Helps Toward Daily Bible Reading

Proverbs 8 is the voice of Wisdom personified. In verse 34 she says, "Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors." In other words, Wisdom says we should listen to her daily. Since we find wisdom in the pages of Scripture (the Word of the all-wise God), if you want to listen to wisdom daily, read your Bible daily! I suspect if you're reading this, though, you're already convinced of that and maybe feel guilty about not doing so. But this post is more about the how-to of daily Bible intake. If you wan't more on why we should be doing it and Proverbs 8:34 in particular you can find a message I preached on it here.

I'm posting this well before January 1 in hopes that having a little time to plan will keep you from getting behind before you even get started. If you don't think about how to get in the Word on a daily basis until January 1 (and you want to start in the new year), you're already behind which gives you a reason to not bother starting at all. So why not think about it now so you're ready come January 1?

Here are a few ideas that may help you. Not all of these apply to everyone and some may seem to contradict each other. Context is king; if the shoe fits, etc.

1. Have a (flexible) plan. Besides what you're going to read, decide where and when you will most regularly be able to spend some time in the Word. I hear you moms of littles laughing. But even if the plan is to read 5 verses before you check facebook on your phone when you wake up or when you're in the bathroom (yes, I know kids interrupt there too), a plan will help. If you don't have a plan, don't be surprised if you get to December 2020, look up and find that you haven't read much of the Word.
2. Not in the habit?
   1. Start small. You don't have to aim for the whole Bible in a year. That's a great goal to work towards, but starting there pretty easily ends in getting behind and giving up. The New Testament is a pretty manageable goal. So is one Psalm a day or one chapter of Proverbs a day.
   2. To help with the getting behind part, build in margin (or find a plan that does). There are various plans that don't schedule a reading for every day. It allows for a little "reader's choice" on those off days or make-up for days you've missed. See the link below for ideas.
3. In the habit? Perhaps try something different.
   1. Read the Whole Bible in a year - get the big picture!
   2. Read just the OT - perhaps focus on something in particular - like seeing Christ or tracing the history of God's redemption of his people
   3. Read the NT.
   4. Read Proverbs once a month for 12 months.
   5. Read the same book repeatedly trying to go deep, maybe with a commentary in hand.
   6. Lot's of plans here. (This is the 2018 post for 2019. I expect they'll have a 2019 post for 2020 up soon.)
   7. Find a plan on your favorite Bible app. (Just remember that the same phone that makes it so convenient to read your Bible also creates almost irresistible distractions to keep you from Bible reading. )
4. Use a checklist. A bit scattered and need some structure? Checking off your reading for the day doesn't make you a legalist. It just gives you something to help you keep track of where you are and where you're headed.
5. Don't use a checklist. Prone to find your identity in completed to do lists and think that you will be more likely to get into heaven because you didn't miss a day? Have a plan and read your Bible, but do it because you want to draw near to God and walk in his light.
6. Pray. Pray before you read, while you read, after you read, or all three. But pray. Ask God to help you read and understand. Thank him for his Word. Pray for help to practice what you've read. Pray.

I hope you'll find your way into regular reading of the Word and find great blessing and encouragement and challenge in doing so.