Bible Reading by Mary Loudermilk

Have you ever read the Bible completely through? Statistics show that most Christians have not. Many begin but become overwhelmed at the task—that’s 1189 chapters and 31,102 verses! Actually, it is not as daunting as it may seem. You can read the Bible through in a year by committing 20 minutes of your time each day and reading only four chapters or less.

If one of your goals is to read the Bible more or to read it entirely through, you will be enriching your spiritual life as you do. Here are just a few of the benefits that God’s Word brings into our lives:

 • Gives hope Romans 15:4

• Brings light Psalm 119:105, 130; Proverbs 6:23

• Keeps from sin Psalm 119:11

• Brings joy Jeremiah 15:16

• Gives nourishment Job 23:12; I Peter 2:2

• Gives power for salvation Romans 1:16

How do you plan to structure your reading? There are a variety of methods to use. You might choose to read straight through from Genesis to Revelation. Or, perhaps you want to read in chronological order or by topic. Other plans alternate between the Old and New Testaments or have you read a chapter from Proverbs each day. Whichever method you choose, charts are available to help you track your progress. Some Bibles are designed with reading programs that will guide you through the year. One version even combines the readings with a daily devotional. Or check online. There are sites that will send you a daily email with the scripture portion for the day.

As with any endeavor, it is important to start with prayer. Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and illumination. Also, remember that our purpose is not just to read—zipping through the chapters to say we are “on schedule”—but to also comprehend and meditate upon each passage. Keep pen and paper beside you as you read. Ask yourself, “What does this verse mean? What does it mean for me?” If God gives you a thought or special illumination regarding a verse, write it down. If something is unclear, note your questions so that you can later search out the meaning. Pray and ask God to help you understand His Word (Psalm 119:18).

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself as you read:

• Is there any command for me to obey?

• Is there any sin for me to forsake?

• Is there a promise for me to claim?

• Is there any blessing I can enjoy? • Is there any action I should take?

• Is there anything new I have discovered about God?

Be consistent. You will have more success if you have a set time and place for your devotion. It should be quiet and where you are not apt to be interrupted by other family members. (If children are old enough to understand, train them that this is your time with God and do not interrupt mom. What an example this will be to them as they establish their own relationship with the Lord.) If something happens and you miss a day, don’t give up. Just start back the next day. If you have trouble finding enough quiet time at home, do you have uninterrupted moments in the car? Try an audio version of the Bible and play it as you go. Many people use their morning commute to spend time with the Lord. The audio version is also good to play as you read in your Bible. That way you see it and hear it at the same time, which will increase your memory of the passage.

If you do not meet your goal to ready the Bible through in a year, do not despair. Daily reading will still enrich your life and strengthen your walk with God. If it takes you 13 months, 15 months, or even two years to read the entire Bible, you still deserved to be commended. It’s what you have hidden in your heart that counts, not the speed with which you achieved your objective.

Related Resource: Bible Reading Guides

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