Bible Reading Made Easy

Go from Struggle to Success

I dont’ know about you but I have tried and tried and tried again to read the Bible. It’s hard. It’s confusing. It’s overwhelming. It’s all the things. But, I never give up, I just change things up, ha! While devotional books and spiritual readings are definitely valuable and most often, fit our lives, there’s just something about reading the Book of Truth. And honestly, over and over. I learn something new every time I read one of the books. If you too, want to read this wonderful book, here are some suggestions.

The Bible Recap – This is an annual plan to read the entire Bible in a year. You typically start at the beginning of the year. Our church does this each year through the “Women of Sonrise” with a Facebook page and support throughout the books. It’s awesome. Basically we are provided a Bible Reading Plan which can be printed or digital. There is also a Bible Recap website which provides starting videos and everything you need to know about committing to this plan. You read a few chapters a day, about 20 minutes. There are options as to reading a physical Bible or there was a suggestion to also either purchase the Bible Recap book or download the app. For those of you that know me, you know I did both 😀. I like the feel of a book but also love to listen to the readings using the YouVersion Bible App & Audio.

Tara-Leigh Cobble ‘s book comes in handy because after reading the daily assignment, I read her review and then listen to her overview via YouTube. She pulls it all together – summarizes, highlights and calls out “Today’s God Shot”.

I also downloaded the YouVersion Bible App & Audio which allows me to also keep up with reading when I am walking or exercising or even just porch sittin’.

Note – you can always independently, participate at your own pace and start whenever. The Bible Recap web-site has everything you need to get started!

As an added benefit and use for this book, I have started reading specific Books of the bible. I use The Bible Recap as a reference to expand on what I have read. It feels like I am getting multi uses from this purchase 😀.

Reading specific Books – The Bible is complex. There is a lot of repetition. Some books are harder than others. Finding small Books to read all in one sitting, then use references to understand the theme, timeline and author helps me understand what I am reading. This is where an Application or Commentary Bible comes in handy. In order to really understand the scripture, you have to break it down, unbundle and really dig in. I still get confused and keep a list of some of my questions for a Bible study group or even my Counselor/Therapist. We aren’t expected to do all this on our own and I find having a great support group helps tremendously. Below are some posts of a few Books of the Bible – James & Thessalonians.

Once I learned about Bible commentary, I honestly felt like things were starting to come together on my Bible reading journey. It’s a ‘dumb it down’ summary of the book. I need that. And then I was addicted to finding more methods of intentionally learning. So between the Blue Letter Bible, the Bible Recap, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, The NIV Application Bible and the Women’s Study Bible, I feel armed with the right resources for progress. (All are found here)

To add to the commentary plug and push, the Tony Evans Bible Commentary has some added bonuses. Each Book has an introduction. This calls out the Author, the historical background, the message and purpose and includes a video and on-line lesson. I find both of these super helpful.

The right Bible – In my opinion, a key component in reading the Bible is finding the ‘right’ Bible. There are many different translations of the Bible, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. They generally fall into three categories: word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase.  Popular literal translations include the English Standard Version (ESV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and King James Version (KJV). More dynamic translations, which prioritize readability and meaning, include the New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), and Christian Standard Bible (CSB). For me, I have found they all provide something that I need. If I had to pick one to start with, the New Living Translation would probably be it. Oh and I always, ALWAYS get the ‘large print’. My eyes need it. 👀

Bibles are like shoes to me now, I can never have enough! My first purchase was the Inspire Journal Bible. This one will forever be one of my favorites merely because it’s where I started. Coloring pages, taking screen shots of specific verses and even opening to random pages when I needed to hear from God. I also purchased the spiral version of this one.

Tabs – a MUST have for me. I love all the options whether on Amazon or Etsy. I love even more, being able to quickly find the Book being discussed or read from. Every Bible I have (and even my husband), has tabs. 🥰

Note: I did include the Bible I purchased for my husband and his tabs here. He is pretty paticular and likes ‘plain’ things so his tabs are crisp. His Bible though……I Love it and actually looked to see if there was a female version. I love how it outlines each book with lots of information to help understand. After attending some Bible Study sessions, he even purchased another Bible. That certainly makes my heart happy.

I honestly think having the ‘right’ Bible is key and motivational – when you love your Bible, you want to read. Everything I have is here. I hope this helps you find one (or two) that is perfect for you and your Bible Reading Journey. Good luck!

Oh and one more thing…..coming soon! Here’s a sneak peek into a course that I am working on. Join the e:mail list to be the first to know when it’s available. 😍

Most importantly, find what works for you. It may look completely different from what I have shared or am doing and that’s ok. Here’s to happy reading, friend!