I have a confession to make. It wasn’t decades into my Christian walk that I managed to read the Bible cover-to-cover. My intentions were great; I would breeze through Genesis and Exodus, but as soon as I was midway through Deuteronomy, my eyes would begin to cross, and my self-discipline would go out the window. My daily Bible reading would fade away and my secret guilt and shame would increase. The trouble was, I just couldn’t figure out how to read it on my own.
The Lord led me to follow a daily reading plan that didn’t leave me mired down in long lists of genealogy for days on end. Most Bible reading programs are like a well-balanced plate. A bit of this, a bit of that, and a side order of this, and you have a nourishing meal. A passage each from the Old and New Testament, along with a portion of a Psalm and a Proverb or two, served me best!
Maybe you are like me! Maybe the problem isn’t a lack of self-discipline. Maybe you just need a little supportive help as you enter into the rhythm of a daily Bible Reading Plan!
You don’t need to wait until you buy a new Bible, you can download a Bible app or read the Bible in a myriad of ways online!
Did you know that my ministry has provided several Daily Bible Reading Plans for over 12 years? You can find them on our website, Encouraging Bible Quotes (ECQ).
Many of the plans listed on the ECQ are complete with ‘click through to read the passage’ links! Do me a favour? If you find these plans helpful, pass them on to your friends by using the share button on each page of the ECQ website.
I will be listening to the “Daily Audio Bible” on a daily basis once again. 2017 will be my 7th year through, reading the entire Bible in one year. I started mid-way through 2009. Every day since 2006 Brian Hardin sits down and reads the Bible, recording a new podcast each day. This isn’t an ‘audio bible’ that he recorded once long ago. Oh no! He’s there daily! He provides a short commentary before the beginning of each new book of the Bible as well as commentaries at the end of several of his daily readings. The sense of community is very powerful at DAB, and Brian has thousands of loyal listeners!
I will also be listening to several books of the Passion Version Bible. The translation is not yet complete.
Due to eye weakness, I find it easier to hear the Bible these days as my eyes become strained from too much reading. However, for Bible study, I make constant use of Bible Gateway. By the way, you can also listen to several Bible versions on that site.
The Power of Daily Bible Reading
“This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christians character.
Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good is its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is given you in life and will be opened in the judgement and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.” – Author Unknown (Quoted in the Gideon Bible)
All Bible verses, unless otherwise attributed, are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
Until Next Week
©2016 Katherine Walden
Sign up to receive a weekly emailed devotional by Katherine by using the following form.