Do you tend to have one repeating new year’s resolution each year — to read the Bible through in a year? Or maybe you just want to establish the habit to read the Bible daily.
Here’s a tip. Don’t wait for New Year’s to start reading. Start now in November. That will give you some cushion for reading through the Bible by December 31, 2011.
I just finished reading through the Bible. I started last September and finished this November. It took me more than one year, but the point is not whether I did it in 365 days. The point is that I read through the whole Bible, book by book, verse by verse, seeing new things and receiving fresh insights. I also found that having a plan was comforting. I never had to wonder what to read next. I just looked at my little checklist and kept reading.
I’ve already printed out a new checklist. This time around I plan to take the the books of the Bible randomly (or as the Spirit leads) and allow myself a more leisurely pace for study.
This is my favorite Bible reading checklist —Read Through The Bible in a Year. (I don’t know where I got it originally, and the file doesn’t say. So I uploaded it to my own website.)
Two other options:
And two reference charts that I refer to often:
Enjoy your time in the Word.
Okay, I’ve printed off my copy. Shall I shamefully confess that I have *never* read the Bible all the way through, start to finish? I’m nearly certain that I’ve read all of it, skipping here and there — all of the minor prophets, all of the majors, etc. — but never cover to cover from the beginning to the end.
I like the idea of starting now so I have some cushion. I’m one of those anal-retentive types — if I get too far behind the daily readings, I’ll just quit.
One question, out of total curiosity, why is this particular checklist your favorite. Inquiring minds want to know. 😉
I like those little check off boxes. Okay, I confessed it. I am a “box checker.” LOVE that!
Applause!! Good for you! Now that’s a goal I could actually reach but only if I make time for it. Thanks for the inspiration. Over the 34 years since I became a believer, I have read all of the New Testament, most of the books more than once, but it’s the Old Testament that I get bogged down in (like, Judges, perhaps). Perhaps I should just set that as my goal. I like the idea of just starting it now, not waiting. Advent will be starting soon – it kind of sneaks up on us. Is that something you do? Oh, Happy Thanksgiving, by the way! Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in China? Or perhaps you celebrate the Chinese thanksgiving day – is there one? Questions, questions!
Well, Thanksgiving is not celebrated in China. But we usually do something as a family. Last year we traveled to Big City to eat real turkey with American friends and be thankful. The year before that, we had Beijing Roast Duck at a fancy restaurant in our city, just the three of us.
When you live abroad, you can’t be a stickler with holidays or you’ll be really disappointed. I mean, I can’t buy turkeys or cranberries here. Even in Big City, buying a turkey is not easy or cheap. Fresh cranberries — non-existent. So you need to focus on the meanings behind the holidays rather than the trappings. But really that’s how it should be anyway.
This year we are spending Thanksgiving week in Hong Kong for a family vacation. I’ll be offline all that time. But I’ve got blog posts lined up for you while I’m gone. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
I found that once I gave up the idea of reading the Bible through in a year, I read more and read better because the (self-imposed) pressure was off. It’ll probably take me two years to complete the one-year checklist I’m on (in chronological order). I love checklists too!
Margaret,
I totally understand. Some years were like that for me too. But for some reason, recently a checklist has worked. Who knows?
My new favorite way to read through the Bible is chronologically. It is amazing the insights you get reading the beginning to end story of the Bible. Also it made me realize how linear I am and need to have that timeline in my head.
Have a great year reading through again.
I used the “Our Daily Bread” devotional purely for the “Read the Bible In One Year” program outlined each day and managed to keep it up all year. I think “E-Sword”, the free computor Bible program, offers Bible reading schedules.
It has been refreshing to read it all and not jump around in themes or individual books. I learn new things all the time! I’m stunned to read things that I must have glossed over in previous readings. If only I could be a fervent memorizing scripture as the Chinese underground believers who weep for more Bibles!
I printed your “check list” and I’ll start this evening to read the Bible in a year. I’ll write about this post in my blog in the next days. Thanks for this good, very good idea!
I always get bogged down in Job or Psalms. I’m so not a poetry person. I keep intending to get the chronological Bible to do this.
Question for you, I’m trying to put together a Christmas around the World unit for my kids, any Christmas traditions over there you’d suggest (or similar holidays)?
Jimmie,
Thanks for the encouragement to be diligent and faithful to our goals! I bought 3 bags of cranberries today to use in my candle decorations. I’ll cook up a few and eat them in honor of you!!!
Getting a head start on a yearly Bible reading plan sounds like a great way to spend Advent! Thanks for posting.
That is a great idea! I think this next year I’m going to do the same thing with school too. 🙂 Super short summer break so we can feel ahead all year long, rather than behind!
Too bad I won’t have a similar plan for exercising!
Jimmie,
Thank you so much for posting this. I have tried the Reading through the Bible in 90 days challenge twice and did not reach my goal. I am going to be using this reading schedule!
I do love to read the scriptures but our family tends to read less and ponder each scripture more. So this year I am using a scripture mastery system instead for my ADHD son. So far he has memorized 6 key scriptures and we have discussed why these were so important. This seems to be working for us but either way I know we always need a good system to keep us on track. I also like to check off the box.
Thanks for sharing.
Jimmie
I’m interested in reading the Bible maybe it will help me. How do I get a copy of the checklist that you used? I think it would help because I’m not sure where to begin.
Thanks
Theresa