The Best Bible-Reading Plan EVER

Don't think you could read the whole Bible? Maybe you just need a different purpose for reading it than you've ever had before.

How about reading the Bible simply to get to know God? No worksheets to answer. Nothing to study. Just read, keeping the focus on a single question: What does this tell us about God?

How about, if you get behind, just jumping back in at the current day's reading? So much better than letting guilt keep the book shut the rest of the year.

Yes, you'll have questions. Yes, there will be things you don't understand. That's OK. There will be enough you do understand, and the more you read, the more clear things will become.

That's because God speaks through his written word. He knows what you need to know, and he will guide your understanding.

Reading plans abound, and most have something good to offer. But here's the best Bible-reading plan EVER:

Start at the beginning of the Old Testament, with Genesis. Read three chapters a day until you've finished that. Then read Matthew, at the beginning of the New Testament, three chapters a day. Then back to the Old Testament to read Exodus. Three chapters a day, occasionally four. Fifteen to twenty minutes.

Alternating Old Testament and New Testament books like this means you never get "stuck" in the OT. And you'll start to see some amazing connections early in your reading too.

This plans also breaks up the book of Psalms into readings at four different times throughout the year.

Starting Sunday, January 1, 2012, I'll post the readings for the week along with just a line or two of introduction.

If you're "not a reader" and the thought of trying this gives you stomach cramps, consider listening to each day's reading. Biblegateway.com offers audio for several different translations.

Online or on your phone is a good place to go to find a modern translation too ... especially important if when you think "Bible" you immediately think "archaic, hard to understand."

Most of the Bible originally was both read aloud and discussed in community, and it's still a good idea. If you can, find a friend or two to read through the Bible with you. Get together once a week for coffee and talk about what you've read ... what you've learned about who God is, verses that stood out for you, questions you have. You might want to make notes in your Bible or keep a journal nearby.

I've been part of three different women's groups that followed this or a similar plan and talked about it each week. If your heart is open to hear from God, you'll have an amazing experience!

Want to join in?
Leave a comment to let others know and encourage one another.

Then come back January 1 for the first week's readings.