Make a Bible Reading Resolution

As you make your list of resolutions for the new year, consider adding more food to your diet... the Bread of Life. A new year brings new opportunities to recharge your spiritual life, and one of the best ways to do that is to set a goal to read the Bible each day.

A Bible reading resolution doesn't have to be overwhelming. There's no "right" amount to read, and no one expects you to camp out in Leviticus 1 for months at a time. Instead, the goal is simply to engage with the words of your Creator as often as possible and learn what He wants to say to us.

So, how can you get started with daily Scripture reading? Here are a few tips:

Start with what you know. Starting in Genesis 1 is never a bad thing for a New Year's resolution. It is the book of beginnings. But you don't have to. Perhaps you've always enjoyed John 1 or Paul's letters. Perhaps you're fascinated by Revelation 1. Pick something that grabs your attention and begin there.

Get some friends. Bible reading is always better in a group. Make this year's resolution a shared one with your small group or family or even your church. If there's no group where you are, follow our Facebook page for daily readings all through 2014.

Put it on your calendar. Make Bible reading an important appointment. Set aside the amount of time you'll need... even if it means giving up a TV show or other activity. If your work or parenting schedule makes daily appointments tough, then set appointments on the days you can read. Find pockets of time on the other days.

Sign up for encouragement. We want to be your resolution-keeping helpers. We've tuned our site to be a great place for setting up a Bible reading plan. If you'd like, we can even email daily readings to you in your preferred translation.

Pray. Most importantly, pray for guidance and help in keeping your resolution. All of us need God's aid as we press on toward the goal.