Reading the Bible is a great way to find lasting solutions to complicated problems. At a minimum, every Christian should read through the entire Bible from cover to cover each year! Younger Christians will want to spend extra time reading the Bible to build a foundation in Bible teachings. Students in college have a special need to regularly read Scripture to counter the constant exposure to humanistic concepts taught as part of most university courses.
If you have been walking as a Christian for over a year and have never read the entire Bible then it is time for you to get more serious about your faith! Go to a Christian bookstore and find a Bible reading plan, or click the following link to download and save the PDF 365 Day Bible Reading Plan. You can print out and check off the boxes on the plan, but if you spend some time marking the margins of your Bible with the dates for each of your daily readings you can then simply follow your plan, year after year.
If you miss a day, it’s simple to catch up on the weekend, but you should never stop following your plan or you will have an inadequate understanding of Scripture. It is essential to read thoroughly the Old Testament to understand New Testament Doctrines. I recommend that younger Christians divide their scripture reading so as to read through the Old Testament each year while reading through the much shorter New Testament several times a year.
If you committed yourself daily to practice what you read, I promise you that after one year of daily Bible reading your entire life situation will begin to change dramatically for the better. I can also promise you that if you faithfully follow this plan, year after year, by carefully reading and following God’s Word, your marriage will be happier, your family will grow stronger, and your children will be a delight to you, as well as a blessing to others.
Whatever your struggles today, honor God by studying His Word. If you do, your tomorrow will be brighter and you will have peace, security, and joy from Him! There is no substitute for reading the Bible. Books are great helps, websites such as this one may provide useful information, and friends and family can encourage. It is only by faithfully read God’s Word you will find the joy and success God desires for you.
How do I know this? First, I’ve been practicing it for nearly 30 years. Second, there are many Bible promises that assure God's blessing will come on those who read the Bible. One of my favorites is Psalm 1 which clearly states that if we meditate on God's Word day and night we shall be like a tree planted by a river whose leaves will be immune from the withering effects of drought even in the hottest weather. No matter how "hot" life gets for you, if you meditate on God's Word your life will always be fruitful and blessed!
Psalm 1:1-6 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.