Never Too Late to Start A Scripture Reading Plan

After a couple of years trying different approaches, I have decided to work through the whole Bible again this year.  I have The One Year Bible in the English Standard Version translation.  This wonderful resource has 365 daily readings, divided up into four categories: Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. In addition to this useful tool, I am continuing to read through a chapter of Proverbs each day.  This approach has allowed me to read through book of Proverbs 24 times in the last two years.  Last year, I also read through the Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi) and the New Testament.  Scripture intake is an important aspect of the Christian life.

It isn't too late to get started with a Bible in a year reading plan.  There are many excellent resources available to assist you, you can also check here.  Also, reading through the entire Bible in a year doesn't take as long as you would think.  The average reader, reading 12 to 15 minutes a day can easily complete the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in one year.  Can you find 12 minutes each day?  What if you absolutely hate to read?  Most translations are available in an audio format (CD or MP3).  If a person were to listen to an audio Bible roughly 15 minutes a day, they would finish the Bible in less than a year.  If you follow along (in the same translation of course) while listening to an audio Bible, you get the benefits of increased fluency in reading, increased focus, and the combined benefits of seeing and hearing the text at the same time which increases retention.  There is also the added benefit of learning how to pronounce those difficult Bible names.

One other thing to keep in mind: this is no ordinary book.  The Bible is the Word of God.  It is the revelation of the Creator to his creation, the revelation of the Redeemer to his redeemed.  The Bible is living and active. It is perfect treasure that can convert the soul.  It is a light and a lamp.  The Word of God can set the captives free.  Surely, something so powerful, so beautiful, so marvelous, and so holy deserves our attention. It is the food which nourishes our soul.  Just as Peter heard a mournful Jesus say, "Could you not watch with me one hour?" (Matt. 26:40), I fear we may hear him say to us, "Was I not worth 15 minutes a day?"  This year tarry long in the Word of God.  You'll never regret it.