George Barna, a highly regarded researcher for churches nationwide, reported from his “State of the Bible 2013” survey that the vast majority of Americans – approximately nine out of ten – own a Bible. However, only thirteen percent actually read their Bibles daily. About half of Bible owners will pick it up and read it four times a year. But the most interesting finding was that most people wish they read their Bible more than they do.  

   Don’t all Christians want to read their Bible cover to cover every year? Don’t we all want a closer relationship with God? Of all the books we consume, it makes sense to me that God’s Word deserves our highest priority, which is why I always set a goal to read the Bible over the course of a year, beginning in January. It saddens me to report that I fail to achieve this goal more often than I accomplish it. I don’t think I’m alone.  

   Here are some reasons I think we fail: 

• Some experience reading the Bible like doing chores. It feels more like work than pleasure.
• Some are intimidated by the size of the Bible. It reminds them of War and Peace.
• Some think the Bible is hard to understand on their own, so why bother?
• Some rationalize that they are in the Word regularly by listening to sermons, attending Sunday School classes, or home bible study groups.

   So what’s my excuse? I am guilty of thinking that I “should” read the Bible in one year! I worry that I’ll miss out on deepening my understanding of His truths and principles to live my life more abundantly and joyfully if I don’t adhere to a regular schedule, reading the Bible start to finish annually. But that goal is too ambitious given the small margin of time in my schedule. I frustrate myself regularly when I attempt to read too many passages just to keep up with a reading plan. I feel like I am speed-reading. Or if I get behind in a reading plan, I spend weekends trying to catch up. Unfortunately, reading the Bible then becomes something on my “to do” list, rather than a joy to know God more deeply. I’ve decided to change course and think outside the box.

Photo Courtesy @IStockphoto.com/stdemi

   First, I’ve chosen a customized pace that’s right for me. I’ve set a goal to read the Bible in two years. I have bible software that allows me to choose how many days I want to take to read the Bible cover to cover and set the start date. Second, I found a dear friend who also wants to read the Bible over a two-year period, and we are holding each other accountable. We send emails daily to share how God speaks to us, which gives us encouragement. We started on Christmas Day. After two weeks into the scheduled readings, the two-year plan feels significantly more manageable and enjoyable. I reflect more instead of speed-reading.

   Are you one of the people who “wish they read their Bible more?” Would you like to try the two-year reading plan? If yes, I have included a link below to a two-year reading plan that assumes a start date of February 1, 2014. If you would like to go even slower, e.g. a three-year reading plan, please let me know, and I will be happy to send it to you with your desired start date.

 2-YR Reading Plan starting Feb 1, 2014

Blessings,

Lee Ann