“The Bible was written not to be studied, but to change our lives.”
– Dr. Howard Hendricks
Yesterday, I shared my heart about the importance of reading the Bible, and I asked if you’d join me in making an increased commitment to Bible reading in the new year.
One year it took me four months to complete this Bible, and another year it took me six months. Some actually do complete it in the advertised 90 days, but sometimes being a mama means that days aren’t perfectly planned out.
By reading only twelve pages a day, it is possible complete this entire Bible in 90 days. Most days, you can read the twelve pages in about 45 minutes time. I usually do it in the morning, but you can break it up and do six pages in the morning and six pages at night, or whatever works for you.
If you don’t want to purchase the Bible, you can find a similar reading plan available here and here, and you can simply print it from your computer (for free) and use it with your own Bible. There are also Kindle versions available here.
The objective is to read the Bible.
Some will complain that reading it through this quickly doesn’t give you a chance to really study it, absorb it, meditate on it. I know. I’ve heard the arguments, and I beg to differ. I enjoy the “big picture” aspect of reading it through this way, and then pausing to study in more detail when I come across an intriguing passage.
Reading the Bible through, whether you’re reading it in 90 days, one year, or five years, will change you. Period. You will learn and you will grow; you will become a student of the Word and not merely a spectator. You will be a participant in the Word and no longer a passive observer. You will discover firsthand the truths that He has revealed in His Word. Your spiritual life will grow and mature. You will begin to crave that special time in the Word each morning!
Five Tips To Help You Begin:
1. Choose a reading plan, and then set a time aside each day to read.
Do not say that you will read here and there as you can find the time…. the time will never come.
2. Commit to waking 45 minutes earlier each morning, and set your alarm.
3. Get the coffee or tea ready the night before so it’s easier to grab a cup and stumble over to the armchair.
4. Do not do a “quick” check of your email before you complete your day’s reading, and don’t open Facebook, either. Stay focused! No computer time until you are done!
5. If you are unable to finish your reading goal that morning (perhaps the children awoke earlier than normal), then commit to finishing the reading during naptime or just before bed. Don’t put it off until the next day; it will quickly become overwhelming.
In twenty years, will you still be wishing you had done it? Or will you make this year the year?
I’m praying for you – I know you can do it!
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Cindy says
I have read my Bible through for the last 12 years or so and I have learned SO much, It’s an important part of my day. You have some wonderful and ideas here, the 90 day plan sounds very interesting.
Thank you for your ideas and inspiration.
God Bless you,
Cindy
becky b says
I completed the 90 day bible reading plan this last summer. What an incredible journey! Though I’ve been a believer for most of my (almost) 40 years I had never read the Bible all the way through. Reading it in such a condensed amount of time really made the story come to life! It will seem overwhelming and “what am I really getting out of this fast-paced reading” at first but the benefits and blessings when you are done are amazing!
Wonderful post!
Blessings,
becky
Country Girl in the City says
I have tried the 90 day plan a couple of times and failed. I really like the idea of it though, and I want to give it another try. I have experienced that “big picture” aspect from the reading that I did complete and I really liked that. I don’t want to be wishing in 20 years that I had done it….
Margaret
King James Bible Society says
Can we suggest the King James Audio Visual Bible (it’s free)
http://kingjamesbiblesociety.org
or
kjavb dot com
Country Girl in the City says
Hi, I posted a comment a couple of weeks ago and I just wanted to let you know that your inspiration has kept me going. I’m working on reading through the Bible in 90 days using YouVersion on my i-Phone and i-Pad. I do my reading while I am nursing the baby. Works great! And the best part is that I am really getting that “big picture” feel again and it sure makes things click into place for me.
Margaret
Jaime says
Margaret, I’m so glad! Thank you for coming back and letting me know… what an encouragement you are!