I’ve read through the Bible 3 times now—each time in 90 days—and what a blessing it’s been. Before the first round, I would normally choose Bible passages on my own or read verses included in a daily devotional or themed Bible study. However, I was amazed (shocked!) at how much of God’s redemptive story I glossed over or missed completely until I read the Bible cover to cover.
It was not all easy reading. Some chapters in the Bible were and are still hard for me to understand. I can lose focus when reading the Old Testament laws, tabernacle instructions, and temple details. God’s wrath is not fun to read, and I question my reading skills with every name I cannot pronounce.
But to see God’s grace, mercy, and unconditional love unfold on those pages makes me want to return to the Bible and read it again and again.
I’ve also discovered some practices and tools that have made my time in the Word more fruitful. Here are my tips for reading the Bible cover to cover in 90 days.
Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Tip #1: Select The Right Bible Translation
There are approximately 900 English Bible translations! 900!!! My best advice is to select a translation that is easy to read and understand, but also stays as close to the wording and thought of the original writer.
I chose an English Standard Version (ESV) Bible and switched to a Christian Standard Bible (CSB) for my third time reading through the Bible. They are considered accurate translations, and I enjoy reading both. However, the CSB is easier for me to understand because it’s written in clearer, everyday English.
Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Tip #2: Follow A Good Reading Plan
I love a good checklist and roadmap. These are essential for me to get through the Bible in one quarter, and my favorite all-in-one companion is “Every Word—A Reader’s 90-day Guide to the Bible” by Susan Goodwin, Jennifer Peterson, and Molly Sawyer.
On all 3 occasions, I had the pleasure of reading the Bible in 90 days with Susan, Molly, and a group of women at my church. Having them as our guides was a real treat, and their book offers incredible insight that makes for lighter, richer reading.
Here are some of my favorite sections of the book:
- A chronological Bible reading plan and checklist to track your progress
- A “Don’t Miss” page each week with main points summarized
- A list of kings and prophets (trust me, there are many to keep up with)
- A running timeline at the bottom of each page so you know where you are in God’s story
- A summary of each book of the Bible
Every Word is also available as a plan in the Bible App.
Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Tip #3: Watch The Bible Project Videos
I cannot say enough good things about The Bible Project’s animated videos for every book of the Bible. The visual storytelling is award-winning, in my opinion; and the videos are short so you can watch them at any time. This has been such a great resource as I’m reading the Bible, and I still return to their videos time and time again. Don’t miss this free resource!
Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Tip #4: Listen To The Bible To Stay Focused
Some books of the Bible are challenging for me to read, and I can find myself getting distracted and lost in my thoughts. These are important chapters, so I don’t want to miss the key themes and points. To help me stay focused, I listen to those chapters on the Bible App and sometimes follow along in my Bible while listening.
Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Tip #5: Look For Jesus
I’ve read the Bible to try and find answers to life’s circumstances or hear how God’s Word is speaking to “me” at any given moment. But the more I shift and look for Jesus in every story—who He is, His character—the closer I feel to Him. And the closer I feel to Him, the more at peace I am with life’s circumstances and affirmed in His presence in my life. Look for Jesus in every chapter.
Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Tip #6: Take Notes To Dive Deeper Later
Reading the Bible in 90 days will require at least one hour of time per day. I know we’re all busy and may not have more time for further study. Take notes as you’re reading the Bible. Write down questions you may have or books of the Bible you want to revisit. There are many themed Bible studies that can help you dive deeper into God’s Word. This is also a great next step after completing your reading through the Bible.
Send me a message and let me know if you’re reading the Bible cover to cover next quarter. You can do it, and I know you’ll be so thankful you did!
