Bible Reading 3
Continuing from the last post, we finish up a list of ideas for different ways to approach reading through the Bible. Of course, how long it takes you to complete any read through, depends on how much you read on a daily basis. The key will always be daily attention to God by listening to Him speak to you directly via His Word (ouch!).
- Periodically select a new and reputable study Bible to read through. Comment on the accuracy and the effectiveness of the notes. Highlight any slanted teachings you discover, become familiar with its maps and indexes so that you can advise others intelligently about the strengths and drawbacks of that particular version. As a study tool, you can purchase the hardback versions, which are normally less than the leather-bound versions.
- Read through a careful, reputable translation that is not your default version. Because Bible reading is relational with the Lord, avoid using this time to read, evaluate, critique, or analyze inferior translations or paraphrases. Save such pursuits, if you find them necessary for a specific Bible study slot.
- Select a question of the year to answer about each Bible book: What should a Christian woman know about this book? Why should a teenager read and know this book? Why should a Christian man read and know this book? How would I summarize this book in fifty words or less? In one sentence? What is something I do not understand about this book? What are the great texts found in this book? What passages should a person memorize from this Book? Where is Christ found in this book (for Old Testament)? What are specific Old Testament allusions, references and quotations (in the New Testament)? If I had only one hour to teach this book, what would I share? Again, the possibilities are endless and your study notebook could include other questions that you might want to incorporate.
- Read the Bible through out loud. Ten chapters a day take about an hour to read. It will be one of the most exciting read-throughs you do.
- Read portions from both Old and New Testament every day. Or read from a Read Thru-the-Bible-In-One-Year Bible that breaks readings up for you.
- Follow along as you listen to the text being read on CD, MP3, or download. Don’t do this while you are driving, washing dishes or gardening. Employ intentional listening. Stay alert! Use this method to record insights you never considered before. Hearing the fresh inflection (and slower pace) of the reader does open up the texts in a way reading it to yourself does not. Definitely, feel free to listen all you want and wherever you want IF you have another way you are consistently working through Scripture.
- Record prayer requests that reveal themselves as you are reading. These can either be specific verses that are prayers themselves, or verses that you feel prompted to use as a prayer request for a situation you face or for someone you know.
- As you read, compile a list of possible topical studies that grow directly from the Bible book you are currently reading. As you are able, list along with your study ideas, recommended sources from lists or your pastor that would help you investigate those topics.
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Priority Stewardship 
Our church did the Bible in 90 Days program last summer. It is a quick read through,but many of us were deeply affected by doing it. This involves set daily readings & a weekly video. It helped someone like me stay on track & get it done once all the way through. Now I’m ready to do it at my own pace.
That’s great! I’ve seen the 90 day program information and thought it sounded like a wonderful idea because it goes SO FAST! Doesn’t it seem like almost anyone should be able to stick with it for that amount of time, and during the lazy days of summer, too. Of course, having other people doing it at the same time might also help (good peer pressure!). What surprised you the most by reading all the way through?