Reading the entire Bible is something that every Christian should try to do in their lifetime. We have so many opportunities to engage with the word of God that weren't available to Christians in the past. The printing press,the internet,apps on your electronic devices and more have only made the Bible easier to obtain. I say this not to shame anyone who hasn't read the Bible, but to remind us all that we can quickly get back on track. And God doesn't require us to read the Bible in a single year. All that is required of us is that we engage with God through His word.
I have read the Bible through in a single year. I enjoyed doing it and would encourage anyone and everyone who wants to start a project like that. But there are reasons why I won't be doing that right now. Instead, I'm going to try a less stressful plan that I found at the Ligonier website: Bible Reading Plans And the plan I will use is called "Every Word in the Bible." (Link to the PDF)
This is a plan that reads through the Bible one chapter at a time and alternates between the Old and the New Testaments. And for those of you doing the math, the schedule would take me three years to complete the Bible. Why such an easy goal?
- Reading three chapters a day to complete the Bible in one year isn't "hard" but when you get behind by a day or two, you can really get stressed out. Engaging with God in His word shouldn't be a task that causes anxiety and it shouldn't be done out of a legalistic heart or just as something to check off of a list.
- There are places in the Bible where a TON of information is discussed over three chapters. You sometimes read more than you can really digest. I want the freedom to linger in a reading a bit more.
- There are places where two chapters at a time is ideal. I think of the story of Joseph in Genesis and how his life can be contrasted with that of Judah.
- There will be times I read more than a chapter. There will be days I don't get to it. I am expecting to complete this project in more than two years but less than three.
- I will also be reading outside my schedule, both in the Bible and in other books. I expect to have some reading to do for my life group at church and am part of a group of guys who meet with the pastors weekly to discuss future sermon. Reading a plan with one expected chapter a day allows lots of time for extra reading.
- Finally, I do not plan to document every reading here. I do expect to share some of my thoughts, but this blog is semi to fully retired. Daily posts just aren't happening. It isn't you, it's me. :)
Oh, and Happy New Year!
