John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of our country [the United States], once stated, ”So great is my veneration for the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will become useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society. I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year.” Daily Bible Reading is a habit that many great people in the past have engaged in regularly. Many people still do it today. But I’m afraid that if the truth were known, fewer and fewer people have made it a priority and fail to take advantage of God’s Word.

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We might be surprised at the number of people who have never read the New Testament from beginning to end. It is safe to say that even fewer have ever read the entire Old Testament. Why? Maybe we are simply too busy. Maybe our priorities are misplaced. Whatever the reason, many are missing out on the great benefits that come from spending time each day in the Word of God.

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I agree with Patrick Henry, who said, “The Bible is worth more than all other books which have ever been printed.” I also agree with Charles Dickens, who wrote, “The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or will be known in the world.”

So, what can we do to develop a habit of Daily Bible Reading? First, we must set aside time each day for the sole purpose of reading the Bible. Second, we must start small and have reachable reading goals. Third, we must read slowly, carefully, and with the intention of living out what God’s Word calls us to. Finally, we must pray, asking God to allow His Word to penetrate our hearts. Let’s seek to develop and maintain a habit of Daily Bible Reading.

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Keith Harris