andrew dodson

This is sort of a continuance of my post on Thessalonians.  I’m about six days into this new method of reading the same New Testament book for thirty days straight.  I can safely say it’s a great way to study Scripture.  Just as with watching a movie over and over again, it seems I pick up on something new every time I read it.  Since I’m reading it every day, and starting to remember it, applying it is easier when it’s fresh in my mind.

I’ve also found that I can actually take the time to read study notes, chapter introductions, charts, and all that stuff in my study Bible.  Most of the time, I’m hurrying through my reading, so I don’t really take the time to read the notes.  So, of course, reading the extra stuff helps me understand it even more.

I’m also enjoying reading bits of the Old Testament each day, as well.  Right now, I’m going through 2 Chronicles.  Before, I’d always be overwhelmed with daily reading plans.  Some of them take as much as an hour per day (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs plans in particular).  I’d love to be able to put in an hour of reading the Bible every day, but as we all know, sometimes that just isn’t possible.  By reading just the OT portion of a reading plan, it’s much easier.

My other trick to making this enjoyable is using an audio Bible.  I’ve found that listening to my NLT audio Bible is a good way to let it sink in a little more when I’m in a situation where I can’t read (work, in the car, etc.).  I still try to read the passages as well, but listening on the go helps.

For anyone out there that might be interested in something like this, my main suggestion would be to use a translation you find enjoyable to read.  I know a lot of people that don’t enjoy reading the Bible because they find it hard to read.  There are some great translations on the market today that may help you enjoy reading (caution:  there are others that I would avoid!).  Personally, I’m a fan of the NLT second edition.  It’s more of a thought-for-thought version, but I’ve found it to be a much more accurate version of the original and very enjoyable to read.  Secondly, I would recommend the ESV.  It is a word-for-word that is very accurate, yet readable.  The NIV is also a solid choice and is very popular.  Lastly, my recommendations would be the NASB (popular choice of seminaries and very accurate) and the NKJV (a more readable version of the KJV).  It’s also quite possible to use one translation for general reading (say, the NLT) and a different translation for deeper study (ESV or NASB).  This could keep your reading fresh and hopefully help you grow spiritually.

So, to make a short story long:

• Pick a NT book and read it every day for 30 days.
• Read only the OT portion of a general daily reading plan.
• Use an audio Bible to supplement your reading when you’re on-the-go and can’t read.
• Pick a translation or two that you enjoy reading and will help you understand what you’re reading.

I can’t take any credit for this method.  As mentioned in a previous post, I got this idea from John MacArthur’s “How to Study the Bible” series.  Check it out!

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