I Read The Bible In A Year, Here is the Tea + Freebie

I cannot believe that I was consistent with a new habit. Many new habits go out the window in about 5 days! Reading the Word of God was so different! It was like God opened up this whole new world to me that taught me, fed me, comforted me, encouraged me, and so much more. It became something I could not live without. To read the bible in a year is daunting! Quite the task! I remember opening up the Bible App and they had bible reading plans for a year and I thought it was crazy! My mind couldn’t wrap around it. This one book has 66 books! I have a life. I fall asleep when reading! It was a scary idea but God guided me and carried me along the way. I thought I had a life until I read the Bible and in it said,”Life without God is meaningless” You can find that in Ecclesiates. I was living a life apart from God, and in reality I was dead. I could feel myself dying because I tried to live in a way that was pleasing to man. Reading this Bible has forever changed me and I will continue reading through the Bible over and over until I am through with this life.

My First Year, My Approach

I really had no clue exactly what I was getting myself into. I used a plan called, The Bible in 52 Weeks and it was a great plan. There were many things though that I didn’t realize I desired until I didn’t have it. The book was more of a devotional and I learned that I wanted to be a scholar of the word and so it lacked depth.
I learned I was very unorganized even when I thought I was organized. I have no idea how to find my notes!
I learned that God won’t reveal things to you at the wrong time. I would read or gloss over chapters and struggle and that is ok. I am sure the next time I come around it will be as if God said, NOW you can understand this!
I learned that I approached the word of God in a selfish, “Me Me Me” way where I wanted to know how it could benefit me rather than focusing on its inherent truths and wisdom. Sure there is the application but that is not the first approach!

Armed with these insights, I’m ready to pivot and approach studying the Bible in a whole new way. So let’s look at my revamped approach, complete with strategies for deeper study, improved organization, and a more humble and open-hearted mindset towards God’s Word.

4 Ways to Approach Reading The Bible In A Year

Exegesis vs Eisegesis- Before, it was a “What can I get out of this approach but because I consider myself a scholar of God, I want to make sure that I approach it correctly. I did a little study and made this sheet and you can download it below! Print it out or save it on your tablet.
Digitize My Notes: I have decided to use Goodnotes to write my notes, a great way to stay organized. I will add keywords and topics so that I can easily search it and pull up all my notes that I have written on it
Focus On Seeing Jesus through it all. I will be using the Jesus Bible to help guide me in that!
Grow my Biblical strength. I want to first write my notes on what I think before reading commentaries. I want to lean in deeper to the Holy Spirit and rely on His revelation.