How often do you read the Bible?
Do you have the guts to answer? Today’s question is real simple, but challenging in that many of us may not want to answer it publicly. How often (and for how long) do you read your Bible? Don’t feel like you have to put on a show for anyone, that is hypocrisy. I hope you’ll answer the question honestly. The way to correct problems is first to admit that there’s a problem. On the other hand, those who do faithfully read and study the Scriptures, don’t be too modest to be a good example for everyone else. So, have the guts to answer the question honestly, and feel free to share your tips, things you’ve learned, or your point of view about reading the Bible. Some of you who have never personally read from the Bible, perhaps you have questions about why one would want to read it to begin with? If so, let’s hear them.
—JLP
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9 Responses to “How often do you read the Bible?”
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I’ll start. I have the entire Bible (ESV) on my IPod and in my ITunes, so that helps alot. Several days a week I listen to the Bible, and in my book that certainly counts as “reading it.” My general habit is to read at least a chapter or two a day in my personal devotions, but the last couple of weeks have been so busy that I’ve slipped and not done that every day. Today corrects that slip. Of course, as a minister, I’m in the Bible preparing lessons, etc. every day, but since not all of you have that duty, I won’t count that in this discussion. Besides, lesson prep Bible study is not the same as personal devotional reading time, and I suggest that everyone have a slice of that every day! —JLP
Okay. I read 2/3 times a week on a good week. I usually read until I can no longer understand what I have read.
That is to say, I typically like to finish the general topic/ chapter/ or book. When I continuously struggle to understand what is going on, I quit. When I get to some really involved stuff, my reading pace s-s-s-s-l-l-l-o-o-o-w-w-w-s-s-s considerably. I don’t really have a pattern( I don’t know if that’s good or bad). I just pick something that I’m interested in and dive in. I’m struggling with trying to find the deeper meanings. In years past, I’ve caught myself accepting the written word without really challenging myself to understand what action is being asked of me as a Christian. This past year has been a real blessing in that regard. I know I need to be a better quantity and quality reader and I pray God will help me. ~ kev
Thanks Kev!
I know that God will help you… and me.
The best way to read and/or study the Bible is “do it!”
Finishing what you start (like you do) is a good idea. Purposed reading is a good way to increase your focus, and the results of your study (i.e. read the entire thing looking for what it says about a single subject). In the future, if you find yourself continually struggling to understand a particular text, send me an email and I’ll do some research and blog about it. Then we can discuss it.
Keep at it.
—JLP
Reading the Bible is undoubtedly one of the most important habits a Christian should develop. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes that Scripture makes us complete and equips us for every good work. If we don’t know God’s Word, we are thus incomplete, inadequate, and unequipped to do God’s work in the world. Bible reading and study is serious business, and, like everything else we take seriously in our lives (job, marriage, personal health, etc.), we need to make time for it. We all make time for the things that are really important to us. I first read through the entire Bible in college using a one year chronological Bible. This really helped me to grasp how the various books of the Bible all fit together into a unified whole. After that, I noticed that each time I read through the Bible it became easier–probably because I had overcome that initial hurdle of reading it completely for the first time and because I understood it better with each reading. I would encourage everyone to make Bible reading a daily habit and to follow some sort of reading plan. It could be as simple as Wayne’s “three chapters a day and five chapters on Sunday” plan. If you have a plan with set objectives for each day you’re more likely to succeed. If you devote time to reading it, God’s Word will transform your life!
Thanks for reading and commenting, brother. I agree with you. —JLP
I find it easy to read partly because I do not over do it. What I mean is you eat an elephant one bit at a time. The Bible works the same way. This week I am in Romans and I spread my reading of this entire book through the week. It makes it easy for me.
Reading the bible is spiritual food for the mind. We renew our minds by reading the word. Reading the word continously baptizes our mind. If we are married, we should read the word to our spouse, especially a man to a woman. As men, we wash our wives in the word. Reading the word will bring healing to your soul. If God would heal a person, it would be by the power of the word.
I read often but not on a continual basis. I have read the bible all the way thru over the years and I do not need to neglect this practice, Thanks for the encouragement to read
Thank you, Randy. Those are some fine and challenging thoughts. —JLP
I read my bible on the daily basis. Covering from 4 to 6 chapters a night. There is something that I would like to see on our website that would help everyone in studying. A list of reference books, Halley’s handbook , MacArthur of Dehoff’s commentaries, Bible Dictionaries, and other references that are 99% true to the word. Also, I would like to see a section of books that are instructive and doctrinely sound. It has taken me years to find some of the right resources and I am still searching for better ones. Maybe we can call it the Ministers Library and have a 3 of you chip. Thanks.