How to Read the Bible in a Year
Reading God’s instruction guide, the Bible, is a great approach to understanding God’s will for your life.
“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.”
There are several approaches to read the Bible in a year. Some choices are beginning-to-end, historical, chronological or blended (reading selections from both Old and New Testament). Pick the right plan for you. Because it is a big book, remember the old saying: “when eating an elephant, take one bite at a time.” And if you are prone to confusion or daydreaming while reading, here are three rules to follow:
Read The Bible With the Author in Mind
The Bible is the main way the Holy Spirit communicates to us. If you want to hear from God, read, study, memorize and meditate on His Word. If you sometimes get confused when reading, remember that you have access to the Author. Ask Him to make what is written plain to you. “For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Read the Bible With the Hero in Mind
“The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit will bring glory to me by taking my message and telling it to you.” (John 16:13a, 14) The Bible’s New Testament is the story and teaching of Jesus and the Church He built. (Matthew 16:18) But remember that “We have found the one that Moses and the Prophets wrote about. He is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” (John 1:45) The Old Testament is really all about Him as well. When you read with that in mind, many of the mysterious parts become more clear.
Read the Bible With Change In Mind
The Bible is personal. It is not just a book of facts and history. James, half-brother of Jesus, compares reading the Bible and coming away unchanged from it to a foolish person looking in a mirror, seeing disarray but failing to make adjustments: “You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” (James 1:24) God’s Word is meant to persuade you of the truth about His power, glory and love. It is written to give you hope and make you holy. “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17) And most of all, God wants us to resemble Jesus Himself: “God, in his foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son.” (Romans 8:29)
Pray this week:
Father, will you show me why it is important to read Your word?
Do you get confused when reading the Bible?