SCL

I recommend something along the lines of Dan Edelen’s “Best Bible-Reading Program”:
http://ceruleansanctum.com/2007/01/the-worlds-best-bible-reading-program.html

Basically, it’s reading an entire book of the Bible over and over, looking for different themes and (this is the key part) not moving on until you feel that you have put into practice what you have learned from that book.

Our church has a type of daily devotional online and each year they go through different parts of the Bible. It’s cool b/c you get a different perspective of the passage from whoever wrote the entry that day.

http://wmcc.jointhejourney.com

I also recommend My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers as a devotional if you are not studying a particular chapter of the Bible. It has helped me a lot with things I am struggling with lately like faith, doubt, and discipline.

Two ways: 1) Like others, I’m going through the Bible chronologically right now. I’m slow, too, so I’m still in mid February, but that’s ok.

2) I’m also working on a little project to create a Wordle for each chapter of the Bible. Follow along if you like, at The Wordle Bible. Sometimes I have a comment or two, which may or may not be interesting, but the Wordles are always fun to see–it often helps me to see the themes of the chapters in a slightly different way.

Thing is, I’ve read most of the Bible, but I’ve never really gone through the whole thing carefully, so this is me doing my best to really try and take in God’s word, drink it deep, and let Him show me new things.

So many awesome comments! So much to think about…

I met Jesus in Mark just three years ago, and was so hungry for more I’d just pick a book that sounded awesome and read it.

Then I got anxious about reading the whole bible, so I tried to start at the beginning and go through. That didn’t go well.

Then I got discouraged and quit reading, or read sporadically. That didn’t go well either.

Now I’m reading a daily chronological bible with my family right after putting my 2 year-old to bed and right before the rest of us go to bed.

There’s someone mentoring me right now who basically just reads Luke and Acts. That really inspired me and freed me from the “obligation” to read everything. Now, besides family reading, I read an epistle at least once a week. They’re my favorite.

This year I started reading through a plan like yours, which is in D. A. Carson’s book “For the Love of God”. I like that with this particular one, I read a little bit of four different books every day, so that it’s not like I’m stuck in Leviticus every day for weeks
Only problem is: I haven’t really been sticking to the “every day” thing lately. But I refuse to feel guilty about it and give up – I like the way my pastor put it, saying something like this: If you start a Bible reading plan, you probably won’t stick to it. But even if you only look at 30% or 50% or 80% of it in the recommended time, that’s x% more than you’d be doing without the plan, so it’s not a bad thing.”
I used to think that reading plans were a bit regimental, and that it would be far better to “read in the Spirit”. Then I discovered that the Spirit can work through any way you read the Bible, and I’m much better using a more disciplined approach.

I first read through the Bible as a kid with the Picture Bible comic-style version. And later as a teen through KJV and NIV. As an adult, I’ve done the One Year Bible a few times, each in a different translation. Then last year I did the Chronological NLT which was a really enjoyable version to read through.

But now, I’m doing only one chapter a day and blogging about it everyday. I have really liked it because it forces me to process and personalize it more. I also am going in no particular order, just going each day to wherever I feel led. I think only my mom and a few friends follow it, but somehow knowing it’s public holds me accountable.

Like a few of you, I’m reading through the Bible not in a year but in my own pace. I’m in 1 Kings right now. Each day I also usually do something additional according to whatever’s going on in my life. For instance, for Sunday School we’ve read through a few of the epistles lately. Also, on days like today when I’m falling into old ruts and not loving people close to me, I read the things God has used to convict me about that in the past. Tonight it was some tough 1 John — I am forgiven, but I am also called to walk in the Light and love my brother. Anyways, that was a big of a rant. All that to say… I’m reading through with random stuff supplementing.

A couple years back I read the chronological daily Bible and it was the best Bible-reading experience I’ve ever had.

This is my experience: whether I read methodically, open randomly, or read selected passages in church, the holy spirit speaks to me personally through the word, as long as there are these ingredients: my faith, the holy spirit and the word.

That being said, I read it in order, randomly after prayer, in a daily reading like ‘A Year With Jesus’, in group bible study, in church. All of the above.

I close my eyes and hold it with one hand. I use my other hand, point and stick a finger in wherever it lands, open it up that page, and keeping my eyes closed circle my finger around and then point to one of he open pages and start reading there.
sometimes, if i connect, ill red the next chapter or two, underline a few verses, or ill just read on verse and do the process over a few times.

I used the Life Application Bible the first time I read the Bible through as a new Christian. It has alot of commentary notes at the bottom of each page, helping to clear up the more confusing verses in each chapter. I’d have never gotten through Leviticus without it.

For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re a dork. I’m glad you posted this because it inspires me to do something different. Thanks! I’m going to check out that website another commenter suggested.

I consider myself fairly intelligent (ha!) but I have to admit, I get lost reading through the OT so I am reading a children’s version by Karyn Henley called the Day by Day Bible. It’s pretty darn awesome (and easy to understand)!!

I’ve been following the reading plan on God’s Bible iphone app. I love it – and I’ve been commited to it since the initial release of the app. I was given a promo code to download the thing, but I would definitely pay the 99¢ the developer is asking. Anyway it’s pretty cool if you have an iphone or ipod touch.
God’s Bible

if you’re interested in checking it out.

I have grown up in a wonderful Christian home and I attented a private Christian school that really helped me grow as a Believer, but honestly for the longest time I never just sat down and read the Bible. Isn’t that silly? Well, for lent this year I decided to read only Christian books and also the gospels. I was dumbfounded. Here is this amazing God that I have served for almost ten years(my ten year “anniversary” as a Believer is in October) and I have been missing so much by not reading His Word.

So, to answer your question, I try and just go through it one book at a time. He speaks to me in the oddest places and through the oddest things. A great friend of mine, who is also a wonderful spiritual leader in my life, says that he will only ever read through the Bible on way and that is straight through from Genesis to Revelation. While I think that is a great way, I also think that sometimes God might want you to read some obscure book because that is an amazing thing in there that He knows you need to learn at that time.

~Hannah

LOVE the “God is love” idea. Best thing (for me) I’ve ever seen on this site, as I struggle with the same foolishness of thinking of God as only a judge. Thanks.

I’ve read through some of the other comments. It’s great to see/hear all the different methods that are used.
I like the chronological-thing. It does help to see the over-all story, or “big picture.”
Personally, each day I like to read a broader passage to see a whole story unfolding; and also, in a different section, tackle a single verse or short section, looking “up-close” at some of the details.
I’d like to say I accomplish my goals in Bible reading daily; but I must confess that, like a lot of goals, not everything happens as desired. Didn’t Paul write something about that?

Presently , I follow a method of scripture study called lectio divine meaning ‘divine reading.’ Essentially, it is meditating and assimilating scripture as a whole into your life.

The method of lectio divina follows 4 steps or elements: read, think, pray, live. The concept behind the elements is that each one will reveal a different aspect from a certain passage of scripture.

The Message bible created a devotional called Solo. The devotional uses the lectio divinia method of scripture reading and it covers 365 days. Day 1 starts in Genesis and each day after covers certain key passages throughout the bible.

Growing tired of writing in journals, I started a blog to keep up with the information I was learning in my time with the LORD during the Solo study. The blog is more based on information, but it will serve as a wonderful reference tool later on. Here is the link if you are interested: http://forthisveryday.wordpress.com/
I have enjoyed the renewed excitement this devotional and method of study has brought to my quiet times!

I love your site and your insightful questions! Have a wonderful day!

Interesting point about the detailed instructions.
Currently, I’m reading a book with my friend from out of town. We’re reading acts and discussing each chapter via email. It helps me get more out of each passage because I’m looking for something to talk about. Then, I get her insight. So, that’s waht’s working for me.

I piggyback an OT book with a NT book, without specifications of the number of chapters, verses, etc. The books are chosen based on the relevance of my church teachings as well as life circumstances.

While I read, I underline verses that speak to me, then compare between OT, NT and prayer journal.

Sometimes I read through with a plan … through one year or two years. Sometimes I take a break from that and read more slowly, or focus more in depth on whatever Bible study I am a part of. Right now, I’m finishing late on a 2 years through the Bible plan. (I’m in Corinthians and should have finished a bit ago).

Something that was so beautiful in your post was that you are finding the love of God in the Old Testament. It’s something I am more and more amazed by all the time. We grow up hearing about “The God Of The Old Testament” vs “The God of the New” (at least I did) and other than salvation itself, nothing amazed me more than to find all that grace, mercy and love throughout the entire Old Testament.

michele

I’ve read the Bible through several times now and I use a different approach each time depending on what I hope to get out of it.
This time through, I’ve chosen a chronological, 1-year reading plan. As mentioned in another earlier post, it really helps to get a “big picture” view of what the nation of Israel was experiencing and gives some background as to whay the prophets were giving the messages they were giving.

I am reading through the Bible with my kids at bedtime. Well, often I do. Not every night. Like if I’m too tired, or if it’s just way too past their bedtime. But I’m doing it often which is better than…not often. We are using Back to the Bible’s Chronological approach, and I read from The Message, because when we started in January and we were going to hear the Creation story AGAIN I wanted it to seem fresh and new somehow to the kids, and I thought the language in that translation would help. When we miss a night I don’t try to go back and catch up, because I know we would just get further and further behind and then we would give up, so I just read (generally) whatever night we are on, and at the end of the year, they won’t have heard every word of the Bible, but they will have gotten a lot more than they have before, and from more parts of the Bible than before. I sometimes paraphrase things, like calling rape an “attack,” and when the guy cut the woman into pieces to send to the tribes I just skipped that part all together–I have a 6 and 7 year old, after all.

Last year I read through the chronological Bible. I enjoyed it very much. I loved how the prophets were put in the timeline with the kings they interacted with in life.

This year I’m reading through The Message. Just wanted a different take on the Bible. Glad to see I’m not the only one behind-not as behind as you -I’m on May 3rd. I see different things each time I sit down to read and that’s what is exciting about it all.

I suffer from speed reading.

All my friends were speed reading and it just seemed like the thing to do. It got so bad that I would hop and skip over whole passages not just geneologies.

Anyhow, my wife bought me the Bible on CD and now I read along while listening. It’s kind of like scripture training wheels.

Before Bible on CD I would’ve never discovered the prayer of Jabez unless someone gave me the book. But listening and reading makes even the dry parts of the law interesting.

I’ve been going through the Solo devotional like @Lauren above. It has its good points and bad points. But overall, I recommend it strongly.

peace|dewde

New reader here, think I’ve posted a comment once, really like your blog.

I’ve been reading the Bible straight through, for over a year now. It has taken me so long because, I wasn’t reading it regularly, but now I am. I’m reading a KJV Study Bible given to me as a high school graduation present. Tough going, but so worth it. Think when I get to the end, I will start all over again, but concentrate on a main idea as I read. Genesis, relationships. Exodus, sin… and so on. And I will probably read my ESV Study Bible after I’m done with this one.

Every few years I switch to a different traslation. It prevents me from quickly skimming over sentences that I’ve read before. It keeps it fresh.

I’m reading the New Testament chronologically. It’s quite a bit of flipping around. I’m loving the NLT right now.

I’m reading the One Year Bible but decided in late January that I was just going to do Psalms, Proverbs and New Testament everyday this year. Occasionally I’ll check out the OT verses for the day but I’m inevitably at a part where someone is being stoned to death and I get freaked out and have to flip to Philippians or Corinthians and soak in some “Buddy Jesus lovin.”

I do want to read the OT but as a new-ish Christian I end up with more doubt than faith after my OT sessions.

My missions mentor told me to try to read 3 chapters at a time, going back and forth between OT and NT. So when I finished Genesis (reading 3 chapters at a time) I started on Mathew, then back to Exodus, etc. It was working great until I finished 1 Kings and realized I wanted to keep reading the story. It had gripped me somehow. I’m on Nehemiah now and still haven’t revisited the NT. I will, eventually, I’m just not sure how far the OT is going to take me before it lets go — if it ever does before I reach the end.

I say a prayer and then just flip open my bible and read what ever chapter or chapters I land on. I can’t say that everytime my flip open choice presents me with a nugget of wisdom I was searching for, but I always find something reading that applies to me, or just shows me another view of God’s awesomeness. Other readings are follow up or preparing for lessons.

My pastor encouraged us to read “the music from Heaven” (5 Psalms a day) and the “wisdom from Heaven” (Proverb a day) and I have been doing that on and off for 20 years. I usually find something new everytime, as life changes but God’s word stays the same. I draw hearts too…but where the verses have “heart” in it (yeah.I know. real original) But works for me
I am reading thru the NT, and we are doing OT @ church as well.

i’m reading through this year, but i have to go back and fill in some gaps for days i missed. right now, the OT passages are in I Chronicles so I’m swimming in pudding trying to get past the begats. I throw in a Psalm and a Proverb ’cause that’s what Jesus would do.

I’m using “The Essential Bible Guide” which gives 100 passages from the Genesis through Revelation. I guess it’s a fake read-your-bible-through-in-a-year, but it’s been helpful, just to see how things all fit together.

God gives me a couple of books to read and study and then I do so.

Now I am in Acts and Nehemiah. I cried in Nehemiah 1.

So, a lot of times I just like to go to Biblegateway.com and put in Psalm… and then slap my hand down on the number side of the keyboard and read the number that comes up

I read it as if the my heavenly Father is talking to me personally. There are many things that I don’t understand and so I get frustrated, but the Father comforts me and strengthens my faith.

I mix it up. Every other year or so, I read through the Bible. Sometimes I do a topical study. Once, I used the New Living Bible’s cross reference of the Beatitudes to really study them. Right now, I am reading my least favorite prophets: Jeremiah/Lamentations, and Ezekiel. Why? Because God told me to. And I am enjoying them.