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Help! How Do I Read The Bible?

One of the common questions that I get asked (in fact, I was asked it twice this week) is, "How do I read the Bible?"  And for the record, I love being asked this and any question about the Bible! On the surface, it sounds like a simple question to answer, "Just start reading." But it's not that simple.

Why does reading the Bible seem so hard to me?

  • I don't own a Bible (or the translation is in ye old English).
  • I started reading Genesis and Exodus, but then I hit Leviticus (ouch).
  • I'm busy and don't have a lot of time.  I read when and where I can.
  • I read a verse, but I don't know the history or context around it.
  • I'm smart, but there are words I've never seen before ("propitiation").
  • I feel like I have to read a lot at once or God will be upset with me.

How do I read the Bible daily?

  • PURCHASE a good, hard copy Bible.  The ESV Study Bible is handsdown the best.  It has all kinds of notes and explanations.  The ESV (English Standard Version) is a very accurate translation that uses language that is understandable and readable.  Why a paperback or hardcover Bible and not a digital one?  See the next point.
  • Always read with a PEN in hand.  Nothing beats underlining, jotting down a thought, circling words, or even writing a quick prayer in the margins. You can bring your Bible to church and make notes in it during the message.  Before long, you'll have a customized Bible and commentary all in one.
  • Get a reading PLAN.  I suggest reading the Bible book by book.  But do not start with Genesis. Genesis and Exodus are great, but then you hit Leviticus and will get bogged down quickly.  Start with reading the Gospel of Luke and then Acts.  Plan to read one story each time you read, not a whole chapter or more.  It's better to read a little, digest it, and apply it well, rather than read a lot, but not get it.  Read for transformation and application, not just information.
  • Pick a PLACE to read.  I keep my Bible in a drawer next to the couch because the couch is the best spot for me.  Two places that are terrible Bible reading places are the bathroom and the car.  Need we elaborate why???
  • Make the same time each day a PRIORITY.  Early in the morning with a cup of coffee is my reading time because I'm a morning person.  Pick your best time of day, and give that to God.  If you need to put it in your iCal and set an alarm, do that!  If you don't plan, it will not happen.  There are too many excuses and things that will take your time unless you make a plan.
  • Get some HELP.  Ha! You thought these would all start with the letter "p".  We all run into some things we don't understand in the Bible.  Instead of quitting, get a resource that will help you.  The ESV Study Bible has many notes and helps built into the Bible itself.  If you read book by book, get the Life Application Commentary for the book you are reading.  Click here to see one for the Gospel of Luke. It will define terms, explain context, give explanations, clarify questions, and even help make the leap from reading to application.

What about reading the Bible with my children?  We have you covered here