BIBLE READING TIPS

So many people have good intentions when it comes to reading the Bible, but it can be an overwhelming task – 1,189 chapters!!!!

The Old Testament is the longer of two sections – the New Testament being the other.  Certain areas of the Old Testament are repetitive and contain historical information regarding the nation of Israel.

There are all kinds of plans available for reading the Bible in a year or two.  This is a daunting task that will require you to read over three chapters per day [for a year]. That can be kind of time consuming for a slow reader!

There’s nothing magical about reading the Bible through in a year!  Vacations, holidays, trips and stressful periods often interrupt our reading plan.

Here’s a tool that might help you.  It can be downloaded at:

https://visualunit.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/bible_reading_chart.png

 

It allows you to read in complete freedom wherever you like on any given day and then simply ‘x’ off the chapter(s) you read.  You can jump around as much as you like!  You can read in multiple sections at the same time!  It allows you to easily keep track of your progress.

SOME TIPS:

1.    Secure a Bible that will hold your interest.  My favorites are:

·         The Message by Eugene Peterson – language of the 1990’s.

·         The New Living Translation was originally done by Kenneth Taylor in the 1960’s so   that his children could better understand the Bible.  Eventually, it was refined by   teams of scholars and is an enjoyable rendering of the scriptures for us today.

·         The VOICE Bible is a very creative version of the Bible produced by Thomas   Nelson Inc. and released in 2012.  Many writers, musicians, artists and language   scholars collaborated on this project.

·         The New International Version was an attempt to create a commonly accepted,   evangelical Bible at a time when so many translations were flooding the market.   First available in 1978, it has undergone numerous revisions.

Using a study Bible is a great idea!  These incorporate notations and explanations to help with understanding the passage.  This will slow your reading progress, but expand your understanding. 

 2.  Set a regular time and place to do your reading and try to be faithful at this newly desired discipline.

 3.    Make notations as you find things that strike/impact you.

·         One option – if you don’t mind, is to simply make marginal notes/symbols in your Bible.

·         Few will do this, but having a partner to talk with throughout the process can be enriching!  Use the technology of the day to compare notes, hold one another accountable, share discoveries and ask questions. 

     4.    Many pastors may be willing to be a resource to you when you have questions or need            explanations. 

            As an alternative, there are usually astute people in the church who have spent their lives        exploring scripture.  These people often are used as Sunday School teachers!  Tap into            their wisdom as well!

       5.  Exercise GRACE!!!!  Don’t quit because you missed a week of reading!  Jump back in!    You have not failed!  God is not disappointed in you!

  6.   When you’re ready to do so, add prayer to your reading time – even in its simplest forms.    Just a simple prayer like: “Lord, as I read today, show me truth that will help me to live pleasing to You! Amen.”

       Also, if people come to your mind while you’re reading, jot down their name and believe  that God brought them to your mind intentionally!  Pray for them!

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Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Bless those who may embark on the challenge of getting more familiar with Your Word!  Guide them! Teach them! Use them! Grow them! FOR YOUR GLORY!  AMEN!