Holy Habits: Bible Reading
One of the most important habits we can build as followers of Christ is reading the Bible. As Christians, we believe the Bible is God’s Word, authoritative, true, and trustworthy. The Bible is the firm foundation that we seek to build our life upon.
Some people struggle with this important spiritual discipline because they do not believe they have the time. They think that a “good” Bible Study must require tons of time. While we think it is important to spend time in God’s Word, you might be surprised to know just how quickly you could read through a Bible, the New Testament, or even just a book of the Bible if you just took 5 minutes a day. Check out this helpful article about taking time to read Scripture.
The best way to build a discipline is with a plan and there are tons of great Bible reading plans out there. Here are a few we would recommend:
Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Plan
If you want to read the whole Bible in a year, including the New Testament twice, this is a great plan. This plan includes a daily email with the readings in text and audio form.
F-260 Reading Plan
Designed for “busy believers” this plan focuses on the foundational passages of Scripture that every believer should know. Read 1-2 chapters a day for 5 days a week.
5 Day Bible Reading Program
Read the entire Bible in a year, or choose the New Testament Plan, and do it just five days a week. This is a great plan that builds in days where you aren’t behind if you happen to miss reading.
The 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan
This plan helps you read through the entire New Testament with just five minutes a day and five days a week. This plan also comes with five helpful ways to dig deeper into your study.
The 4 Gospels
If you want to focus your study on the life of Christ, this study allows you to read all four gospels in just 45 days. A great in depth study of the life and teachings of Christ.
Morning Word
This plan sends a short email to your inbox every day and helps guide your quiet time with a prayer, verses to read, and reflection questions.
We hope you will find a plan that works for you and allows you to grow in this important spiritual discipline.
Here are a few more helpful tips to starting and maintaining the discipline of Bible reading:
Find a time and place
To help establish a consistent rhythm, find a good time in your day, and a quiet comfortable place to read your Bible.
Find a way to reflect
Reflecting is a crucial step to understanding the Bible. Consider journaling as a way to reflect, writing down what you are learning.
Find a way to take it with you
Make sure your Bible study isn’t separated from the rest of your day. Find a way to take what you learned with you. Memorize a verse or write it on a notecard.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17