"Visit many books but live in the Bible." ~Charles Spurgeon

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

Often Christians know they should read the Bible, but are unsure how to begin. Here are some steps I use to read my Bible making it a daily part of my life.

  1. Read at a set time each day. I have learned through my studies, what gets scheduled gets done. I read the Bible at the same time each morning, so I don't get side-tracked by something else.  Before I pick up my phone to check messages, I pick up my Bible.
     
  2. Use a balanced Bible reading plan. Since it is easy to get "stuck" reading a  challenging book like Numbers for a month, I've included this Bible plan which I use. It guides you to read from a different book of the Bible every day.  For example Sunday I'm in Romans, Monday in Genesis, Tuesday in Joshua, Wednesday in Psalm, Thursday in Job, Friday in Isaiah and Saturday in Matthew.  This variety keeps Bible reading alive and interesting even through the more challenging books.
     
  3. Highlight or underline as you read.  To some the thought of marking in a Bible may seem disrespectful, however it helps me focus my attention and get back to those passages which I found particularly inspirational or meaningful.
     
  4. Identify at least one key verse.  After reading the passage for the day, select a verse(s) that had particular meaning or was an inspiration to you. Write them in a journal along with any thoughts you have about it. Reading the Bible isn't about just reading it, but about changing our lives through it. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25
     
  5. Don't worry about missing a day.  If you have a perfectionist personality this can be difficult. We want to do the best and if we can’t, then we don't want to do it at all. However, when it comes to Bible reading, this mindset is a trap. It is essential to continue to make progress. The truth is, we all are going to miss some days and it's ok. Just pick up the next day and keep moving.

The key is to have a plan and keep it simple. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Don't get hung up on what you don't understand. My husband isn't a natural reader yet he has now read the Bible through 9 times. His solution is to listen to the Bible being read through the Biblegateway app while he reads along in his physical Bible. I have a devotional book which I read every day along with the Bible passage I have from the plan for the day. Find the combination that works best for you – you won’t be disappointed!

BENEFITS OF READING THE BIBLE

  •  You can be reminded of specific messages or stories that relate to your personal concerns.
  •  You will be taught how to make both wise and unwise choices through the example of other's in the Bible.
  •  You will be guided to a treasure chest of promises God has made and how He desires to lead you in your current situation.
  •  You will be filled with God's peace as worries of this world are pushed back by the realization of God's immense power and love.
  •  You will be convicted of things that are destroying your walk with Him and stealing the pure joy He desires you to have. The pride you have in your own efforts diminishes as you look to God. Your sin stands out and you turn to Him.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward."
Psalm 19:7-11

Reading the Bible every day equips me to focus on God and His power instead of my inability or trials. It encourages me to be kind and forgiving rather than annoyed and irritated. It helps me to be bold and courageous rather than timid and fearful. It inspires me to be thankful and peaceful rather than discontent and distraught. I am a different person, who makes different choices, when I read God's Word.

"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law." Psalm 119:18