6 Tips on Reading Through the Bible

Reading through the Bible is often seen as a daunting task. But it is really easy to do if you have a plan.

Here are a few tips for those of you who desire to read through God’s word on a regular basis.

1. Find a chronological Bible or chronological reading schedule to use.

This is not a must but it does help in reading.  Books such as the “4 Gospels”, Kings and Chronicles tell some of the same stories with different details making it seem like “you’re not making head way”.  A chronological reading will have you read passages that have the same content on the same day.

It also will give you a good idea when things were written and the order in which events happened.  For example a chronological reading will “trickle” the Psalms David wrote through out his story. Placing them at the times he penned  them.  They have more meaning when they are read after you have covered the historical story that moved him to sing.

Chronological Bibles can be bought at your local Christian store or @ Amazon.com. The You Version Bible APP also has several different Chronological plans you can sign up for and its free.

2. Read for 30 minutes a day.

This will mean you will cover multiple passages (and if you sign up for a plan that reads through the Bible in a year you will cover multiple days in one sitting.)  This helps move things along and gives you a better perspective of what is going on in the Bible with the story of redemption.

It also shortens the time it will take you to read through the Bible.

3. Speed read books like Numbers, Leviticus and Genealogical passages.

Yes, skim them.  Slow down when there is a story line but when it is just a list of information about who is related to who or sacrificial policy etc… it’s ok to just skim those passages.  I’m not saying they are not important, but I am saying when you are reading through the Bible they are not your top concern and can bog you down and take away your desire to read.

They do make interesting studies… for some…. But for most they are weighty, boring and confusing.  (please don’t murder me for saying that, it’s a commandment you know)

4. Pick a translation that is easy for you to read.

If the translation you use is hard for you to read because it does not flow very well or uses words you do not understand, it is ok to pick one that is easier to read and feels smoother.  The NIVr, ESV, NLT are three very readable translations that are safe and easy to read.

5. Set a time each day to do your reading.

Life has its way of making our schedules for us.   Life will always make sure there is not enough time for you to read scripture. So, do not let it control “if you read the Bible or not”. Schedule a time each day when you are going to sit down and read it and be faithful to reading the word during that time.

6. Take Sunday Off

Yes, take a day off from reading on Sunday.  As strange as this sounds, it really helps you stay faithful to your Bible reading time during the week.  After all the Word Itself rested on the 7th day.

Yes…

I went there.