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In our reading as a congregation we travel through the story in the Bible together. Millions of people have searched the pages of the Bible and discovered a deeper relationship with God in its faithful people, its stories, prayers, and letters. The goal of this reading program is for our church to make that discovery again each year.

How Do I Begin?

Pick up a "Bible Companions Book of the Month Reading Guide" from the church office. The purpose of the guide is to help you to accomplish your goal of regular Bible reading this year. As you page through the guide you will see that there is a reading scheduled for every weekday throughout the year.

The goal of regular Bible reading is an important one and it holds great promise. However, it also is a challenge to keep on track throughout the whole year. Here are some suggestions which may be helpful:

• Setting aside a time when you can read each day will help you keep on track with your weekly schedule. (Consistency is the secret.)
• If you spend time traveling in your car, running errands or commuting to work, using an audio cassette recording of the Bible may be an ideal way to meet your daily reading goals.
• Reading with a partner at home or with a neighbor may be a helpful way of keeping up with your reading.
• You may find encouragement by sharing with others about your reading and by praying for one another.

At times during the year, you may become discouraged when it becomes difficult to keep on schedule. At these times, remember to trust God to help you in this work. Perhaps Paul's words in his letter to the Philippians can offer us encouragement. Paul says, "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6)." May we all feel God's good work in us this year

What If I Fall Behind in My Readings?

Life can be pretty hectic these days. Many people fall behind from time to time in their reading. Here are some suggestions to help you get back on schedule should you fall behind:

1. Begin reading again with the current Bible reading.

2. After continuing your reading for a week or so, try adding some of the passages you missed to your current reading schedule. Reading some missed passages on the weekends may be helpful.

3. Don't try to catch up all at once. Read one passage you missed along with regular readings. Gradually you will be back on schedule.

4. Ask God's assistance in reading every day and ask others to pray for your progress as you try to catch up.

5. Remember that some passages of the Bible are difficult to read. Some are long chronologies, lists of names, or details important in an ancient culture. Skimming difficult passages to learn the basic meaning is preferable to becoming bogged down in these passages. Sometimes it helps to find a commentary that may shed light on the historical background and help you through difficult sections.

Which Translation Should I Use?

There are many translations of the Bible currently available. If you need help in deciding which to use, talk to others in the church and ask them which translations they like and why they like them.