Continue with Seven Steps to Beneficial Bible Reading-Step 4: Read Daily

Step 4: Read Daily

One book publisher noted that "there was an explosion of Bible sales"  ( note: it used to be against the law to sell Bibles)  after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Many turn to God's Word only in times of distress.  The Bible, however, encourages us to read it each day, for it says:  "This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make you way successful and then you will act wisely." -Joshua 1:8

The value of regular Bible reading might be illustrated by a man who has had a heart attack and who decides to eat foods that are more nutritious.  Would this regimen help him if he followed it only when he felt a sharp pain in his chest? No. He must consistently  adhere to a healthier diet to gain the most benefit. Likewise, daily Bible reading will help you to "make your way successful." 

Step 5: Vary your Approach

Reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation can work well, but you might find other approaches to be refreshing. Here are a few suggestions. (Note: it is better to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and this suggestion) 

Follow a Character. 

Read all the chapters or books that discuss a particular worshipper of God, such as the following: 

Joseph: Genesis 37:-50
Ruth:  Ruth 1-3
Jesus: Matthew 1-28; Mark 1-16; Luke 1-24; John 1-21.

Focus on a topic: 

Read the scriptures related to it. For example, research the subject of prayer, and then read the Bible's counsel on prayer as well as some of the many prayers recorded in the Bible.  

Read Aloud:

You can benefit greatly by reading the Bible aloud.  (Revelation 1:3) You might even read aloud as a family, taking turns reading paragraphs or assigning characters to different family members.  Some enjoy listening to a recording of the Bible.  "I had a hard time getting started," said one woman, "so I began by listening to recorded Bible reading. Now I find that the Bible is more exciting than a good novel."   

Next time: Conclusion of Seven Steps to Beneficial Bible Reading-Step 6: Meditate

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010