Is there a more famous opening to any book or play than this?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

I read conjectures this past year by a famous scientist on how the big bang theory fits with the account of creation we find in Genesis. Let there be light—BOOM!

A big bang and here we are.

The start of the human race, the origin of families, the birth of farming, the forming of nations, the dawn of art and literature, the commencement of wars and rumors of wars—all launched from the voice of God.

And here we are still, banging our way through the universe. As we begin another trip around the sun, let us remember who started it all, and thank Him for placing us in the middle of his magnificent creation.

Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Terry Vlisidis

I love sitting down in the morning with a cup of coffee and reading my Bible. My wife, at the same time, puts in her earphones and listens to scripture. Whether you read or listen (or both) it’s good to know your options, especially if you hope to create a habit that sticks.

The following are a few tips I’ve learned along the way as I’ve traveled through the Bible again and again:

Pick a Bible version you find engaging. I’ve read the Bible cover to cover thirty times, and I’ve read at least a dozen different versions. The King James contains beautiful, classic passages, along with loads of “thees” and “thous.” Modern versions read smoother and digest easier. Personally, I prefer the New International Version (NIV) for reading. I also regularly consult the English Standard Version (ESV); the New Living Translation (NLT); and The Message (an American language version). While I prefer reading a physical Bible, I also use both the YouVersion Bible app and the ESV Bible app on my phone.

Listen to the Bible. Like I mentioned earlier, my wife loves to listen to the Bible. She’s currently enjoying the Daily Audio Bible. For more dramatic styles, try The Bible Experience audio Bible or my favorite, Streetlights.

Choose your best time of day. I find that picking the same time every day to take in the Scriptures helps it happen. As an early riser I prefer the morning. Others opt for the quiet of late evening. For those who listen, a walk at mid-day or their work commute opens time to hear the scriptures. Pick a time that works for you.

Select a reading plan. Some years I’ve read the Bible straight from Genesis to Revelation, and other years chronologically (skipping around through the text). The last few years I’ve followed the Five Day Bible Reading Program. I like it because the Old Testament is presented chronologically, and each day contains a New Testament passage. Best of all, you read only five days per week, leaving two extra days for catch-up. I print the plan and keep a copy in my journal.

Speaking of journals, keep one handy. I retain more from my reading when I jot impressions as I go. Plus, I’m encouraged when I look back and see what God has shown me over time. Writing helps me think and allows the Holy Spirit to work. I write in an blank, unlined journal. Nothing to distract me from my thoughts—except my other thoughts.

I encourage you to make Bible reading a habit. While it may feel daunting, a little bit every day makes a big difference. Before you know it you’ll be rooting for Moses against Pharaoh, wrestling with the teachings of Jesus, and marveling at the works of the Lord.

I pray you find a method that clicks, and you enjoy your own journey through God’s Word!

Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Sincerely Media

The Bible is the most banned book in history. Why? Because it is the most dangerous book in history. The teachings within run counter to prevailing societal norms and power structures. Communist regimes, Muslim clerics and even democratic influencers have sought to stamp out the Bible, or cut it up for their own ends. The book relentlessly emphasizes God before self, flipping attitudes we all nourish in our inmost being.

Therefore, reading or listening to the Bible requires preparing our hearts and minds. This is no small or flippant undertaking. The following are ten attitudes I find necessary to enjoy my time in the scriptures:

1. Prayer. I start each reading session asking the Holy Spirit to show me wonderful things from God’s law (Psalm 119:18).

2. Curiosity. What will I find? What might God show me? I open the book with the attitude of a discoverer.

3. Anticipation. I trust the Holy Spirit to work in my life, in some form or fashion, through the words of scripture, and I ask the Holy Spirit specifically to do so.

4. Hope. If the Scriptures are God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17), then shouldn’t you and I hope for good results as we invest time in them?

5. Realism. Changes and insights arrive slowly, often imperceptibly. On rare occasions God shouts, sporadically God whispers, but generally God keeps his thoughts to himself. All the time—every minute of the day—the world, my own flesh and the devil screech and howl, attempting to drown God’s voice. I try to enter my reading times with open eyes to this raging battle, ears cocked for a silent voice.

6. Perseverance. Reading through the Bible in a year requires discipline. Remember, when you’re in the minutiae of instructions for constructing a temple, the payoff of David slaying a giant and cutting off his head is around the corner.

7. Trust. I believe the Lord holds good things in store for me as I open His book.

8. Open-mindedness. Withholding judgment, I fight against shutting down just because I disagree with something I read. The Bible remains potent after several thousand years of scrutiny. I’m not the first to struggle in its pages. I ask the Lord why? and what does this mean for me? as I read the Bible.

9. Unhurried. Don’t rush. Fight the urge to skim. The words of the Bible are too important, too valuable, too solid, to take at a harried pace. This is my biggest temptation when reading—I’m always forcing myself to slow down.

10. Gratitude. People have depended on the Bible for centuries, raised families with it, and created societies based on its wisdom. Believers enthralled by the scriptures died torturous deaths for translating them, handing me the privilege of reading the scriptures in my heart language. Along with being the most banned, the Bible is the most printed, translated, distributed and purchased book in history. I approach my learning with the understanding that saints gave their lives and fortunes so I can sit in my comfortable chair, coffee in hand, and enjoy this book.

I try to remember that like our Lord himself, the Good Book is not safe, but it is very, very good.

Pick up a Bible and join me in reading the most dangerous book in history. Invest in this radical practice. Soften your spirit and provoke your soul—you will not regret it.

Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Markus Spiske

When January rolls around I always ask—should I do something different this year? Maybe add kale to my diet, or exercise more? Years ago I make a resolution to start flossing my teeth, and I did pretty good. But most lifestyle changes are hard to stick with, so I don’t have big expectations.

One habit I definitely will continue involves daily time in the Bible. Even if it’s only a few verses skimmed at the end of a busy day, reviewing Scripture resets my trajectory in a hopeful direction.

Scripture is so powerful because it’s not merely a static document, but it actually holds life. Check out this description from the writer of Hebrews:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

It might be better to say that the Word of God is alive and kicking. When you ingest the Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit piles on and words morph from interesting concepts to changes that stick. Some biblical thoughts bug me, others give me pause, and a few pull me up short. Occasionally one even makes me cuss. Nothing else I read conjures such reactions.

Then the next day it happens again. Like sourdough yeast working through a mound of dough, the word of God penetrates deeper and deeper.

Scripture opens fresh worlds. Its active personality pushes me to places wonderful and uncomfortable and so very much alive.

Take the risk. Join me in reading through the Bible in 2024, and start swallowing more of the bubbling, swelling, alive and kicking words of God.

Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Duncan Kidd