In the Beginning...

My church, First Baptist Church of Orange Park, is encouraging everyone to read through the Bible in 2007. If you haven't, then I would whole heartily recommend it for all. There are several websites that can give you reading lists for each day, and if you prefer to read the verses online or if you don't own a Bible, then you can read them there as well. The sites are:


www.oneyearbibleonline.com
backtothebible.org
bible.crosswalk.com

Backtothebible.org has several different orders to read the Bible which can give you a new perspective if you read the Bible regularly.
Biblecrosswalk.com even lets you have the verses read aloud to you.

If you have read through the Bible before, you might try and pick a different translation to get some new insight. Or try reading it chronologically.

If you are a new Christian, then I don't know if I would recommend reading the Bible straight through. You really need to be reading some of the basic tenants that the Bible teaches and that means doing some jumping around or reading portions that can help you grow and strengthen you as a new believer. I always recommend the book of John for new believers but talk with your mature Christian brothers and sisters for their recommendations.

Regardless of the method, translation or order, the important thing is to get into the Word. Remember too that if you miss a day...then skip it. Don't get hung up on trying to catch up and don't feel guilty. Just pick up with today and move forward. You have a whole lifetime as a Christian and will hopefully read the Bible through many, many times, so don't kill yourself for missing a few days. Besides, reading 98% of the Bible in a year is still more than most. Oh and you can skip the genealogies but only if this is your first time. You seasoned Bible readers have to read through them all! There will be a test.

Read the Bible, pray, worship, fellowship with other believers, witness, and help others. All bring you closer to God.