Ideas and Encouragement for 2021

If you are already reading your Bible on a regular basis, KEEP IT UP. If you are not currently in the habit of regular personal Bible reading, or if you are looking for some Bible reading suggestions, please read on.

Did you know?

If you read your Bible 5 days a week for 10 minutes a day, you will spend nearly 44 hours in Bible reading for the year.

The important point is that this is time when you will be using the means by which God strengthens your faith – his Word!

You might start small.

Create a manageable plan of Bible reading. You’ll be surprised how the time committed to this activity will grow naturally.

What part of the Bible should I read?

You could begin by reading from cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation. However, most people have a difficult time doing this. Consider the following plans:

• Read one of the Gospels
• Then read through some Psalms
• Read several T. epistles (Philippians, Ephesians…)
• Read a second Gospel
• Read Genesis
• Back to the Psalms
• Back to some epistles
• Read through the book of Psalms
• Read a Gospel
• Read Genesis
• Read some T. epistles
• Read Exodus
• Read another Gospel
• Read Acts
• Read a Gospel chapter and a Psalm per day
• Read Acts and the corresponding epistles
• Read Genesis
• Read another Gospel
• Read Isaiah
• “Through My Bible in Three Years” at https://wels.net/serving- you/bible/
• A Bible app will offer several reading options

What are some good reading methods?

Repeat Methods:

• Read sections of Scripture two or more times during a single sitting
• Read the same chapter or book several times consecutively
• Watch for repeated words, phrases or ideas
• Read until you come upon a verse that especially grabs Then re-read it, think about it, memorize it, pray…

Use the acronym P E A C E as you read

• P romises of God
• E rrors to confess and avoid
• A ttitudes to adjust or apply
• C ommands to follow
• E xpressions of truth to remember

Active Writing:

• Keep notes, either on a pad or in the margins, as you
• Highlight various passages that strike

Use of Questions:

• Ask the following four questions as you read:
  • Who?
  • What?
  • Why?
  • How?
• Ask the following three questions as you read:
  • What does it say? (content)
  • What does it mean? (interpretation)
  • What does it mean for me? (application)
• Ask the following four questions as you read:
  • What do the verses tell me about God?
  • What do the verses tell me about myself?
  • What do the verses tell me about life?
  • What do the verses encourage me to do?

Law / Gospel:

• Think in terms of law and gospel as you read.
  • Do’s (What we should )
  • Don’ts (What we should not )
  • What our Lord has done for
  • What our Lord is doing for us

A Few Others:

• Read out loud, with emphasis and voice
• Use selected verses as the basis for
• Look for the main or simple thoughts in parables and

When should I read?

This will, of course, vary from person to person. Work to establish a routine. Following are a few ideas for Bible reading time:

• The first thing in the morning, maybe get up 15 minutes earlier
• As you ride your exercise bike
• During lunch break
• After supper
• At bedtime

Consider owning a Bible (Example: Concordia Self-Study Bible) that will assist you in understanding some of the historical and thematic context.

Be blessed through regular personal Bible reading!

• The Holy Spirit uses the Word to strengthen your faith in
• Stand firm against the devil and his schemes and
• Increase your spiritual
• Remain focused on Jesus.
• Strengthen your God-pleasing
• Grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

This Christmas season rejoice in the gift of your Savior! Consider how you will stay close to him in 2021 by beginning or by growing your personal Bible reading plan!

(Your Spiritual Growth Committee)