Bible Reading Accountability

This is the place where anyone can ask anyone if they've been keeping up with their daily Bible reading. Hopefully, this will be a great incentive for all of us to stay consistent in reading God's Word every day!

Today I read the fourth chapter of each of these books, using Professor Grant Horner's Bible reading plan: Genesis, Joshua, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, Romans, and 1 Thessalonians.

Today, I'll ask Zachary B. and Bethany P., did you read your Bible yet today, and if so, what did you read? :)

I thought that you started the plan yesterday?! Maybe I was confused…whatever, doesn't really matter :)

Thanks for asking! Yes, I did do my reading…I read Genesis 2, Joshua 2, Job 2, Psalms 2, Proverbs 2, Isaiah 2, Matthew 2, Acts 2, Romans 2 and 1 Thessalonians 2 =) I got all caught up on my outline of it as well. I'm thinking about putting it all into a Word doc…..if you'd like to see it, Nicolas, maybe I could send it over to y'all! :)

Is Zachary doing the plan as well?

Well…I'll give you the link so that you can read about it. I find it hard to explain =) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Actually, I started the plan just after we returned from the Bible Bee. I wanted to begin as quickly as I could. :)

I would like to see that outline, and my parents just said you could, so go ahead and send it! :) I'd be glad to see it. :)

I'm not sure exactly what Zachary's Bible reading plan is, but I'm just going to be asking random people every once in a while if they've read their Bible and what they read. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

SBG, actually I just started Professor Horner's reading system after the Bible Bee too. Except for Psalms I read the Psalm and then go by 30's. If that makes sense.

Oh, I see :)

Actually, the outline is only 2 days along. I was thinking that maybe I could send it to you after I have about 5 days in…sound good? Though, if you would like to see it sooner, I'm fine with whatever! I'll definitely send you the whole thing, once it's all completed :) Let me know what you would like best!

Continue reading for HIS glory!

Okay, you can send the outline whenever you think best. I'm pretty sure I can wait a few days. :)

"Continue reading for HIS glory!" Amen!! :)

Well, I need to start on it, before I can even think about sending it over :) Once you get it, let me know what you think about it, and how I can improve it.

Quick question: Are we supposed to read in order that the bookmarks are (like where bookmark 1, 2, and so on?) I've just been reading it in order that the books come in the Bible…

Also, in regards with Bible reading, here is something that one of the Puritans wrote regarding it. I thought that I would share it with you all :) I think Richard Baxter wrote it, but I can't remember off the top of my head.

"1. Follow a reading plan

1. Set a mark on the passages that are suitable to your case
2. Compare Scripture with one another
3. Read with a holy attention
4. Let the main purpose of reading be practice, not just knowledge
5. Be God for His Spirit
6. Beware of a fleshly mind
7. Labour to be disciplined toward godliness
8. Whatever you learn - put it to practice"

I thought that these were very practical things that we could use (some of them at least) when reading our Bible!

EDIT – I did my reading for today, did you all?

Continue reading for HIS glory!!

This sounds interesting ! - I started following this plan some time ago, but never finished. I might join you all in it, but Ill think about it :)

@Bethany–I tend to read the chapters by the order the bookmarks give, but I don't think it really matters too much.

I did my reading for today as well, and it just seems to keep getting better and better! This reading plan is very well-made. :)

I can't wait for the day when everything I read for my daily Bible reading I have memorized… :) I pray that day will come! :)

I will be doing Prof. Horner's Bible reading plan soon…maybe starting it January 1st. Right now I am reading through the book of Acts. I am on the 4th chapter.

I absolutely believe accountability is SO key to our growth in spiritual disciplines. So, thank you for this impetus, Nicholas!

I am currently using Professor Horner's Bible Reading plan as my main Bible Reading. I am on Day 127. Some days, though, I do only read a partial "day", and simply pick up on the next bookmark the next time.

Bethany you mentioned the reading order - I personally read in the numerical order of the bookmarks (starting in the gospels, ending in Acts) - it seems to have a good flow and variety at the same time.

I also would like to be more consistent with reading an epistle (or a chunk of chapters from a longer book) once a day for a month - I've started that with Titus so far, and have found it very helpful, and a good way to balance the "overview" that Prof Horner's plan gives.

In the past, since we kids weren't required to, we haven't done our Bible Reading on Sundays, but that's a habit that I would like to begin.

I haven't done my reading yet today, but I WILL! Anyone feel free to ask me if I've completed it yet!

Oh yes, I love the points you posted, Bethany!

Does anyone besides me shy away from marking in their Bibles? I can honestly say that I have never made a practice of it :)

I don't like marking in my new Bibles that I get. My Bible from last years Bible Bee is falling apart because I have used it so much so I am fine with marking in that one.

I LOVE worn down bibles! That's why I won't let my mom get me a new one. ;-)

"A Bible that's falling apart usually means it belongs to someone who doesn't"

I tend to dislike marking my Bible as well. I don't really have a reason, but I too "have never made a practice of it." :) So… have you read your Bible today, Grace? (Since you invited us to ask.) I have not yet, but I certainly will. :)

Well, when I get a new Bible, I don't like marking in it at all. Overtime, I'm fine with marking. I've had the same Bible since Bible Bee started in 2011…every page after Romans has fallen out (I still have them all though). And, ahem you should see 2 Timothy…all the highlighting and underlining :) I've decided it is time to switch Bibles (very sad about that…)

Have you read yet, Nicolas? What did you read? Did you see I sent you the outline?

I try to not make a lot of marks, but if I do, I try to use a pencil :) I don't do it in new Bibles (right away at least! :D )
It was so much fun meeting you Grace!

I've never really had a problem with marking in my Bible.

I know what it feels like to have a Bible that is falling apart. The Bible that I've used ever since I was 6 or 7 until June of this year, has lost its binder, the first eleven chapters of Genesis (I know, I pretty much lost the entire creation account :)), and Revelation 21 and 22. :( So I switched to using my 2012 BB Bible.

Ditto; I have nearly all of 2 Timothy underlined in my Bible (in my 2012 BB Bible, that is).

Professor Horner's Bible reading system sounds very interesting!

Although I have spent lots of time in my Bible over the years, this year was the first that I followed a systematic plan to read every last chapter and verse, and it has been such a huge blessing. I have been following a chronological through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan. It has been a great way to read through the Bible, but I've been contemplating what I will do next when I reach the end. (It is always helpful to have some sort of a plan!)

I think I will give Professor Horner's plan a test-run as he suggests. I get the idea I will want to stick with it. :) Thanks for sharing the link!

@Bethany–Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. :) I have read my Bible today; I read chapter 6 of Genesis, Joshua, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, and Romans, and the first chapter of 2 Thessalonians. I saw the outline you sent; so far, it looks very good. I can imagine how full it will be when you're done; it will have about 1,189 lines. :) Can't wait to see it when it's finished! :)

Grace, I have known others who don't like to mark in their Bibles and I definitely respect that.

I personally, however, regularly mark in my Bible. I always try to be very neat about it, but the markings really help me, both in study and in review. There are all sorts of things I mark:

1. I often use a system of variously-colored Bible marking pencils to indicate different things by hi-lighting: blue (the law)=commands I need to obey; red (danger)=warnings to heed; yellow ("gold", Divinity)=God's promises to claim; green ("go")=conditions of the promises.

2. I underline favorites: black or blue=interesting or key facts/words; red=my personal favorite verses; green=God's character (I also put a little green rainbow symbol by these, like the emerald rainbow around God's throne).

3. I have a few other symbols, like the "rainbow", that are meaningful to me and help certain subjects stand out.

4. I make my own reference remarks: cross-reference verses, definitions (from dictionary and/or concordance) of unfamiliar words, and occasionally a brief thought the Holy Spirit impresses me with about a particular verse or passage.

5. I have neatly written several of my favorite verses on the blank page inside the front cover of my Bible using a variety of pens and lettering styles.

My Bible is a beloved treasure to me. :)

Yes! I finally did so a little while ago because we ended up having unexpected company for the evening :)

One reason I brought up the whole marking thing was that I started using a Journible (a cross between a journal and a Bible), which you can use to copy the Scripture in your own writing, and also have space to make your own notes on the text. I have really enjoyed it, and I think it's a good middle ground for me, since I don't like actually marking in my Bible. I also keep a notebook in which I can jot down thoughts (if they are on passages that I'm not copying in the Journible).

Just some further thoughts! And yes, Zachary, I definitely agree that a well-worn Bible is a very good thing. Part of Professor Horner's story behind the Bible reading plan had something to do with that…. I simply tend to wear mine out from reading than from writing in it :)

(Sorry, I accidentally posted this first under Anna's account…)

I also enjoyed meeting you! Hopefully we can stay in touch! If you ever want my email, it's on my profile (click my name) :)

I like the "system" you have for marking different things in your Bible. It's a very neat idea! I, too sometimes make my own reference marks.

I write the references of favorite Scripture verses and passages as well! I've never known anyone who did that same thing (besides a very close friend of mine, who I just found out does it a couple of months ago)! :)

Grace - thanks! :)

I just finished my Bible reading for today! Like Grace, in the past, I have not made it a practice to do personal Bible reading on Sundays, but I am planning on doing it from now on. Today I read Matthew 7, Genesis 7, Romans 7, 2 Thessalonians 2, Job 7, Psalms 7, Proverbs 7, Joshua 7, Isaiah 7, and Acts 7. Have the rest of you done your Bible reading yet today? :)

Neat. :) I have found having those scriptures all in one place like that to be very encouraging.

I read the book of Galatians this morning. It's amazing the things you notice when you read something differently than usual. (In this case, I read the whole book in one sitting, whereas I have usually taken smaller chunks at a time.) The role of the law and faith in Jesus. :)

I just finished my reading for today! I read chapter 6 of Genesis, Joshua, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, Romans and 2 Thessalonians 1.

@Rosie and Nicolas - Have you done your reading for today yet? If so, what did you read?

(A random question - when do you all normally do your Bible reading for the day?)

I also finished my reading! (today and yesterday) (day 128, I can't quite remember all of the chapter numbers…)

I usually read in the morning….

Thank you for sharing this! I definitely am not convinced that I shouldn't be marking in my Bible, so I love reading how others use it - your system was an inspiration to read about.

Thank you, Grace–and you're welcome. :)

I generally read my Bible study in the morning, almost first-thing. At night before I go to sleep, I usually have some Bible-themed book or an extra Bible reading that I do.

This morning, I had a shorter reading on my plan. It involved some of Paul's experiences in the book of Acts. I am always inspired by Paul! I love how he used the altar at Athens "TO THE UNKOWN GOD" as an opportunity to introduce the people to that God that they did not know–the true God, our Creator.

Yes, I have done my reading for today. But, I actually don't use Proffessor Horner's Bible reading system.
I read two to three chapters a day, going Genesis on up. Today, I read Colossians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2. One of the verses that stood out to me as I read today was Colossians 4:6. It says, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Btw, thank you for asking about my Bible reading! I'm glad to have someone keeping me accountable. :)
Since I only read a few chapters each day, I use a notebook to record my thoughts on what I read, some ways that I can apply it into my life and sometimes a few questions about what I read. I also have found that writing my prayers in a prayer journal helps me to keep from getting distracted when I pray.

I normally have my time with the Lord as soon as I get up (which is usually 6:00-6:15)- when do you usually have yours?

I read the very same chapter (about Athens) today! And, the other day when you mentioned Galatians, I was also in Galatians in my reading!

I haven't read my Bible yet, but I'm thankful for all of these reminders! I would surely forget it on some days without people holding me accountable. :}

To answer your question, Bethany, I don't have a set time to read my Bible–though I probably should. I've heard that it's a lot easier to be consistent in Bible reading if you have a specific time you do it every day. When I get back into the work week tomorrow, I will likely get back into my habit of reading my Bible as soon as I get there, around 7:00.

That's cool! Are you following a chronological Bible reading plan? (That's what I'm doing. I'm really excited to be so near the end; it was a first time for me.)

Hey Nicolas - did you do your Bible reading for today? I ask, because I know you're on right now :)

My Internet time is about to expire, so I quickly say that I did do my reading today. :)

I'm actually doing Professor Horner's plan right now… but the chronological plan sounds very neat!

I finished my Bible reading today :)

Oh, that's cool. I am planning to give Professor Horner's plan a try come New Year's. (That's when I will have finished my current plan.)

I did my Bible reading, too. :) Paul and the riot at Ephesus reminded me how God places us with other people whose personalities are different from ours to balance each other in working mightily for His glory. A lot of times that happens right within our own families. (Consider the personality differences between you and your siblings or each of your parents!)

How about everyone else? What was something you read about today?

I was reading in Ephesians - got through the first 3 chapters - talks mainly about salvation in Jesus Christ - many lovely verses in those 3 chapters! :)

I usually do my Bible reading in the morning and a little before I go to bed, but it all varies :)

Sorry I wasn't here yesterday, but I just never had time to post. But now that I am here, did everyone read their Bibles today? Today I read Genesis 11, Joshua 11, Job 11, Psalms 11, Proverbs 11, Isaiah 11, Matthew 11, Acts 11, Romans 11, and 1 Timothy 3.

@Rosie - I'm sorry I never responded to this comment of yours! Have you done your Bible reading for today yet - if so, what did you read? I have…I finished just a little bit ago. I read chapter 10 of Genesis, Joshua, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, Romans and 1 Timothy 2!

[I knew that you weren't doing the reading plan I was, but I thought I'd check to see if you were reading, anyways! Thanks for asking me, BTW!]

That's a great idea about using a notebook to write done thoughts/questions. I will sometimes do that in my journal, but not very consistently. Right now, I've just been outlining each chapter as I read it, in a notebook.

I do my Bible reading right when I got up as well! That time, it normally 5:15-5:30 (It's supposed to be 5:15, but sometimes, I'll sleep in a few extra minutes…need to get out of that bad habit!)

Yes I did! :)

I think I'm going to do the Professor Horner's plan, but not totally sure yet :)

So what did everyone read today?

I read the 7th chapter of Genesis, Joshua, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, and Romans. I also read the 2nd chapter of 2 Thessalonians.

Does anyone have a reading plan that you are involved in?I want to start a planed plan that isn't the one chapter a week that I do now, but not 1,000,000,000 chapters a day:)

I read several chapters in 1 Corinthians this morning. I always appreciate Paul's writings!