Paul charges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), and Scripture is God’s primary tool for accomplishing that (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The less you have been transformed, the less you will experience the fullness of life God wants for you, and yet most self-professing Christians have never read the entire Bible even once. We’re giving up so much joy by continuing to be who we are.
It doesn’t have to be that way, though! Never in history have we had access to the resources that we have today. It’s super easy to get started immersing yourself in Scripture and to stay on track. You can read through the entire Bible in a year in just 15 minutes a day.
Strategies for Success
John Arnold from The Practical Disciple has put together an outstanding resource for making Scripture a regular part of your life. Here are his strategic tips:
1. Set a specific reading time AND backup plan.
People with a set time for reading are five times more likely to be reading after thirty days. Select a specific time, for example, “I will read each morning before the kids get up.” or “I will read during my lunch break.”
The one plan that almost no one thinks to have, but will save their reading is a backup plan. You need a backup plan for surprises in your schedule, for example, if you happen to oversleep one morning. You also need a backup plan for weekends or travel times when your schedule is out of its norm. These are events that you know are going to happen, so be prepared. Your backup plan may be as simple as, “If I miss my reading in the morning, I will read at lunch before I eat.”
2. Follow a daily reading plan
Many bible reading plans are strategically designed to help break up difficult portions. I personally found having a reading plan more effective than reading cover to cover as a beginning bible reader. Later on reading cover to cover was manageable and meaningful, but only after I had greater familiarity with the books of the Bible.
3. Resume reading as if you never stopped
The absolute best thing you can do when you get behind is to pick up where you left off and just start reading again. If you feel like reading a few extra chapters at some point to catch up, that’s great. However, don’t let those chapters keep you from moving right now. What’s most important isn’t catching up. It’s establishing a habit of daily reading. Let me repeat that — What’s most important isn’t catching up. It’s establishing a habit of daily reading. Establish a reading habit and you’ll read the Bible dozens of times.
4. Commit
Commitment means deciding to do whatever success takes. Commitment means never making an exception. I recall in college sitting out in my dorm hallway stretching to stay awake while reading my bible. I was in the hall because I came in late and didn’t want to disturb my roommate who was already asleep. I’m glad now that I gave that extra bit of effort so that reading every day became a norm.
5. Pray
Perhaps it should go without saying, but reading scripture is a holy task. This isn’t a text book or a novel. The Word of God should be approached with reverence and expectation, for God will speak through it to you repeatedly if your heart is open and waiting. Before you read ask God to illuminate your mind. Pray for understanding. Ask God to fill your heart with a desire for His Word. When you finish reading give thanks for any insights, comfort, encouragement or other blessings you receive.
This is just some of the great information in John’s guide, so definitely check out the whole thing! It’s linked in the sidebar of his site.
Tools That Help
An extensive study by the Center for Bible Engagement found that reading the Bible even three days a week showed no more transformative difference than not reading it at all. Tranformation didn’t happen until a person was consistently reading at least four days a week. If you want to be transformed and experience more and more the amazing joy God has for you, consistency is critical. These tools will help.
Bible Reading Plans
There is almost no end to the number of Bible reading plans freely available today. It can get overwhelming. Here are some recommendations.
We highly recommend this plan from BibleProject. It takes you through the entire bible in one year, and the scriptures are divided up into sixteen “parts” and organized in semi-chronological order. You’ll read two or three chapters a day, and sometimes skim through larger portions that contain genealogies, census information, etc. Maybe the best part is that it lists the relevant BibleProject videos as you go along to give you an even more immersive experience in God’s Word.
Bible Study Tools has some outstanding plans as well that cover more angles than you probably ever imagined — from 71 days in Isaiah, to a plan to read the whole Bible in 90 days, to a 21-day musical reading experience through the book of John.
Bible Apps
With every year that goes by, Bible apps get better and better. Not only do they make reading more convenient, many of them have Bible reading plans built in. Everyone has different preferences, but we bet you’ll love at least one of these: Bible Gateway app, YouVersion app, goTandem app.
Get Started!
Committing yourself to Scripture is the most transformative thing you’ll ever do, and there’s no time like today to get started. 15 minutes a day will change your life in ways you can’t even begin to imagine!
Feature Photo by nappy.