Congratulations to all those who made it all the way through the Word of God in 2009!  And congratulations to all those who tried.  To have worked at reading some is better than having read none.

 

One of the problems a lot of us have is keeping up with our daily reading schedule.  And when we get behind we get discouraged and it seems impossible to catch up.  My advice is to just keep reading.  Don't worry about the schedule.  It is more important to get the Word in our hearts than to stay on a time table.

 

The reading plan I am using in 2010 is designed to help with this common frustration.  It is the Discipleship Journal's One-Year Plan.  I found it at the website of Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, MN.  It is based on 25 days of reading each month, allowing five days for catch up.  Information on the plan and bookmarks to be used with the plan can be found at Bethlehem's Website.

 

I plan to do my 2010 reading in an ESV (English Standard Version) translation.  It is a very good "word-for-word" translation that remains true to the original languages while being easy to read.  Whether you use the KJV, NKJV, ESV or another translation, choose a Bible with large exterior margins for note taking and don't be afraid to make notes, highlight verses and think about what you are reading.  Detailed notation is one thing I plan on doing differently in 2010.

 

However you plan to read the Bible in 2010, above all READ THE BIBLE IN 2010!

 

With my whole heart I seek you;

let me not wander from your commandments!

 

I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

 

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes!

 

Psalm 119:12-12 (ESV)