How I did it: At first I started with a very good friend of mine.  We agreed to start in Genesis and read 5 chapters each day until we made it all the way through.  We alternated taking turns reminding each other of what the daily reading was, to make sure that we were both on the same page.  When one of us was going to have an extra busy schedule we would change the amount to less, or sometimes we would amp up the reading to even more if we both were ready for it.

About a month or a little more before the completion of this goal, I was not able to read along with my friend anymore and so continued on alone.  I started reading many more chapters a day and couldn't get enough, it was like I was thirsty for the word...  To make sure that I continued to read and not slack off, I would write it on my list of things to do and make sure that it got checked off each day.  The great thing was that I had already had so many months previously that set me in the habit of reading each day so it was not as hard to go it alone :).

Lessons & tips: I highly recommend having someone that is reading the same thing as you.  That way you know that they will ask you where you are at, and keep you in check when you get a little behind.

Also, it totally helps to write down how much you read each day.  That way you have a record of what you read and how long it has been taking you.

The other thing I would recommend is to find the time of day that is best for you to read and try to read at that time each day.  For example, I had my best results when reading first thing in the morning.  If I waited until later in the day, or bedtime, I more often than not would get distracted or feel like doing something else instead and would slack off on my reading, haha.

Finding a translation that speaks to you is also a great thing.  My favorite is the NLT (New Living Translation), but there are different strokes for different folks.  You may prefer the NIV, NASB, King James...  Check out a few (you can compare the different versions online verse by verse for free) and see which one makes sense to you.

Write down questions you have or things that really strike you while reading.  Highlight passages that particularly stand out to you.  Ask questions about things you are unclear on or want to know more about!

Lastly, when you are really in the mood to read take advantage of that and read as much as you would like.  Get ahead of your schedule.  There are often days when you may not be in the mood and it could help to cover one of those days :).

Resources: The B-I-B-L-E :D

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Sep 16, 2008, 07:16PM PDT | 0 comments | 7 cheers