Commit to Bible Reading in 2011, and Five Tips to Help You Begin

"The Bible was written not to be studied, but to change our lives."

- Dr. Howard Hendricks

On Monday, 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 2011.

Today, I'd like to share something with you that made reading the Bible from cover to cover much easier for my husband and I, and that is the 90 Day Bible:

 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, I 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. 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!  Warmly, 

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