New Years Bible Reading Resolutions

As we head into the Holiday Season I am reminded of one year end ritual I always have - feeling guilty about not  completing my goal of reading through the Bible in a year.  If you're like me, you start well but get stalled.  Something comes up, you get off a day or two, lose your place, the Bible collects dust on the table or in the car, and you get discouraged.  Over the years I have tried many different things - Guilt, no Bible - no breakfast, Guilt,  enrolling in online college courses, Guilt, Small group leading, making online Bible sites my home page, and many others.

What I've learned is, there are a few keys to success -  First of all, there may be some dude who spent three hours each morning reading his Bible Scrolls and Praying before work, but I don't know him.  We all have to give ourselves a little Grace and room for error.  If you fall off the horse - get back up and start again!  Second, just because that dude said you have to have your Bible study in the morning, doesn't mean you have to!  Find a time when it works best for you.  We all have different schedules and preferences for morning or night.  Figure it out for you and make it happen!

Reading in a language I don't understand just doesn't work for me.  I wasn't born in the middle ages, so I don't read the authorized King James anything.  If you can't understand all the Thees and Thous, check out The ESV or NLT translations, you'll find they are much easier to read and understand than even the NIV many of us were raised with.  If you can't understand the language, you're wasting your time, get a good translation.  

Bible Reading also needs to be convenient.  One of the best ways I have found is to have a Bible with me at all times.  I used to be too shy to carry my huge NIV study Bible around, now I can carry the NIV, ESV, and numerous other versions around on my iPhone with YouVersion.  Now whenever I have a free moment I can get into the Word.

Bible Reading should also be systematic.  Random opening and reading can get you in real trouble.  YouVersion has also allowed me to track my reading progress on a specific read through the Bible in a year plan.  That way, I haven't skipped any of those parts of scripture I might have in the past.  

Lastly, Bible Reading should be for the right motivation.  You shouldn't do it because me or your pastor said so, you should do it because you know and Love Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.  You should read because you are fascinated that the God of the universe chose to come as a baby, live a perfect life, and die on a cross for your sins.

If you're considering reading through the Bible this year, check out these sites to find a good plan.  Better yet, download You Version, carry the Word with you wherever you go and get to know your Savior.

- Jim

Bible Reading Plans

All About God  – All about Bible reading plans.

Bible Gateway.org - Comprehensive plan, Biographical plan, Key passages in 61 days, and Chronological Plan

Discipleship Journal – 5 minutes a day, Book at a time, and 4 books at a time complete Bible plan

ESV Bible Plans - Read through the ESV with one of ten different plans

You Version – Online Bible and Smart Phone Bible with electronic reading plans!  This has >20 plans to choose from – whole Bible, partial Bible, and Topical plans.

Bible Software

ESword -  Free Bible Study software