My plan is to read through chronologically, because that's how I like it best. It puts the Biblical events in time-line order and puts them in perspective for me. I've done it this way four times now, that I have recorded, and I love it.
I'm not one to get hung up on the schedule. There are days when I read a chapter and others that I read ten—to me the point is that I'm reading and meeting with God. The schedule provides structure for me, but I don't let it bind me up in knots. I'm not one that works well with knots. Realizing that was very freeing for me, and as a result, when I hit the back cover of the Bible—well, when I finish Revelation 22:21 I know that the next passage I'll read is Genesis 1—regardless of what time of year it is.
This last time through, I finished at Christmas and I started in Genesis 1 on December 26th because I didn't want to wait. If I continue at the rate I'm reading right now, I'll be done early. But there are times when I slow down, for many different reasons. So, my goal is to finish by December 31, 2009.
What about you? Do you read cover-to-cover or do you jump around or do Bible studies using a book? I'd love to hear how you approach Bible reading.
I've been turning over ideas of how to encourage each other in this journey and the only one I've settled on so far is a button to put in my side bar. Feel free to copy it (by saving it to your computer) and post it in yours, too. It will not link back to me, although the one in my side bar will link to this post to remind me of my goal to complete my read-through in this calendar year. It is simply a picture to encourage and remind us of our goal. Better yet, make your own button and link it to your post telling us how you read through. I'd love for you to leave me a comment here with a link to your post so I can be encouraged by it.
Also, be sure to check out Linda's Heart of a Ready Writer blog. She's reading through this year too, and blogging about it.
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I'm trying this again in 2009. It's been a few years since I did it. I have a 1 year bible just for this that keeps me organized and gives me what I need to read each day to make it in 365 days. But you are right, just attempting is enriching.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I try to read through the Bible every year, and almost ALWAYS succeed. It's one of the few disciplines I DO practice, and practice well! I have tried several different approaches, and I generally use a fairly set schedule. This year, I've got a chronological one - with a twist! I'm actually doing it chronologically with the old AND new testament simultaneously (a few chapters from OT and a chapter from NT each day.) - have a couple others in my life who are using the same schedule. Excited about it - and I WILL put the cute little button on my sidebar :D
ReplyDeletePatty, I have been reading - and re-reading the bible cover to cover for lots of years now - but I never do actually finish in one year. But I don't care so much about finishing in a year. Reading cover to cover provides continuity and passages of scripture I would never actually read otherwise. It is a TREMENDOUS blessing! For the first time when I was nearing the end, I decided I couldn't wait to start over again in Genesis, so now I have two bookmarks - one in Revelation and one in Genesis. I also like to read something from Psalms or Proverbs almost daily, and just opening to wherever usually provides a truly Spirit-led revelation. I'm glad to know your heart for the bible, too, becausing loving His word is loving Him, and knowing His word is knowing Him!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Sherri