The New Year is coming up, and I know most of you are planning out your New Years Resolutions. Maybe some of you have read our post about "Why I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions" and have decided to make goals and plans this year.
But, as with every year, I don't want you to feel like you're failing by April, we want you to be prepared to succeed.
I know a lot of Christians that set out to read the Bible in a year. I was one of those people. I started and failed year after year.
I'd get into all of those hard to pronounce Old Testament names and get off track, or life would get in the way, or I just felt like I was too behind to continue.
To put it simply, I'd give up.
This year, if your goal is to read the Bible in a year, we want you to feel confident that you can finish. And if you don't, don't be down on yourself.
While most of these ideas are simple tips to be successful when you read the Bible in a year, some of them can be applied to any of your goals and resolutions too!
Make a plan
If you talk to any successful business person or entrepreneur, they will tell you that you won't make it very far if you don't have a plan.
Winging it just causes you to get off track and fall behind. You're kind of all over the place and that won't work.
Download our Read the Bible in a Year FREE PRINT to have an easy and already planned out schedule to ensure you're a success!
Have an accountability partner
Find someone that is reading with you, and when you feel down or discouraged in your reading, expect that person to lift you up.
This helps you to stay on track and can really help grow your relationships with God and your spouse/friend.
Having someone read the Bible in a year with you provides support and the opportunity to talk about what you've read or learned!
Pray
If at any time you feel like the task is a little too daunting, take a moment to pray about it. Ask the Lord to help you understand the words that you're reading.
Ask Him to open it up like never before and to plant them in your heart. Ask Him to help you develop a love and appreciation for the Bible!
"But if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth." John 9:31
Fast
Fasting can happen in many ways, it's simply a sacrifice unto the Lord. If you think that you don't have time to set aside to read your Bible in a year, start keeping track of where yo spend your time.
Are you browsing on Facebook? Are you scrolling Instagram? Binging Netflix? Reading, knowing, studying, the Word of God is most important.
Sacrifice these things unto God, open up your time.
If you're still having trouble finding the time or will to read your Bible, go on a real fast. Fasting by sacrificing of the body is a great way to have the Lord work in and through you!
Read more/read less
There will be some days where it seems like it's impossible to get through those 5 chapters of names of old. Cut yourself a break.
Don't skip it, you'll regret it. But don't struggle with pronunciation and explanations- it's nearly impossible.
On those days where you're reading through Psalms and the chapters are super short, read a little bit more.
Life happens, you will get behind. It helps to stay ahead as much as possible!
Give yourself some grace
This is the third or fourth time that I've had intentions to read my Bible through this year.
Last year, I brought my husband aboard and we totally failed a couple of months in. This year, we started a little late, but life just wasn't on our side and we've struggled to stay on track. But we haven't given up!
With where we are now, it'll probably take us to June of next year to completely finish. But at least we can say that we've read it through completely, despite being behind.
Get a good study Bible and other study tools
It's important that you're not only reading the words but that you're following along with the stories and really understanding what God has to say.
If you struggle, or just have a desire to learn more, get yourself a good study Bible and commentary.
A dictionary is a great resource and we love using the Concordance to study.
Also, a pen and paper or notebook are always handy tools to jot down notes and good scriptures!
I've linked some of my favorite resources below!
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary New Edition
Dake Annotated Reference Bible-KJV-Large PrintNew Strong's Exhaustive Concordance"His Grace is Sufficient" Hardcover Wirebound
Have you planned to read your Bible through this year?
Have you been successful in reading it through before?
Share your best tips and tricks with us in the comments below!
Don't forget to head over to our shop to get your FREE Read Your Bible in a Year Plan!
Don't forget to join our community of other Christian Mamas who need/want encouragement through this walk too! Our Facebook Group My Real Christian Mama Life is for YOU!
