A Chapter A Day: Read the Entire Bible

I embarked on a journey at the end of 2016 to read the entire Bible start to finish. I am nearly a sixth of the way through, and I already feel so humbled.

The Bible has taught me about stories, characters, struggles, and the strengths. I am still reading it now, moving on to the book of Samuel. Although I went to church from a young age, I didn’t always understand the Bible. Studying the Bible and quoting the Bible seemed like foreign territory for me.

I always admired people who really knew and understood the Bible, but I just never really gave it a shot. On a side note, I don’t usually post about Christianity or anything related to religion, but I’d like to share my experience with you.

In my last post, I shared the little things learning American Sign Language taught me. Now, trying to read the entire Bible is teaching me so much, and I know I’m not alone!

Lessons Learned

• Patience
  • It’s a LONG book comprised of many little books. I make sure to read the chapters slowly and taking in information. I reread information I didn’t understand the first time around. Setting aside time to read this carefully keeps me on track.

• Understanding
  • The Bible books were written thousands of years ago. The writing style is very different. Sometimes it’s difficult to read with old terms and old grammar. However, the storylines and the morals are just as important today as they were back then.
• Focus
  • We all struggle with focusing! I did not let physical things distract me, such as people, phones, or notifications. Sometimes we’re tempted to check an incoming message or alert, but I prioritize and made this more important.
  • I am cognizant about my state of mind as well. I try to block out those thoughts, such as what do I need to do later, what’s my to-do list for tomorrow, what should I have said in a conversation today, etc. Mental things be just as much a distraction as physical things.  
  • To keep myself away from my phone, I read a physical Bible. There’s a really great Bible app that sets reminders, daily verses, and bookmarks for people who are into reading it digitally. However, the physical book is my cup of tea! (With some unleavened bread.)

 

 

Spiritual Food

• Calmness
  • I feel distraught when I miss a chapter. Consistently reading allows me to apply verses and lessons in my everyday actions.
• Actions
  • I have always been a gentle, understanding person, listening to different sides of stories and giving people the benefit of the doubt. I encourage others to calm down and not waste their energy on anger or temporary frustrations. This strengthens those values I practice.
• Improve reading
  • I admittedly haven’t finished a book in about 3 years. That sounds scary. I read online articles, I read digital magazines, I read print magazines, but I don’t read books. I’m trying to improve in this. Reading the Bible helps me remain consistent, and I hope by the end of it I can get back into my love for books.
• Spirituality
  • Of course, readings brings me closer to God and strengthens my spirituality. I understand the Scripture better. I can have conversations about the lessons, share opinions, and I can educate peers (Adam and Eve were not tempted by an apple. It was simply referred to as “fruit” in Genesis 3).
  • Peers and I discuss the readings to apply these in our lives and in our faith. Reading the words is great in itself, but applying the lessons and strengthening our faith goes even further in the long run.

 

 

Read the entire Bible? It’s not easy!

I admit: I fall behind some days whether it’s due to work or blogging or chatting on the phone. I try to make up for it by reading multiple chapters the next day. Of course, it’s not the same. But then I get right back in the swing of things.

I’d like to be more consistent with my readings and not fall behind, no matter what! This includes vacation time. I went on a family cruise last November, and I still made it a point to bring my Bible and read a little in the morning before our outdoor adventures. We can stay focused if we read with intention and organize our time efficiently.

 

 

It’s not always easy. Let me know if you’re doing something to better yourself every day, or if you’re on a similar journey to read the entire Bible. I’d love to hear about it!

~Twentysomething Vision