In addition to a long history of magazines, Reader’s Digest is well known for publishing condensed versions of popular books. Instead of having to read a book in its entirety, a busy person could read a Reader’s Digest shortened version of a book. You could still enjoy the best parts of a book, while skipping a bulk of the book that was determined to be boring or not important.
In 1982, Reader’s Digest published a condensed version of what is still a bestselling book, the Bible. The project to condense the Bible took seven editors three years to complete. In the end, Reader’s Digest reduced the Bible by 40 percent. This included a 50 percent reduction of the Old Testament and the New Testament by 25 percent. Shockingly, the editors stated, “Our Bible is still the Word of God, but it’s easier to get into and stay with and appreciate.”
It is dangerous to set aside any part of the Bible out of convenience. From start to finish, every word of the Bible is important and necessary. God’s people received this life-giving instruction: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2).
I personally find it rewarding to read through the entire Bible in a year. In general, it is a good habit to study God’s Word each and every day. The Bible is God’s wonderful instruction book for our lives, so there is no better time spent than digging into the treasures of scripture.
Following an intentional plan to read through all of the Bible ensures that I am regularly reading and absorbing every part of scripture. A Bible reading plan doesn’t have to be over the course of one year, but it is beneficial to read all of God’s Word at some point as a regular cycle.
All of scripture, from start to finish, is useful to show us Who God is and how to please the Lord. We should delight in an ongoing practice of reading the Bible. We see the example of this in: “Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.” (Psalm 119:111-112)
Take advantage of each day to fill your heart and mind with the treasure of the Bible. I encourage the ongoing habit of reading through the entire Bible whether each year or longer. Every command of scripture comes from God’s protection and provision. What a great opportunity to be filled with God’s message to us!
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