I have read through the Bible; Genesis to Revelation only seven or eight times in my life-shame on me! In January (2025) I realized I had been reading it as an academic exercise-a textbook homework assignment and what promoted this realization was when my pastor introduced us to the Five-Day Bible Reading Plan (https://www.fivedaybiblereading.com). These are my thoughts on this new plan:
The Five Day Bible Reading Schedule has given me more insight, more LIGHT, more joy, more understanding and caused spiritual growth as opposed to simply reading it cover to cover; which, to be honest, at times can feel more like an academic exercise; of course The Entrance of HIS word always gives light; so while it’s profitable to read cover to cover, it always seemed artificial to me, like there was something more to be discovered, something more that reading Genesis to Revelation wasn’t giving me. It seemed like looking at five thousand pieces of a jigsaw puzzle-all face up but not all fitly joined together. However, this changed the first week in January when Pastor Jones introduced us to the Five-Day Plan. The readings were all inter-connected; when reading 2 Samuel 11 (David’s sin against Bethsheba/Uriah), the same day reading was Psalm 55-his prayer of repentance for his sin. Every day’s reading was exactly like that-and, as I read it, it was as if those five-thousand jig saw pieces began to form a more complete and beautiful picture of the Word of God than reading it cover to cover had ever done for me. It was breath taking, and I could not just stop when the day was “Checked off”. I could not stop reading and might read 3 or 4 days at a time; granted I am retired and it’s just my wife and I, so I had the time to do this; but it brought so immense joy and LIGHT that I was able to finish it by the first week in August. I would plead with you, brothers and sisters; not to simply read one’s day reading but read at least two or maybe three at once. It will bring joy unspeakable and full of Glory. For the Word of GOD is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. All Glory and Praise to the Author!
Update: Using this Five-Day plan, I finished the Bible in 7 months. I highly recommend this plan! https://www.fivedaybiblereading.com