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Advice for Starting a Bible-Reading Plan
Thu., Dec. 26. 2013 3:27pm EST
J. Jackson here again. Sometimes fans ask me for advice on how to start a consistent pattern of Bible reading. My main advice is to read something, anything -- even if it's just one chapter or even just one verse -- every day.
It's easiest for me to read the Bible early in my day, before other distractions take over, but some people prefer to read it before bed. Actually, I read it by myself in the morning, and also with my wife at bedtime, so I know both methods work!
We have many Bibles in our house, but I usually do my morning reading online at http://www.biblegateway.com. BibleGateway is a free, searchable, online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages. It'll even read you the passage aloud if you like!
The Bible is the only book I've ever read that gets better every time I read it. I learn more every time through, and every part helps you understand other parts.
You can read through the whole Bible in less than a year if you read about three chapters a day, except Psalms. The Psalms are shorter and more plentiful, so do about 10 of those a day when you get to them (you might want to take a whole day for Psalm 119, though).
Or just read three chapters a day plus one Psalm, and then you'll get done 15 days earlier, plus you'll have read through the Psalms almost two and a half times. The Psalms are great, and they'll really help you with your prayer life.
My wife has used the One-Year Bible a number of times. It gives you a specific reading in the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs for each day. There are online Bible-reading programs, too, including http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com
I don't think I've ever had a day when I said, "Man, I wish I hadn't read the Bible today." I'm always glad I did. You will be, too.
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