How to Start a Daily Bible Reading Plan

Starting a Bible reading plan is more of a dilemma than most folks realize. Most folks just pick up their Bibles and start reading at Genesis 1. That will work for some. But without some sort of plan, it's far too easy easy to fall out of the routine fairly early. Here are a few suggestions prior to getting started:

• Pray for God to bless the time you give to Him.
• Assign yourself a time of day to do your reading. Choose a time that works for you. It can be first thing in the AM,
  
  during  breakfast (if there are no distractions), during lunch (no distractions, again!), while you are commuting (get an audio bible on CD or use You Version's audio feature on your phone), as you exercise, etc. Establish a routine, right from the beginning, then stick to it. Be creative in finding your time. Spend a few minutes examining your day and find a 15-20 minute slot you can devote to reading your Bible. 
• Choose a plan that works for you and one that you feel comfortable with. Challenge yourself but be realistic about your challenge. Starting with Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System is ambitious but may be a bit much for those who have not used a plan before. Don't jump into the deep end of the pool until you test the waters first. Some folks have done well by simply starting to read one chapter a day.
• Choose a Bible translation you are familair with. If you have no particular preference, the ESV is a good one. Their site shows a number of apps than can easily be downloaded to your phone or tablet. 
• Start with a Bible you already have or can download. Don't wait to order one. Get started right away. If you want to order that leather covered, gold edged, multi-tabbed study Bible, you can transition to it when it arrives. If you're nearby our church, you can drop by and get one of the pew Bibles for free.
• Get set up today! Don't wait until tomorrow. If you start later than Jan 1, pick up where the plan is on your starting day. 
• If you're reading a hard copy version of the Bible, print out your plan and place in in your Bible for easy reference. You can find a variety of plans here. 
• Check off your completed days so you can see your progress.
• Begin every reading with a short prayer, "Lord, speak to me through your word."

The primary thing to remember is, "Don't get discouraged!" You're trying to initiate a new habit. We all miss a day or two...or three...or more. That's not a reason to quit. If you fall behind, don't feel like you have to crash read to catch up. Just pick up on the current reading. If this truly becomes a life-long habit, you'll eventually cover those passages you missed.  Don't let the calendar rule your reading. You're not in a race to finish by the end of the year. You're in this for the long run, looking for a lifetime benefit and blessing, not performing a task that has to be perfectly executed and on time.

If you decide to use You Version (which I highly recommend), set up your account today. Then follow these steps:

• Click on "plans" at the bottom of the screen.
• Click on "Whole Bible" near the bottom of the list of plans.
• Scroll down to your preferred plan. If you're joining us in the Chronological Plan, keep scrolling, it's in there, under "Chronological". Notice, You Version's Chronological Plan is taken directly from Blue Letter Bible , another great resource. 
• The next page has a "Start Plan" button. Click on that button the day you start, hopefully tomorrow morning.
• Once you begin, choose your preferred Bible translation at the top of the page.

One more encouragement! Some may disagree on this one

but I've found it to be effective. Don't read to study, read to familiarize yourself with the text! There will be a separate time for closer examination. Let this daily time be spent absorbing the word, not stopping to examine and study those things you question or become curious or moved about. Stopping to do word studies, background studies or check cross references is a sure-fire way to get bogged down and fail to complete the day's reading.  I'm not saying you shouldn't study your Bible. I am saying that many get immersed in the deeper study and

fail to read the whole Bible. If you want to dive deeper, you

can always highlight those intriguing passages and go back

after you've finished the daily reading. Let this be a time of getting familiar with your Bible and absorbing it on a 30,000

foot level, perusing the books, hearing the story line and savoring the big picture. This recommendation comes with another personal promise -- you'll find the time for the deeper dive as you become more familiar with the whole text. Always keep in mind that you're in this for the long run.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any help getting started. You can reply below, email me or post on the WBF facebook page. I hope you'll join us. I pray it becomes a life-changing blessing whether you read along with us or embark on your own plan. May God lead you, be your strength and richly nourish you through His word!