For some time I have wanted a chronological Bible-the Bible in historical order. Last fall I bought one and started with Genesis. I'm on January 17. But then I started a study of David and decided to jump ahead so that I could learn more about David while doing the study. I started with March 31. I didn't read every day and some days I would read until I ran out of time. Most of the Psalms are one after another, so I've jumped ahead again and I've done the same with Proverbs but I'm still reading. I'm now understanding the divided kingdom better and where all the prophets fit into the overall history.
So what about you? Have you struggled to read the Bible from front to back or do you do it every year? The big issue for me came after I looked back at my summer reading list. In the front of my prayer journal, I list all the books I read and the date. I've realized I spend hours reading, mostly Christian fiction, but not my Bible. I felt convicted to pick up God's Word and since then have cut back on my fiction reading unless I have the time.
How long does it take me to read my daily section of the Bible? About five to ten minutes. How can I get that in? Skip reading the morning paper. Get up 15 minutes earlier. Waiting in line at the bank. While Ian does a puzzle at the library. While eating my lunch. Waiting for Liz to get out of school. At dinner with my family. Before falling asleep.
Challenge time. Pick something that works for you. New Testament 2 chapters at a time. A daily Bible. The Chronological Bible. On your Kindle or Nook. The Message Bible. An audio Bible. Give it a try and I'll check in with you in February and we'll see how everyone is doing.
Happy reading. Michelle