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I had tried a million times before, but I just couldn't get past Leviticus. I would stall in the layers of law unable to pull myself out from under them. Finally, in 2010, I came across a plan. Crazier than the ones before, but sometimes crazy is just what you need. I would try to read through the Bible in 90 days! This time it worked. Yes, Leviticus was still a challenge, but the speed at which I needed to go to finish on time meant that the reading of the law wouldn't last forever! It was the plan I needed to make to Revelation.
So why would a person read through the whole Bible? Wouldn't it be more effective to focus on a few verses or a book and really dive deep? Here is why the one reason you should give it and try and the many reasons you shouldn't...
Don't read through the Bible...
To get deeper understanding of all its details. That's what Bible studies that focus on a certain topic or book are for.
To go on bunny trails. The goal is to read it to the end and not to stop along the way and branch off onto other topics.
To get all your questions answered. I can assure you that after reading through the Bible several times (mostly with the 90 day program), I have more questions than answers.
Read through the Bible...
Because it is a complete story of God's love for you. Plain and simple...to really know the story you have to read it in its entirety. You can't get halfway through and then go to the end to see what happens (Haven't we all done this once or twice with a novel?), because you will miss along the way the ways He loves us. You read it to get the big picture...not the minute details. You read to see its Author as He paints a picture of who He really is. It isn't about depth of understanding, bunny trails, or answered questions. It's about a big picture.
Want to give it a try? Let's take a look at some resources you can use to read through all sixty-six books.
The Bible in 90 Days- This is my personal favorite way to read through God's Word. It gives you a great overview. I am a fast reader and get bored easily if a task is too long. So ninety days works for me. It is a commitment of about 45 minutes to an hour each day. So if you are wanting to do this plan make sure you are in a season in life that works for you. For example, as a teacher, I try not to do a read through during the school year.
The Daily Bible- I loved doing this chronological Bible one time when I read through. The passages are divided into 365 days and are laid out chronologically. When you get to the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes they are grouped together according to topic. A very thought-provoking way to read! As a warning through this Bible is small and has small print. It might be good to download it if that is an issue for you.
Every Day with Jesus Bible- The next time I read through I am going to do this Bible. Every day you get a passage from...
- The Old Testament
- The New Testament
- Psalms
- Proverbs
There is also a short devotional after each day's reading.
Here are a few more resources on my blog about reading through God's Word:
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