Tips for reading through Scripture next year
by Andy Scheer
When January arrives, you have a fresh opportunity to fulfill your resolution to read the entire Bible in a year. Taking it one day at a time, it’s easier than you may suspect.
Tips:
● Establish a routine. I’ve done my daily reading on a Chicago Transit Authority El train, during lunch, at my desk during breaks … the key is finding a time and place that fits your schedule.
● Be flexible. If you miss a few days, keep going. Catch up if you can, but don’t quit. Last year after finishing John’s gospel, I decided to take another run through the Gospels. This past year I began with the Gospels, then finished the year with the minor prophets.
● Follow a plan. Google “Bible reading plan” and you’ll find multiple guides. After a few years using plans that specified daily Old Testament and New Testament readings, I took an approach I find easier. Starting in Genesis, I read straight through. Just three chapters daily and five on Sunday gets you there. You don’t need a schedule, just a bookmark.
[cryout-pullquote align=”left|center|right” textalign=”left|center|right” width=”33%”] As I listen, I follow in a text version—sometimes the same translation, sometimes not.[/cryout-pullquote]
● Listen as you read. Several years ago I received an MP3 audio version of the entire Bible. It’s revolutionized my daily reading. Even when the narrator gets to the “boring parts,” he never misses a beat. Same with those hard-to-pronounce names. As I listen, I follow in a text version—sometimes the same translation, sometimes not.
● Listen online. Besides text versions, BibleGateway.com offers audio of six English translations. Whether you listen online or with a gadget, the audio doubles the input you receive and helps keep you on task.
● Tell a friend. Especially if you’re new to this, find a friend to read through the Scriptures with you. If you don’t need the accountability, perhaps your friend will.
