Read the Bible in 2011

It's still not too late to start a Bible reading plan for 2011 and today would be a good time to start.

Before you get started, here are some things to think about.

1. Pray and ask God for assistance in reading the Bible.

2. Expect to read things and not understand them.

One of the benefits of reading through the Bible is often what you don't understand will be revealed in another portion of scripture as you read on. Don't get bogged down by trying to study every single word that you don't know. Write it down, and come back to it later. You goal is to become familiar with the Bible.

3. Come back later.

Read with pen and paper handy and when you come to an unfamiliar word, write it down and come back later, but don't forget to come back later. This is one of the profits of reading through the whole Bible, you become familiar with the Bible. When you have time to study, go back and study those words and passages you didn't quite understand.

4. Don't give up.

When you pick a plan that tells you on this day, read these verses, once you get behind a day or two, you can easily get discouraged. You are going to get sick. Something is going to happen that you go to the Word for help, comfort and instruction, and the daily reading will be set aside. So when you get two or three days behind, the feeling of being overwhelmed comes over you and that will pretty much end it, and usually around Leviticus. But don't give up. Pick a plan that works for you and don't quit. Maybe it takes you 13 months instead of 12. So what? Take 24 months if you have to, but I recommend that all God's people read through the Bible.

5. Pick a plan or a guide that will be a servant to you, not a master.

Don't be put into bondage by a plan, but use the plan to help you. There is nothing wrong with plans, God planned all things according to His will. Don't let the plan be your master, but find one that will help you out. Or, just read about 4 or 5 chapters a day. When you reach short chapters read more, longer chapter read less and you will read through the Bible.

Read the Bible knowing it is God's Word, pray that God will help you to read, that He will teach you, that He will bless you and enjoy the fruits of the Promises of God.