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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Why bother reading the Bible?

“I’m too busy already.”

“It’s boring.”

“It doesn’t make any sense.”

“It doesn’t apply to me.”

Do any of these excuses seem to cross your mind when you think about taking time to read the Bible? Sadly, so many people feel this way. I admit that during some parts of my life in the past, I felt this way too.

But, reading the Bible is actually one of the BEST things you could do with your time. It’s something that every Christian desperately needs to build their relationship with Jesus.

If something or someone is important to you, then you make the time to do that hobby or spend quality time with that person. It shouldn’t be any different with the Bible. It is God’s inspired, holy words to YOU! It is Him speaking to YOU! It is the truth that He desperately wants YOU to hear! And it is an open invitation to meet with Him, anytime, anywhere.

Starting a new habit is hard. It takes motivation. It takes routine. It takes accountability. But, when you succeed, it’s worth it! And you are a better version of yourself because you followed through! So, with that determination in mind, let’s make a plan:

Motivation: You want to grow closer to God. You want to hear directly from Him. You want to change.

Routine: Pick a dedicated time, daily. Clear an hour off your schedule.

Accountability: Sign up for the Bible-Read-A-Thon Over America and read during your dedicated hour. Set an alarm on your phone 5 minutes before your shift, or write it on your calendar so you don’t forget! It is an appointment with God!

Isaiah 55: 10-12 says:

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
You will live in joy and peace….” (New Living Translation)

Here are some testimonies from several of the readers who have been participating in the Bible Read-A-Thon:

I love reading the Word especially with Holy Spirit explaining.  Reading with others is amazing!  I feel Jesus washing us and America with His Word as we speak it out.” – Lana, Texas

I have come to really enjoy my daily hour spent in God’s word! It has truly ministered to me in so many ways with timely wisdom and answers that directly apply to what I am going through or wondering about at that moment in my life. I also don’t think the Bible is boring anymore!”– Alicia, Texas

The Bible Read-A-Thon is an anchor for me: spirit, soul, and body during the tempestuous times we live in. Every day I read aloud as an offering to our country, knowing His word is going forth to accomplish all He says. In fellowship with the Holy Spirit, other readers and I are strengthening each other in our identity in Christ, and sometimes we even laugh together because we know the joy of the Lord is our strength!” – Melanie, NYC

“We are in a very trying time! Without His Word of assurance, revelation and hope, there is NO way we are able to sustain with the heat of the cuts and corners ahead of us…….! Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.” – Herbera

There are a couple of ways the Bible read-a-Thon is a blessing:
-reading out loud I was able to hear God’s heart and love for people
-I have the awesome privilege of talking with other people-in-Christ who are as passionate about prayer and God’s Word as I am
-I know it is one of God’s gifts to help me during this difficult time for our country

When you create a new habit of spending daily time in God’s word, you will see the results. You will feel the transformation of God’s word changing you. You will get to know Him and His love for you much better than ever before. People will see the light and notice the new you. And those excuses…. They won’t exist anymore! So, will you consider joining the call to make Bible reading a priority?

If you would like more information about the Bible Read-A-Thon Over America and how it works, please check out this additional information.

 

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Adeline Wiemelt
May 3, 2021

It is so imperative that each of us do read through. I’ve been fortunate to have been listening to Brian Hardin in “Daily Audible Bible” for the past year and a half. It has put me open to IFA and I’m reading “The Book of Signs” by Dr. David Jeremiah. I’ve been so blessed, yes, anyway you can listen or read through the Bible. God is so good.

Karen Quiroz
May 1, 2021

The Lord uses my shifts in the Bible Read-A-Thon to speak to me through books I don’t usually read (last week was Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs which I last read over 10 years ago!). These timely words are such a blessing, including all the scripture I come across that make perfect prayers for our country and leaders.
In my own time, I often spend days or weeks in 1 book of the Bible which is rich, but my Bible Read-A-Thon shifts land all over the Bible. This helps me keep the bigger picture in mind and recognize recurring themes and points throughout the entire Bible. Reading out loud has definitely enhanced my understanding, absorption and reverence for God’s word.

I thought 1 hour shifts would feel like forever, but they really fly by and have shown me that I can spend as long in God’s word as I do on Youtube. Of course I could do all this on my own, but I love being a part of the Body of Christ throughout America and have made some wonderful connections with people in other states. Alone it would take me a long time to get through the entire Bible, but this is one example of the power of the Body of Christ working together! I am thankful for all the people who read that keep the baton going. I read about once a week while others sign up daily. That’s another great part about it – the commitment is whatever you are led to do (even just one time or monthly) and can even be last minute if shifts are open!

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Glen H. Kippel
May 1, 2021

I think it was Pastor John Macarthur who said, “If you want to hear the voice of God, read the Bible out loud.” That is a good saying, but it isn’t always true. God has spoken to me numerous times, both through the words of the Bible and otherwise. If He says, “Turn right at the next light,” you won’t find that in the Bible. But I have resumed my habit of reading ten chapters of the Bible every day. In this case, every night before I go to bed. That way I’m thinking God’s thoughts rather than my own, and I sleep better. Whatever. Anyway, how many people pick up any other book and just read one or two sentences and put it down? You won’t make heads or tails of it that way. You have to find out the narrative. You have to establish the context of what you’re reading. Too many people pluck a verse out of context and build a theology around that. That’s how cults get started. Read ALL of it! Thank you.

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Karol D.
May 1, 2021

Thank you, Father, that You are reviving in Your People a love for reading Your word. We ask that as each one reads, that You will give a new insight to that person, bring about a new excitement to continue to see what You will say next time! We ask that we will use Your word as the sword of the Spirit, making the changes we need to see come about in our nation. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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