A Bible Reading Plan – The Most Important Reading Plan

Having a consistent Bible reading plan is the most important reading plan there is. Steph shares some of her Bible reading plan experiences and insights.

The Most Important Reading Plan

I’ve reviewed nonfiction books and novels. I’ve shared insights about how to choose books to read and movies to watch. I’ve given you brief overviews of books I’m reading and those I want to read.

But today, I want to discuss the most important reading plan of all, our approach to the Scriptures.

Reading Through the Bible

Some of you read the Bible every day. Some read through it, Genesis to Revelation, each year. Some read snippets of God’s Word and focus more of their reading time on supplemental materials—or totally unrelated books.

Most of us would say it’s best to “do our devotions” most days, if not every day. But even if we do, will we always get the most out of it? Will it transform us into the image of our Lord and Saviour? Will it affect every area of our life?

A Consistent Reading Plan

I’d like to say that I have a consistent, well thought out Bible reading plan. But that would be far from truthful. In this, and may other areas of life, I fall prey to the Oo, Shiny! Syndrome.

Maybe this new copy of the Bible … Maybe this new devotional … Maybe this new reading challenge … Maybe this will be the tool that eliminates my bad habits and gets me into God’s Word consistently.

Advent Reading Plans

Right now, I have two Advent reading plans on my Kindle, one in the top drawer of my desk, and a fourth in my Bible journaling supply box.

Have I consistently followed any of these plans? I’m sure you know the answer is no. Sigh! But does that mean I should give up? That I have given up? No!

Bible Journaling Reading Plan

Just this week, I began using my Bible journaling devotional once again. For the past two days I’ve created simple journaling pages that focus on a single truth that stood out to me.

Did it take me a long time to do the reading and create these pages? Definitely not!

Is it always enough to spend 15-30 minutes looking into the Scriptures? No. Is it better than spending an hour or two one day and then putting my Bible aside for a week or more? Absolutely!

Consistency or Inconsistency

When I was raising my three children, I kept running across the adage that consistency was one of the most important elements of parenting.

I would say, “The only thing I’m consistent with in my inconsistency.”

Sadly, that’s been true in the area of Bible study as well. I want to take it all in. I want to use every attractive tool on the market. I want to do so while accomplishing everything else on my To Do list as well.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

Bible Reading Plan for the New Year

One of the things I believe the Lord is challenging me to do in the new year is enjoy what I have instead of always running after “just one more.” Just one more online course. Just one more book. Just one more Bible study plan.

At the end of the day, all I need access to my Bible and the discipline to set aside time to read it and pray.

Bible journals are nice. Devotional books can be helpful. Commentaries can increase my understanding and insight. But a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is more important than any of them.

A Challenge

Our pastors will be challenging the congregation to stick with a Bible reading plan in the new year. Some will read the Scriptures through multiple times. Others will read through it once. Still others will read less—but hopefully, more consistently.

I aim to be in that third group.

I will still read other books. As I’ve often said, my To Be Read shelves, both physical and virtual, are bowing under the weight of unread volumes.

I will read devotional materials and listen to devotional podcasts.

I will continue to Bible journal, making visual reminders of truths the Lord is teaching me.

But my #1 aim will be to prayerfully read God’s Word at least five days per week, following a consistent plan rather than chasing after every shiny new possibility that comes my way.

Choose a Bible Reading Plan

I encourage you to decide on a Bible reading plan of your own. Not because I say it’s a good idea. Not because your pastor says it’s a good idea. But because the God of the universe has chosen to communicate with us through His Word.

When we meditate on this truth, it’s a wonder why we don’t set aside the distractions the cause us to forget it.

What frightens you? Were do you find certainty? Contact us at HopeStreamRadio,  or comment below.

Are you looking for a great Bible Reading Plan? Check out this free download, available from the Navigators.