Daily Bible Reading
At the beginning of the year, we embarked on our journey to read the whole Bible in a year. This is the fifth year that we as a family have done it, and the second year Lincoln Baptist has set out on this journey.
During lockdown I have produced daily devotional videos to go alongside the readings. To encourage you to keep reading, here are 10 tips to help in your journey to read the Bible in a year!
1. Choose your Bible! – there a lot to choose from - wide margined for notes, pocket size, hardback, mobile and digital versions etc. By choosing one particular Bible for your reading Bible, you will find it becoming a ‘friend’ that you daily connect with. Personally, I have a wide ruled (to make notes) with thick paper (to allow for highlighting).
2. Choose your version! – With lots of versions to choose from, I would recommend either a dynamic version such as the NIV for basic reading, or a Literal version, such as the ESV, to allow for a deeper study into the language. Click here to read more on Bible Translations.
3. Use a plan! – don’t just open your Bible and pick through the chapters. Using a plan will help make systematic reading more achievable. We have produced a small booklet giving you a daily or weekly plan, if you want a copy please email admin@lincolnbaptist.co.uk or fill in the contact form
4. Set a time and stick to it! – Each day set a specific time that you plan to read. I recommend setting that time in the morning (before you get going). I personally read at 9am before I start any work, but after the kids have started their day.
5. Location is important! – Don’t read in the same place every day, change it up. I recommend not sitting in bed or a soft seat where nodding off is likely. I tend to read at my desk or sitting outside.
6. Have a notepad and pen nearby! – Come to your reading expecting to not understand everything (note it down), expecting to have verses stand out (note them down) and finding yourself asking questions (note them down).
7. Partner with someone! – Maybe it is your spouse, a family member or someone from church, whoever it is, partner with them as your journey together. You can discuss passages, talk about what you find interesting or challenging. If nothing else, you will be spurred on to keep up to date as someone will be checking on you.
8. Use a whole Bible commentary! – If you have the time, read the passages first then read the appropriate section in a whole Bible commentary (I personal use Don Carson’s - available here). Extremely helpful when digging a litter deeper, changing your reading into studying.
9. Highlight! – Use highlighters to make themes and topics stand out. I highlight all prayers, commands and Gospel focused verses (amongst others, there are too many to list).
10. Pray! – Before you start reading, pray that God will give you a desire for His word, when you finish, pray that God will give you understanding and ability to apply what you have read.
Pastor Ross Ferguson
If you prefer a video format - here is the Top Ten Tips in Video :)
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTHVQCyo5cw&w=854&h=480]