How to Make Time to Read the Bible Daily

Bible reading is important for everyone.

So often in a busy world, taking time to read the Bible is set aside for things we feel are more necessary -- our daily living gets in the way of time with God. By making it a habit to read the Bible, people are awakened to new insights and guidlines for their lives. The Bible gives its own good reasons for daily Bible reading: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable...That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (1 Tim. 3:16-17).

Instructions

1. 

   Time management is an important part of Bible reading.

   Make a time management chart a week before you start reading the Bible. Write down in half-hour increments what you are doing to help you effectively organize your time. At the end of the week, review your chart and look for useable time for Bible reading. You will find openings available in your life to spend time with God. It doesn't have to be a long space -- 15 to 30 minutes is plenty.

2. 

   Morning coffee and the Bible go well together.

   Read in the morning before you do anything else. People often do what is most important to them in the morning so make Bible reading a priority. Plan to wake 15 to 20 minutes earlier and you will have enough time to read the Bible before all work and cares of the day descend upon you.

3. 

   A lot of time can be wasted in a waiting room.

   Take a small, purse- or pocket-sized Bible with you to doctors' appointments or anywhere you know you will need to wait. A waiting room can become one of the most wasted-time spaces if you don't come prepared to use it to the best of your ability.

4. 

   Go outside, get some fresh air and read your Bible.

   Take a Bible to work and read it on your lunch break. You can find 10 minutes of extra time available during lunch when you really try.

5. Buy the Bible on CD and listen to it during your drive to work or while running errands. The Bible is available on CD at most bookstores and online.

6. Read in the early evening or before you go to bed. Eliminate whatever might be taking the place of your Bible reading. Watching a lot of TV, playing computer games or catching up on work needs to be minimized to find Bible-reading time. If you have a large family, go to another room to be alone.

7. Find someone to whom you can be accountable. Give that person the freedom to check up on you and your Bible reading, and don't get angry at him for asking. Or set a time to read your Bible with your spouse, family or best friend, which will make you more likely to keep your reading "appointment."

References

• BiblePathway.org: Bible Pathway Ministries -- Why Read All the Bible?
• Basics of Christianity: Spending Time with God, Reading the Bible
• La Vista Church of Christ: Make Bible Reading a Priority
• Time Management-Guide.com: Personal Time Management Guide