Read Your Bible

Here is a picture of my Bible reading plan from this morning as I sat reading. It's kind of tiny and coffee stained, but it's what works for me to help me regularly read through the Bible. Almost weekly as I preach and teach others, I am encouraging them (you) to read your Bible, but sometimes I think people do not read because they simply do not have a workable plan. So I want to give you the basics of what I do, so that if you do not have a plan, you could at least start here.

1. Get a physical Bible. 

I am very easily distractable with electronics, and while I do have several Bible apps, for my regular daily reading, I sit down with a physical Bible, and it helps me focus.

If you do not have a good paper Bible, here are some links to ones I recommend. 

ESV Study Bible - This is a big dude with lots of info. It's the one I'm currently reading through.

CSB Study Bible - This version is little easier to read and it's currently my favorite to recommend to people who are non-readers.

Any simple reading Bible. If you need large print, there are lots of them available, just go to Amazon or Christianbook.com and you can find them. Invest in a good paper Bible it may help you.

2. Get a plan.

In the picture above you see that I have printed out plan with daily readings listed. It is a Bible in a year plan, but I do not use it that way. I just read the next chapter, and some days I read several chapters. It generally takes me 2-3 years to read through the whole Bible, then I print out a new plan and start over. I like marking off the reading and seeing my progress. I also have the same plan in my Bible app that I can read on my phone or tablet when I'm not home for a few days.

Here is a site to choose from a number of different plans. Bibleplan.org . You can start just reading a part of the Bible or get a whole Bible reading plan (which is what I really recommend). Most Bible apps also have plans, but again if you are easily distracted, you are probably better off having a paper copy as your primary reader.

3. Set aside some time

I do my daily reading in the morning when I get up. It's become really routine now. I generally spend 15 minutes reading the Bible and if I have time, I also read a devotional, pray, and spend time in Bible memory. Set aside 10-15 minutes at some point during the day to make it a habit and you will be able to read at least a chapter a day. I often still miss a couple days a week, but that's often because I'm in a group Bible study in the morning those days. 

Honestly, this will probably be the hardest thing for those who do not already do it. You have to commit to setting aside some time. If Bible reading is a priority (and it should be in your relationship with God) then you have to make time.

4. Take notes.

One of the things that has helped me focus, especially on some of the "boring" parts of scripture, is to write at least one note for every chapter I read. I do use a notes app on my phone for this, and yes it sometimes distracts me with other notifications. I would recommend a notebook and pen right alongside your Bible. Also, do not be scared to write in your Bible. Highlight, underline, and make notes for yourself. Use your Bible. Study your Bible. I use a pencil in my Bible to underline and take notes there too. Anything about the passage that strikes me, I write a note. Any thought that God brings to mind, I write a note. It keeps me engaged, and often God uses these lessons throughout my day to bring His word back to mind. 

So, if you don't have a plan, this could be a good starting point. God has spoken, and we can hear from Him daily. Let's read our Bible together.