This time of year I always get excited about starting a new Bible reading plan. It just seems appropriate to begin a new one at the beginning of a new year. Below are a few tips and tricks to help you get started and stay with it.

  1. Be consistent – Pick a certain time of the day that you can use as YOUR time to read the bible. Don’t let people, chores, busy work, or Netflix or Disney+ get in your way. Choose your time and read. It does not have to be a long time either. You would be surprised how much reading you can do in 15 minutes. The key is to choose that time and don’t let anything get in your way. 
  2. Be reasonable – Don’t choose to read late at night when your eyes are tired and easy to close. Choose a time that you can think and reason and meditate on the Holy Words. Choose to read what interests you. It might not be reasonable for you to read through Leviticus or Revelation just yet. choose a book or a section that stimulates your spiritual mind and creates excitement in your efforts. Choosing a book that is reasonable will help you be consistent and will help you meet your goals of daily bible reading. 
  3. Be accountable – Ask someone to read daily with you then you discuss what you have read with each other. This can be done face to face or even over the phone, text, email, or social media. The point it to have someone that will help you stay on track as you read together. This make a huge difference in your reading habits.
  4. Be celebratory – When you finish a chapter, section, book or testament. Give yourself a treat or reward for what you have accomplished. Celebrate the fact that you have completed what you have set out to do. Not that you read the bible to reward yourself physically its still not a bad thing to do so. Of course you are being rewarded spiritually but it can’t hurt to go out for a steak dinner when you have completed reading through the New Testament. 
  5. Be logical – Read from a version that makes it simple if needed. Read from a version that challenges you. Read from a version that is poetic. Read from a version that is accurate. Read, read, read. But do it from a logical standpoint. It might not make sense to read from Genesis then skip over to Galatians. It might be better to read from a chronological standpoint. Choose the best course for you and be logical about it.
  6. Be prayerful – Before you begin to read say a quick prayer to God asking Him to open your eyes heart and mind to what He has to say. Ask him to help you see the message that was given to the original recipients and then to help you see the message for you today. Ask Him to help you make application and share what you learn with others. Ask him to help you keep searching the scriptures and find enjoyment in His word. 

Reading the Bible is the most rewarding when we see the value and the benefit of hearing and knowing God’s word. Let me encourage you to read on a daily basis. It is wise and it will do you good to be in the Word of God everyday. Don’t let a day go by that you have not heard from God from His word. I hope this helps!

I love you, 

Alexander