I love a good story. When I find a good book, it’s hard to put it down. It’s exciting to discover a read that will inspire my curiosity, engage my imagination, and stir my heart. While I love to read, I wouldn’t consider myself a natural born reader. Reading has become a regular part of my life, but it has taken discipline to make it a habit.

 

Knowing that I both wanted and needed to read more, in 2017 I worked hard to establish a habit of reading. As a new year’s resolution, I purposed to read a certain number of books. The goal was big. Quite frankly, I didn’t think that I could accomplish it. Thankfully, I had several people in my life that encouraged, inspired, and instructed me on how to reach my goal. I’m happy to say that by the end of the year, I passed my goal. In 2018, I blew my goal out of the water. Admittedly, many of the books I read were just for fun – mind candy.

 

Dating back much further than my general reading habit, has been the goal of reading through the Bible each year. It’s a goal I’ve been able to accomplish most years, but it hasn’t happened on accident. I have to admit, when I first started out, it often felt like a chore. It began as something I knew I should do, and felt like an obligation many days, especially when I was chapters behind in my goal. However, it has become not only a habit but also a joy-filled part of my routine and life. It’s where I meet with God and He speaks to me through His Word.

 

One of the ways I stay inspired to keep going is through switching it up occasionally. While I usually study from the ESV, I often rotate between versions throughout the years. Sometimes I read straight through the Bible, and other times I read through chronologically. I like the variety.

 

I’m certainly not trying to brag about this habit or imply that it comes naturally to me or to pastors in general. On the contrary, this habit has been one of the most challenging and critical disciplines for me to establish. What I’m trying to say is, if I can do it, so can you. But I don’t think it will happen on accident.

 

If you’re like me, you know you should, and often want to read the Bible more. Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement, an occasional reminder, and a helpful resource. I hope this has encouraged and reminded you – it’s time to get into God’s Word.

 

The last thing I want to leave you with is a helpful resource I discovered a couple of years ago: The Bible Project (thebibleproject.com and www.youtube.com/jointhebibleproject/). This free online resource has a library of videos to help you understand the Bible, along with a Bible reading plan to help you throughout the year. There are videos that explain books of the Bible, topics, and genres in the Bible. They also have inspirational instruction on how to read the Bible. Whether you’ve been reading the Bible for years, or are just beginning the journey, I think you’ll find their resources helpful. Enjoy! Let’s commit to making 2019 the Year of the Bible.