Have you read the entire Bible? What about reading it in a year? What about reading it in just one month?! Well, I was able to read the entire Bible TWELVE times in 2024, and I have to tell you all about it.
In January 2024, I was challenged to read the entire Bible in one month. Now that I've completed it, I'm thankful I tried it. It was a unique and enriching experience, very different from my usual approach to Bible reading. After the first month, I challenged myself to do it again in February, and what followed was a personal challenge to do this for the entire year. Each month, I read from a different version of the Bible for a fresh perspective.
In January, I read Genesis through to Revelation; somewhere around 2 Samuel, I was ready to call it quits, but I persevered. In February, I found a chronological reading plan and followed it. Then, for March, I decided to pick different books and read them every day. After the third month, I started reading from a different version each month.
Reading through the Bible in a month (or about 30 days) was a transformative and spiritually enriching experience for me, and I believe it can be for you, too. The benefits I reaped from this challenge were immense, and I'm eager to share them with you. I learned four valuable lessons that can inspire you to take on this challenge.
Why Read the Entire Bible in 30 Days?
1. You Have More Time to Read Than You Think
I thought I had little time for extended Bible reading. But this challenge showed me I have more time than I realized.
Reading the Bible in a month may sound daunting, but it's more practical than you might think. To achieve this goal, you need to read 35-40 chapters per day. It may seem like a lot, but this challenge forced me to prioritize Bible reading over other activities. I reached for my Bible instead of scrolling through Instagram at night. I swapped other books for Bible reading and kept my Bible open to sneak in chapters during spare minutes. It's all about making the most of the time you have.
Think about Psalm 1, which says meditating on His laws day and night is how we are firmly planted and rooted like a tree by the waters. I’m sure you have little pockets of time that can be used for Bible reading instead of social media or other activities. I was doubtful, but I found I had more time to read than I thought.
2. Listening to the Bible Can Be Done Well
Even with extra time, I sometimes needed to catch up. To catch up, I listened to the Bible, which proved to be a great help. Although I'm not an auditory learner and prefer reading, listening helped me stay on track.
Listening to the Bible can be beneficial, especially in busy seasons. For moms with small children, this is for you! But pair listening with a mindless activity, like washing dishes, to stay focused.
Listening should never replace reading a physical Bible. There's no substitute for holding the Bible and reading it. Use listening as a supplement. Initially, I struggled to focus while listening, but with practice, it became easier. Narrative sections, like 1 and 2 Kings, were particularly engaging as audio. Remember to pause if you step away to avoid missing verses!
3. Waking Up Early is Worthwhile
Reading the whole Bible in a month helped me get back into the routine of waking up early. The peace and quiet before the day starts are precious times with God’s Word.
I used to get up early before becoming an empty nester, but this challenge reminded me of the benefits. Even waking up just 20 minutes can make a difference. I found a simple wake-up routine helpful: washing my face and starting with a short prayer, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).
God speaks to us through His Word, whether we read a chapter daily or the entire Bible monthly. Waking up early set a positive tone for my day and deepened my Bible study.
4. You Will Learn the Big Picture of the Bible
The fourth lesson I learned is seeing the big picture of God’s redemption plan. Reading so much of the Bible at once revealed the overarching narrative of Scripture.
When you read that many chapters, you focus on the big themes rather than the small details. This approach reminded me of the vastness of the Bible and God's plan.
Genesis starts with creation, sin enters, and God promises a Savior. In 1 and 2 Kings, despite the rise and fall of kings, God always preserves a remnant. The prophets speak of devastation but point to the coming Savior. The New Testament fulfills these prophecies with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; the rest teaches us how to live in light of His sacrifice. Revelation ends with the promise of God’s eternal kingdom.
This sweeping view of redemption deepened my appreciation for God's faithful plan throughout history. Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to those who love Him." This verse often comes to mind in hard times but also applies to God's redemptive work throughout the Bible. Reading the entire Bible quickly showed me the consistency of God's plan for our good, culminating in Christ.
Paul’s words in Romans 11:33-36 capture my awe: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
How to Read the Bible in 30 Days
How to Read the Bible in 30 Days
Ready to take on the challenge? Here’s how you can do it:
1. Commit to the Challenge
Decide to read the Bible in 30 days and share your goal with others for accountability. Setting a clear intention will help you stay motivated.
2. Create a Reading Plan
Divide the Bible into 30 sections, aiming for 35-40 chapters per day. Use a pre-made plan, such as The 30-Day Reading, or create your own. Ensure the plan includes natural breaks, such as stopping at the end of books or major sections.
3. Prioritize Daily Reading
Dedicate 1-2 hours each day to Bible reading. Choose a month with fewer commitments to give yourself the best chance of success. Replace non-essential activities with time in Scripture.
4. Skim Where Necessary
Don’t get bogged down in genealogies or lengthy lists. The goal is to grasp the broader narrative, not to analyze every detail. Highlight key points or themes as you read for future study.
5. Use Multiple Bible Versions
Reading a different version of the Bible each month keeps the experience fresh and offers new insights. Versions like the ESV, NIV, and The Message bring unique perspectives to familiar passages.
Encouragement for the Journey
This challenge isn't about replacing your in-depth Bible study; it's about adding to it with this reading experience that deepens your love for God's Word. As Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, the Bible is living and active, speaking to us in every season of life.
If you're ready to start, download the 30-day Bible reading plan and commit to this journey through scripture. Whether you read through the entire Bible in a month or take smaller steps, the important thing is to stay in God's Word daily.
Final Thoughts
Reading the Bible in 30 days has been a transformative experience and though I am now reading at a slower place I learned so much through this journey. It has helped me prioritize Scripture, see the big picture of God's plan, and grow closer to Him. I encourage you to take on this challenge and discover the spiritual growth and renewal it brings.
Are you ready to read the entire Bible in 30 days? Download your 30-day reading plan, commit to the journey, and experience the transformative power of God's Word!