We all need to read the Bible consistently as it is the inspired word of God. Â Paul tells us that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness. (II Tim. 3:16). Â The only way we benefit is to read the Bible as we cannot just listen to the Pastor on Sunday and expect to reap the blessings contained in reading the word of God and keeping the commandments contained therein. Â Such books as the book of Revelation need to be read, even though it is probably the most difficult book to understand as much of it is written with so much symbolism. Yet, John pronounces a blessing on those that read the book and keep its words. Â “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Â (Rev. 1:3).
Many have been reading the Bible for years but they may never have read it from cover to cover, from Genesis to Revelation. We have a new Page on our website called Bible Reading.  Click on this page and you will find a daily book and chapter reading schedule for each month of the year. The months will be added as they are incurred.  Follow this monthly schedule and you will have read the entire Bible in a year.  I have read straight through from Genesis to Revelation at least 4 times and have read all the books many other times through the years.  There are many things we miss by just casually picking something to read rather than using a consistent approach in reading the Bible.  Of course, we need to study and meditate on the word in addition to just reading it.  Paul commends the Bereans in their study of the scriptures.  “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”  (Acts 17:11).
This is already the 8th day of January so we are already a little behind in the reading but we can always catch up by doing extra days reading. Â Saturday and Sunday isn’t even included in the daily reading. This would be a good resolution for the year, to read the entire Bible. Â This is not something to glorify man but to glorify God. Â The reading of the word is very important as we see what happened when Ezra, the scribe, stood on a pulpit of wood and read the word. Â “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:Â And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Â (Neh. 8:5-6). “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Â (Neh. 8:8)
We read of Joshua who read the book of the law before the children of Israel and didn’t diminish a word. “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.”  (Josh. 8:34-35). The word of God is read and expounded before all the congregation which is the Biblical way and not in segregated classes of age and sex.  The prophet Joel tells us, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”  (Joel 2:15-16).
I know we all have busy schedules with jobs and family but let us set aside time to read the Bible.  It is like the song “Count your Blessings”.  Count your many blessings and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.  Read the Bible and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done, is doing, and will do.  Time cannot be saved but it can be used wisely.  Paul said, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  (Eph. 5:15-16)–January 8, 2013–Elder Larry Wise