1. Be Realistic with your time
Remember that your aim is to have read the whole Bible in whatever period you decide. It is important to aim to complete one Part (about 100 chapters) in the time you decide (say 1, 2 or 3 months); but that doesn’t mean you have to read the same amount each day. And remember that you can read more if you have more time. Set yourself realistic expectations. If after a couple of months you find that you want to handle more, or less, per day, that’s fine – switching from a goal of say 2 years to 1 or 3 is fine. The aim is to have a plan that’s doable for you.
2. Don’t Get Bogged Down
Reading through the whole Bible is different from reading and studying a few verses at a time. The aim is still to ask God to speak to us through His Word, but this time we are looking at the big picture, and seeing themes and connections we otherwise might miss. So the key is to keep going with your planned number of chapters for today. Ask God to speak to you through what you read, whatever it is. You may find certain passages seem rather dry (eg lists of names in Numbers, or food laws in Leviticus), and you find yourself skim-reading. That’s OK. You’re still reading through and listening for God to speak to you. You will also definitely find passages where you want to stop and study more, which is great – but don’t stop to do that now. Finish your reading, then come back when you have some extra time.
3. Be Flexible in What You Read
Within each of the 12 Parts there is a mixture of Old & New Testament, including narrative, prophecy, poetry, letters etc plus 12 or 13 Psalms and 2 or 3 chapters of Proverbs. So within each Part you can be flexible on how you read. For example, some people may relish reading 52 chapters of Jeremiah straight through, while others may prefer to break it up with a couple of Psalms or some of Paul’s letters from the same Part. Some may like to read their 12 Psalms together as a unit, while others may prefer to read one Psalm every couple of days. Do what works for you.
4. Team Up – Don’t Go it Alone
Reading through the whole Bible is a commitment, and it’s much easier if you do it with others. You might like to get together with one or two other people every couple of weeks and discuss what you’re reading. You may prefer to do it in a House Group context. You may prefer another format. But find a way of encouraging others, and let them encourage you!
5. Be OK With Not Understanding everything
Sometimes passages in the Bible are unclear in meaning, and sometimes they seem strange and need historical explanation. If you read it through and understand everything first time, congratulations – you’re a genius! Meanwhile, for us ‘normal people’, there will be some resources on the TKCC website. This will include introductions to different parts of the Bible and different styles of writing, timelines and maps for the historical events, and other information. In addition, we will hold a monthly evening meeting for those who’d like to come and discuss in person what they’ve been reading.
