Nessa D

Hey y’all!

As y’all know, I’m a Christian and I’m an avid reader. I’ve also read the Bible from Genesis to Revelations like over five times. I do it every year and each time I find something new that I didn’t notice before. I’ve actually been surprised by how many people haven’t read the Bible in its entirety. No shade at all, I just assumed everyone have (yes I’m that ignorant. I apologize). Anyway, if your goal is to read the Bible from beginning to end, this post is for you. Also, if you’re struggling to find Bible reading enjoyable, don’t fret because I have tips for you also.

First things first, why even read the Bible? Some people view it as a book of stories. Some people say they were written from men so we shouldn’t take it seriously. Some people view it as outdated. However, everything that was written in the Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). For example, say there’s a CEO of a company who wants to send an email out. He/She has a secretary write down what to say in the email and the secretary sends it out throughout the company. Who’s words were they? The CEO’s or the secretary? God sent his inspired words through his holy spirit to each writer of the Bible.

What treasures lie in the Bible? You can find answers to life’s big questions (Proverbs 2:1-5), guidance for everyday life (Psalm 119:105), and actual real hope for the future (Romans 15:4). Is the Bible valid? Yep! Even though it was written by 40 different men over a time span of 1,600 years, all the words are harmonious. Some weren’t alive at the same time! Science and historians back up what the Bible teaches. It also has reliable prophecies, like the fall of Babylon.

So, how did I do it? How did I read my Bible in just under a year?

• Set time aside – I personally set an hour each day but you can set aside as little as five minutes. The point is to set aside time each day!
• Be consistent – I hate missing days! It makes me feel bad because I try to prioritize my Bible reading. It’s important that I show up each and every day. The more consistent you are with it, the more it will be like second nature. Even if I have to read one chapter, I will read one chapter. There have been times when I’ve missed one or two days but I try not to make it a habit.I personally try to read about three chapters each day. Sometimes I read more sometimes I read less.
• Find your why – set your intention on reading the Bible? Is it to get to know the true God? To deepen your knowledge of the Bible? Why are you reading the Bible?
• Write it down – Is there a particular scripture that stands out to you during your reading? Write it down! Is there a point that you’ve learned about or realize? Write in down! You can use a notebook designated for it, a little book of notes, or a Bible reading journal, like the one my cousin got for me! It really helps! Some people like to mark in their Bible or write notes in their Bible. I personally don’t but by all means go for it!
• Set the scene– Remove distractions. Try to have a snack or a drink. Pray BEFORE and After each session. Ask him to let the words teach you about him, find a lesson in what you read and how to apply it to your life. Treat it as a special time between you and God, which it actually is!
• Record it – Note down what scriptures you read? There are Bible reading trackers all over the web. I used mine in my Bible reading journal. If you don’t have one, feel free to use the one below! It also feels so good to mark your progress!

There you have it! That’s how I read my Bible in just under a year.

What if you don’t find your Bible reading enjoyable? What if you find it boring? I got you!!!!

• Use technology – Listen to someone reading the Bible. Look up the locations online. Search for artifacts from that particular time period. Compare different versions of the same scripture
• Use art – You can try sketch notes as you read. Draw a scene that you’re reading about.
• Act it out – Act out a scenario. If you got friends or family that is willing to participate, get them involve! Go all out if you can, like with costumes, musical instruments even down to preparing some meals if you can!
• Investigate – If you don’t understand a topic or maybe if you want to know more on a person or any matter, investigate. Do some research! Have a favorite Bible character? Learn more about that person.
• Switch it up – Try different things. That way, things will never get boring
• Use tools – There are some Bible reading tools that you can use to bring more life to your reading, for example, the Bible reading journal I’ve mentioned have prompts that you can answer as you read.
• Seek help – Ask God to help you enjoy reading his word the Bible. You can also seek the help of someone who has found reading the Bible enjoyable!

If reading the Bible is your goal, I say go for it. I hope you find these tips helpful for your Bible reading journey. Let me know if you have additional questions!

What do you enjoy about reading the Bible?

XOXO,

Nessa D.