it?”
The world around us is perishing—people are dying and going into an eternity where they will be separated from God forever, marriages are falling apart, children are suffering, and so much more. Are you and I willing to step out in faith and make a difference with God’s help? Even people who don’t go to church will often respond positively to the question, “Would you like to read the Bible with me?”
I hope you will join me.
Blessings,
Donna
This is an edited version of an earlier post.
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