Through the Bible in One Year

In the year 2000 some missionaries visited our primary school and as I later learnt, their mission was to preach the gospel of Christ and in addition distribute the New Testament bible by The Gideons International. 

A copy of which I have until now.

In its first pages, it is written:

“The BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are Holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilots compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christians charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gate of hell disclosed.

CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”

I have always wanted to commit to read my bible cover to cover (Genesis to Revelation) although I believe I have read 90%, or may I say perhaps. In 2010, I had come up with a plan to ensure I accomplish this desire. Every day I read 3 to 4 chapters. I was doing well until my long vacation ended and returned to do my final year at the university. The zeal faded slowly as I succumbed to the pressures of a final year engineering student! I had read half way through the bible.

2014, I am back at it again, starting at the beginning. By the grace of God I am holding on to the schedule and pursuing this course to the end.

I had usually wrestled with the idea that it was not important to read my entire bible. What I esteemed was whether I practiced the word that I know. I believed and still do that one could find great revelation in just one scripture of the bible. Reading my bible cover to cover appeared to me as a religious activity that makes those involved feel a sense of accomplishment. Further, there is a great difference in reading and studying, reading and understanding, reading and perceiving. Understanding the scriptures is the key thing and getting insight the distinguishing factor.

However, abstaining from committing to read my entire bible has not helped me gain the understanding and revelation that I so desire in my life. I have realized that reading the bible is not the hindrance, but the person (in this case myself) is the hindrance to tapping into that insight and revelation. The reading is not religious until first the person is! The result of this type of reading the scriptures is just acquisition of mare information and events in the bible. It is through prayer and the involvement of the Holy Spirit that the information is turned to knowledge and the knowledge refined to insight, revelation and understanding. These two are the game changer.

Prayer will help cultivate the right attitude and a meek heart that can receive the implanted word of God. The heart of stone is changed to be a heart of flesh which is the good soil in which the seed can grow and yield much fruit. The Holy Spirit helps us to know and understand the inner things in the Scriptures and so we do know the mind and the will of God.

Notice therefore, that without reading there can be no study and hence no information which can be acted upon to result in the understanding of the will of God.

I have also noted that there is a significant difference between reading a verse in the bible and reading a chapter. Similarly you gain a better perspective in reading a book in its entirety (say the book of Numbers) than a chapter in the same book. 

Let no voice of the enemy cheat you that you cannot read the bible cover to cover or there is no benefit. Although it requires a great deal of discipline it solidifies your Spiritual Disciplines. 

For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope. (Romans 15:4, Amp)

Please find the one year bible reading plan here.

I should be glad when I hear your feedback. Shalom.