Many people want to read the Bible more consistently but are unsure where to begin or how to maintain the habit. Life gets busy, motivation fades and it can be easy to lose momentum.
This post offers a simple and practical guide to help anyone start a Bible reading habit that lasts. Whether someone is new to the Bible or returning after a long break, the goal is not perfection but steady growth.
Below is a summary of a helpful article along with additional tips tailored for our church family. The full article is linked here for those who want to dig deeper, but the essentials are all right here.
- Habits Shape Identity
Paul Carter starts by reminding us that our habits form who we are. Reading the Bible daily is not just something we do; it becomes part of our identity. Just like brushing your teeth or commuting to work, consistent Bible reading can become a normal and meaningful rhythm in your life. The key is making it a habit, not just a goal.
- Pick a Plan and Stick with It
The specific reading plan you choose is not as important as simply choosing one and sticking to it. Carter recommends the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan. It gives you a balanced mix each day by including readings from different parts of the Bible such as the Old Testament, Psalms and the New Testament. This variety helps keep your reading fresh and spiritually nourishing.
Another good option he suggests is the Discipleship Journal plan that now is known as the Navigators Bible Reading Plan. This one gives you five built-in catch-up days every month, which makes it easier to stay on track when life gets busy or interruptions happen.
- Use Helpful Resources
Carter encourages people to use supplements that can help them stay engaged with their reading. One example is a devotional podcast that follows the M’Cheyne plan and is based on D. A. Carson’s book For the Love of God. This kind of tool can guide your reflection on what you read each day.
He also mentions a series called Into the Word, which is a verse-by-verse audio teaching through books of the Bible. If you are the kind of person who learns well by listening, this can be a great way to deepen your understanding.
- Keep Going When It Gets Hard
Some parts of the Bible are not easy to read. Books like Leviticus or long genealogies can feel dry or confusing. Carter does not go deep into this part, but he recognizes it is a real part of the journey. Having a good plan helps you push through the hard sections because it balances the challenging readings with other books like the Psalms or the Gospels, which can often be easier to follow.
Why This Matters for Us
We all know how busy life can be. Work, family, and constant notifications can crowd out even the best intentions. That is why Carter’s advice is helpful. It gives us something simple and clear to hold onto.
Pick a reading plan that works for your life and stick with it. Use extra tools to help keep your attention and deepen your understanding. Do not worry about being perfect. The goal is not to perform, but to grow closer to God through His Word. With time and consistency, the habit will begin to feel as natural as anything else in your routine.
Quick Start Tips for Our Church Family:
- Choose a Bible reading plan. The M’Cheyne or Navigators Bible Reading Plan (Formely Discipleship Journal) are both solid starting points.
- Set a consistent time every day. This could be during breakfast, on your lunch break, or before you go to bed.
- Use a Bible app or a notebook. These tools help you stay organized and can be a place to write down what God shows you.
- Try out helpful resources. Podcasts or teaching series like Into the Word can make your reading experience richer.
Expect to have good days and off days. If you miss a day, just pick up where you left off. The habit matters more than perfection.
