My Favorite Book of All
Hello Friends!
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Gift With Purchase
When you join RTW from December 7 – December 31 you receive a free download of my 2-session message, Yes, No, and Maybe.
We are giving away 3 RTW memberships today! Enter to win leave a comment answering the question, “What do you find most challenging about reading the Bible?
RTW Information
Read Thru the Word is a 13- Month Membership class featuring the One Year Chronological Bible. Enjoy the following benefits:
- 365 teaching videos
- A downloadable and printable Read Thru the Word journal
- An invitation to join the Private RTW Facebook page
- 4 Quarterly Calls with Wendy
Click here to be part of our RTW 2017 class.
Click here to purchase the One Year Chronological Bible NLT
This is right on time for me. I just woke up to look for a resources that would help me stay on track with reading the word. This is a goal for me for 2017. I know that this challenge is for me.
Thank you.
The hardest part about reading the Bible is the commitment of time. I need to allow my self the time. To think about me and not worry about others?
Hi. I think the hardest thing about reading the bible is consistency. I desire to be able to get Gods word into my heart.
Jenn
The hardest thing for me to be committed to reading my bible is that structure seems boring to me. And I have to understand the purpose behind “reading through the whole bible”. It has always seemed to me people wear that “I’ve read through the Bible (however many times)” as a badge of honor. I’ve often been tempted to ask them “What’s the best thing you learned?” To me that’s more important than making it through the Bible…I’m open to hearing WHY that’s a good idea…???:)
Reading the Bible through chronologically helped me see the purpose of Jesus. I learned the OT and was able to see the connection to the NT through the need a Savior. Also, I can’t live and obey God’s truths if I don’t know them. Reading and studying the whole Bible gives the big picture of God. I fell in love with Him because of His love for me and I am compelled to live out loud His Word so that others can meet Him.
I desire to read the word more this year. I am committing to this challenge. Thanks Wendy for sharing your journey.
This Proverbs 31 devotional this morning had me in tears at my desk! I have been a Christian since the age of 12 and was very fortunate in growing up in a Christian home. I was also a carrier of his word, because I found it so challenging to understand! Vacation Bible School and being a Sunday School teacher helped…but I have never read the word all the way through. NOW…at 57…I am going to make a committment to RTW. Thank you for the opportunity in winning a membership!
Time. I mean well but time gets in my way.
I have been a part of RTW for 2 awesome years. I usually listen to Wendy’s video while I am getting ready for work, then a spend a few minutes reading the scriptures for the day. (Yes, I miss some days, but with the schedule it is easy to pick back up and continue.) Reading the Word chronologically has been an exciting adventure! I am looking forward to year 3
I don’t struggle to read the Word. I do read every morning, but it is a devotional usually. I seem to be stuck on this. I will sometimes pick up my bible and read the scripture for the day from it. I would love to be a part of this RTW group.
I actually love to read the bible but having 4 small children makes it challenging! This seems like a great way to have a plan and know how much to read as well as draw closer to God. Thanks for your transparently with this, I know I’m not the only one who struggles to know where to start.
I have tried but get stuck in the OT and then have given up. :/
I will gladly join you in your challenge to read thru the Bible in 2017. ?❤️?
Staying centered-remembering it. Seems to be a real challenge to once I pick it back up the next morning ,I don’t remember what I read from it yesterday in order to move forward with reading the next thing.
This is actually what happens to me. I would love to be able to retain what I have read the day before. Even when I try to think about what I read that morning later in the day. Would love any tips and would love this study.
I’ve read the Bible through but the struggle was just getting started. Some Old Testament books are tough and you have to get over not understanding everything. I will gladly take this challenge again!
I have always wanted to read the Bible cover to cover and set good intentions each year. However, I can never seem to get past Genisis or I get frustrated that I don’t get as much as I want out of the verses because of my lack of knowledge and then give up. Being guided with teachings along the way would definitely keep me engaged.
I do a daily devotional and pray daily. I read my bible in church which I attend 2 days a week. So I will join the challenge and read the whole bible in 2017.
I have trouble reading through Numbers Leviticus and Deuteronomy. They are hard for me to understand. I sure hope you pick me to have a free membership. I would love to do it with you.
Keeping up with the chain of events…I’ve always intended to get a Chronological Bible and I believe this is a reminder from God so 2017 will be the year I read through the Bible…please pray for me!!! And my precious family!!!!!!! Thank you Wendy…God bless you every second!!!!!!!
I love the idea of reading the Bible in a chronological order. I find the Bible confusing to read and very hard to understand – the Old and New Testament. I am in a Bible Study at church and I really don’t grasp things like the rest of the group does. I’d love to have a better understanding – to begin to have a better understanding. Having a guide to help go through the Bible would be perfect. Challenge accepted to do the RTW class. Here’s to a new beginning in 2017.
I’d love a chance to win the chronological bible. I’m reading the bible along with First Five and I do enjoy that.
Understanding the Bible, the different translations, wishing I knew more of the origins of the words and to know more about the writers of the books and understanding the land/ area more
My challenge has been reading beyond the “known” familiar passages. Most devotionals come from these as well! I guess I’m in a holding pattern of sorts!!
I love the idea of reading the Bible like a book in the order it happened. I feel it would connect the dots in so many ways of understanding God’s plan….. This study will be incredible! Thank you for this opportunity to really connect with God in a way that will impact me and my family/friends.
Time and distraction are my challenges to reading the bible right now. I love the idea of a chronological bible!
For me, it’s finding the time. It’s not that I don’t to read through the Bible. I truly do. I can say that desire a closer relationship with God. But something always seems to get in the way, be it the hustle and bustle of teaching, grading said homework or tests, familial responsibilities. Several years ago, I purchased a Year-Long Bible and I started it out really well and then I fell off…one day turned into two. I kept saying I would get back on track, but I honestly gave up. At the end of the year, I was so disheartened. I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I want to grow closer to Him not just in reading the Word, but in my prayer life as well. I want to be able to recite the Scripture back to the Lord when I am praying or when Satan comes and tries to pull me in, use scripture…just as Jesus did….to show him to whom I belong! I’m making moves in 2017! Hallelujah!
I have done RTW twice!! I love it, but when I am not in it, I have a hard time carving out the time for God’s word. I miss it, but need the group motivation!
I have never done a read through the bible in one year sounds exciting I am expecting God to move!! I have a quiet time every morning and new discipline this year not always easy but always worth it !! Thanks !!
I love knowing there is a chronological Bible….my challenge has been understanding the history. This is perfect timing for me …I have had such a desire to focus more on the Word❤️
Time and commitment to doing it are the hardest part for me.
Like many of the ladies have said, I do a devotion every morning. Honestly, I find it easier to keep my mind focused and grasp at some kind of lesson when it comes from a devotion that is based on scripture. When I start reading in the Bible, I have a hard time finding the “lesson”, the “reason” God has me reading that particular scripture. I try to “get an application” from whatever part of the Bible I read, but most times I get lost in figuring out what some things mean or where I am in the timeline of events that I struggle with application. I would love some guidance in this area.
I’m 37 years old and I’ve been a Christian since I was 5…but this year has been the first year of my life that I’ve consistently spent time reading God’s word daily (well, nearly….). It has provided such a foundation for me during an unexpectedly turbulent year.
Although I wake up around 5am every day to read, quiet time alone is one of my biggest challenges (even at this hour!)!! It is hard to concentrate on the meaning of the scripture and how it applies to my life when there are 3 little kids running around the house playing “circus” or fighting over possesion of the leftover birthday balloons!
But, the consistency has been what I needed for this season, and I look forward to digging in more in the coming years!
p.s. as I was typing that last sentence the 3yr old tried to pull the Christmas mantle piece down and use it as a weapon against his older siblings….case and point. 😉
I find it hardest to find quiet time away from everyone to sit and absorb God’s word. I seem to get distracted and its hard for me to focus on what God is trying to say. I also have a hard time knowing where to start reading.
This is so awesome! I have often wanted to read the whole Bible but find the thought overwhelming. Also, I tend to see each book of the Bible as its own individual book with a beginning, middle, and end. It’s like I have trouble piecing the whole thing together into a cohesive work.
I’ve been looking for a way to increase my prayer life to feel more connected to God. I believe he led me to this site today. What better way to know him than read his word. In past have felt parts of the bible would be too complicated to understand, but will try with His assistance.
I like you have been a Christian for a long time and have carried my bible around a lot as well. This past year has been an extremely challenging one and I have found myself drawing much closer to God and searching his word for answers. It is amazing to me how God continually speaks to us through the Bible, devotions, blogs, comments, etc. Your Reading Through The Word sounds like the perfect opportunity for me to receive an even clearer picture of what God is trying to communicate to me. Thanks for the opportunity to join in.
Uninterrupted time! Finding the “right” time with 5 kids is my challenge-but not a very good excuse for not spending time in the word.
The hardest thing is consistency…every day. I try to read each day’s section before anything else. I have now read the Bible through 5 times with Wendy and look forward to my 6th year in 2017.
Oh Wendy~ I just can’t tell you how much I have wanted to read the Bible in it’s entirety!! It truly doesn’t matter to me HOW long it takes (although I love the challenge of a year and would LOVE to have some sisters to help with accountability and fellowship along the way with this!!)… I just need some HELP with how to actually DO it!! I have always tried to start in Genesis in January, and I end up losing it in Leviticus or Numbers (maybe)… yikes! I know the Old Testament is FULL of amazing history and fantastic foundation, not to mention tons of drama, from what I remember from Sunday school and sermons I’ve been blessed to sit under growing up, but I want my OWN quiet time with the Lord to become just as passionate. I want His Word to go down so deeply in me that His Word becomes part of MY history… not just feel like something I’m reading about something that happened to people I read about from a far away place. Because truly, these people ARE our family!! I just want Jesus and God to become even more real and more alive~ His Word to speak to me~ while I read it and meditate on it throughout the day. I know this won’t happen while it’s sitting on my shelf or desk each day. So I’d love it if someone could help me learn how to digest it the right way. Thank you for your ministry… praying for you and your family!!
The most challenging thing for me when sitting down to read my Bible is clearing my mind and shutting out the clutter of random to do thoughts so that I am at full attention to the Word. My mind is so busy that, as I’m reading along, I reach a point where I realize I’ve just been identifying words rather than putting them together for meaning. So, I back up and try again only to repeat this process in a following passage of scripture.
This is true for me too. I am at a point in my life where I do have the time but don’t seem to take the time. Then when I do I get sidetracked or distracted and don’t really allow the words to sink in deep. I think this Chronological Bible would be very interesting and a great idea to read.
The hardest part of this is following it through to completion. I am in my Bible daily, but have not made it all the way cover to cover. Would love to do this in 2017!
This sounds great. It is eating away at me because I can’t seem to “just be aline with God” like I used to. Read and Retain and Respond used to just flow with me. These seem to be my challenges lately.
What an exciting opportunity! I have attempted to read the Bible through on several occasions with no success. I struggle with applying God’s word to my life but I pray constantly that God will guide me to be the example I need to be for my children. I would love to have a better understanding of the Biblle, for my on sake as well as for the opportunity to share with others in my life. Having a course that helps in holding you accountable my be what I need.
For me it would be time, distraction, and commitment are my biggest challenges. I start very dedicated in the beginning, but even with my heart in the right place, I get very distracted with being pulled away. I never thought of a chronological Bible before. What a wonderful idea!
I want to study God’s word deeper and I have always wanted to do a chronological study, but I always come up with a reason not to do it. 2017 needs to be the year of no excuses!
Most challenging is committing time for me. I have four children all very talented there isn’t much time for me. I’m also going through a divorce that is challenging my faith at times. This challenge is what I need to remember God has my worries and this is all in his plan.
I would love to read through the Bible in 2017! My desire is to draw closer to my savior by being consistent in reading the word.
I struggle with focus and reading comprehension. I am easily distracted therefore lose my focus, requiring me to re read each passage sometimes multiple times. I feel the videos will help direct my focus.
I also struggle with staying committed. I have started many bible study groups and was unable to keep up due to time. So the extra month will definitely help people like me. This sounds like just what I need. I pray I can stay on task and committed.
I struggle with finding the time and get discouraged when I miss a few days and when I don’t understand it or how to apply it. I am going to attempt this challenge.
The thing I find most challenging is staying committed, and not having anyone to hold me accountable. RTW would be an amazing way to find that way of being held accountable. I can’t tell you how many times I have looked at this chronological Bible on the P31 website, and thought about ordering it, having such a strong desire to read it, but put it off due to fear that I will not stay committed. Thank you for the chance to win this amazing opportunity to Read Through the Word with a group of committed women.
The most challenging part for me in reading the Bible is getting frustrated when I don’t understand something and then giving up.
Time is my absolute struggle when it comes to reading God’s word. I have a desire to read and really study it every day, but then life and distractions get ahead of me. The end of the day comes and I realize I haven’t read anything yet, but then I say, I am way too tired to read. A group like this would definitely help to keep me accountable and encouraged to read every day.
Time is the biggest problem I have in reading the Bible. I love God’s Word, but life sometimes gets in the way of me reading my Bible.
My 7-year-old has asked for us to read the entire Bible out loud together next year. Praying for God to stretch our minutes each day so it can happen! Blessings come from doing so, as I’ve seen in my own life and as my other children read on their own daily.
What a great ministry you have and share with so many. The biggest challenge for me to daily Bible reading is time. Why are we so busy? Why does God not come first daily? I have found that seeking Him first in everything puts things in order. I am a mother of five and am too busy. I pray for God to lead me in a dorection to put Him first. Blessings for all you do. Enjoy the time you have each day. A Bible reading plan is a blessing.
I have tried to read the bible “in a year” and have failed several times. Reading it on my own without help to interpret what I am reading is difficult for me. That is why I love First 5. The “now I get it” moments! RTW would definitely be for me.
What is most difficult about reading the Bible to Me is reading it with understanding of what I am reading and staying focused not being distracted..
I would love to do this…especially reading chronologically!
My biggest struggle is staying consistent…and having a plan, reading with others would really help. LIfe has been turned upside down the last 2 years, and I am craving to feel more grounded in scripture.
I have read through the Bible, and have been bogged down in parts. Regardless, I am intrigued by the chronological Bible. Hoping this is the motivation to get me started.
The most challenging thing for me are distractions. I start out great, then I let other life responsibilities get in the way of my quiet time with the Lord. And I agree with some of the other comments, it can be easier to read a topic devotion than just allowing God’s words to directly speak to me. Looking forward to joining this way of reading through the Bible
I know I need to commit to reading the Bible on a consistent daily basis….I could definitely see how being a part of plan and group would help…thanks for suggesting the Chronological Bible.
I get stuck on life application especially in the Old Testament. Reading Devotionals seem to bring more understanding and life application.
I am not signing up.
Why?
Because I’ve been an RTW participant for a number of years!
I just want to encourage any of you out there who are on the fence about this study. First of all, the Chronological Bible is my favorite way to read through the Bible in a year. It’s like the game Tetris (I know…I am dating myself). Remember how all the pieces fall into place? That’s what the Chronological Bible does for me. It helps clarify the when, the what, the where, the who and, almost always, the why!
Secondly, Wendy’s teaching is warm and inviting…you will feel like you’re in her living room as you listen to her expound on the “nuggets” she has found that day. Over the years, it feels like she has become a friend and I like the fact that I can “meet” with her over coffee every morning to hear how God has spoken to her.
Thirdly, you will be amazed at what you, yourself, find as you read along. When you read with the expectation that God will speak to you, verses, words, phrases will pop off the page…maybe not every day…but more often that you’d think! These personal experiences with God, speaking to you, will change your life. You will treasure these moments in your heart…God in personal relationship with you!
AND, not only do you get to hear God speak to you personally as you read with Wendy’s instructions to look for something new, something old, and for something to do, you also get to see how God spoke to others in the class as you read their comments. This comment section is a place to post what God taught you as well as a place where you will receive encouragement, wisdom and support. I have gleaned all this and more from my fellow RTW-ers.
Sorry this is so long…I read a lot of your comments and I have been where you are. This is, for me, the best way to read through the Bible in a year. You will come to grasp and understand the Bible like never before.
Val
Val,
I wish there was a “super-like” button here for your comment! I am also a member, and although I have tried many online bible studies, this one is special to me.
You are absolutely right in your points: the chronological does help comprehension, Wendy’s videos do seem personal and encouraging, and the comments just seem a lot more intimate and helpful, whether you respond and post or not, there is something comforting about seeing familiar names and it helps with accountability. I don’t use Facebook, so I hope there will be some like me who will “meet” in the comments section.
Staying disciplined and committed has been my struggle. My advice to others would be to have a plan for when and where and how you will read and journal, and if something doesn’t work, just tweak it and keep going! Don’t let ANY setbacks keep you back!
I will definitely be doing this study for 2017 and hope all of you considering it will join also. God bless!
When I start RTW in 2017 it will be my third year. I love reading the chronological Bible things make more sense. My real challenge is to find a challenge in reading the Bible. I have made the commitment to God, time for me is not an issue, yes there are things I don’t understand but I do have a study application Bible to help me. I have learned to appreciate books that used to challenge me like Kings and Chronicles. I cannot imagine not starting my day reading the Bible and with RTW. I am excited to see the changes Wendy has planned. I am excited to start 2017 in The Word.
My problem and challenge is I get easily distracted and have trouble understanding the Bible. I would absolutely love the “time lined Bible” to read and study and learn from.
The hardest part for me was understanding it. I have so many translations and when I did your RTW a couple of years ago and got the one year bible, it’s like a light went off! WOW! I understand the story now. I so love love love RTW. Thanks!
After following first 5 for more than a year now, I am ready to commit to reading His word. This book would be the perfect tool!
The hardest part of reading the Bible daily for me is the commitment to read first thing in the morning before everything else happens. And to focus!
What I find most difficult about reading the Bible all the way through is not the Word itself, but me. I’ve convinced myself that it’s not exciting or that parts are too difficult to understand, and that I’m not a theologian. I love reading the Bible once I’m in it, but my attention span wanes. Maybe it’s the time of day. Or maybe it’s because I don’t have a Bible reading plan to hold me accountable! The Word is so important, and I really need to start reading more beyond what I highlighted in the past.
My. biggest challenge reading my Bible is discovering how the parts apply to me and my life.
For me I believe it would be the time, desire and comittment in reading the Bible. That makes it most challenging to read, but mostly time.
Time. Making the time. It’s something I want to do more and more but my follow through is lousy.
Setting aside the time is the most difficult. Also, not letting my mind wander while reading…..I sometimes feel like I am reading words for the sake of reading. The Bible requires you to focus.
i have trouble with understanding it
Mostly time. Struggle with understanding. I had purchased a chronological bible to start next year. I live in the area of Louisiana that flooded & it was one of the many things lost to the waters.
I have to say that time is my issue and when I miss I get very hard on myself. I am a bit of perfectionist. I want to get past this and meet with God and just fall in love with all over again.
I love how God works! He has been speaking to me over the past few weeks about getting back to His word. We recently moved across country and I’ve lost my “obedience” so to speak. However, my feet have been dragging because in all honesty sometimes it feels more like something I HAVE to do rather than WANT to do. Why? Because so often I can’t figure out where to start or how to apply it to my life. I jump around reading scripture probably out of context and not really understanding how it all fits together. So this morning I googled “how to read the Bible in order” and then went to my emails to check in. Guess what I found? Your devotional on how to read the Bible in chronological order! Wow, He is good!! Looking forward to starting this real soon!!! Happy holidays from TN:)
I want to be a “lover of the Word and not just a carrier”! I have lots of bibles that I buy thinking that will be the one! Like others have said, the devos are easier to read and apply so so much of my study is based on others interpretation of scriptures. Sign me up-it’s time to change.
The hardest part for me is sometimes just the way it’s written, the wording. Our language now some words mean different things back then. I have the kjv and niv version bibles. I’ve read through the bible once but I will be honest I didn’t understand it all. I need help!
I would love to join you. Time is my challenge. Thanks!
Really appreciate your blog today. Seems I have been a carrier and not a reader also. This sounds like a great challenge.
Quitting before the year is through is my hardest challenge. I think that could be overcome in a group setting like yours where i’m not doing it alone!
I would love to do this. I have been trying to carve time out for daily devotions but find myself relying on other devotional books instead of the word of God for direction. Looking forward to challenging myself to go more in depth with my study.
I seem to start out well but get easily distracted. Maybe with a chronological Bible I would do better. Excited to try in 2017.
I am so excited to repeat Read thru the Word w/ Wendy again in 2017!! I did my first year in 2015 and it was great – and I’ve continued to read daily but sometimes I struggle with what to read each day. I miss the community, the discussion, the daily encouragement!!!! And, this year I am giving RTW to my mom and sister for Christmas – hopeful they will join us!!
The biggest pitfall to reading the Bible is being distracted by my other to-do’s. I want to get them done and then I think I’ll settle down but something inevitably comes up and I think, “ok, tomorrow then.” When I do read, I love the OT most because of the stories and I end up spending a lot more time reading than I intended, so I think “If I sit down and read, I may not get anything else done.” That’s my conundrum.
Can’t wait to do this for the third year!!! I am solo excited!!!! Thank you Wendy for all you do for this class. It has changed my life and brought me back to God in the hardest season of my life. Thank you!!!!
Thank you for being real when sharing. I love my Lord and really just want to walk deeper to know Him better. I, like you have Bibles and use devotionals but not consistently. I get distracted and have found listening to teachings have been helpful for me. Biggest problem… Focus!
I long to have that close relationship with the Lord. I want that hunger back that I had as a new believer. So much has happened in my life over the past two years that I am physically, mentally, and emotionally bankrupt! In order to make ends meet I have to work 50+ hours a week at a job that is a minimum of an hour and 15 minutes away. Finding the time to study is difficult. I want to change that in 2017! Please pray that God will help me find creative ways to spend time with Him! Thanks Wendy for your encouraging devotion today.
The one thing I find challenging in reading the Bible is that I get lost in its time sequence. This does not mean that God is not using the verses or Scriptures I read to speak to me because He does. I just want to be able to have a deeper understanding and connection to His Word. As I was praying this morning, God brought to my mind, John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” If I am to truly know Him, I need to be diligently studying His Word. I do listen to Him, meditate on His Word, and read it daily, but I think reading it chronologically will cause me to go deeper into His Word. That is why I am committing myself to doing that. Thank you for sharing this devotion today, Wendy. May God continue to bless and use you for His Kingdom purposes.
I have a hard time understanding the Bible when I read it by myself – I do better when I’m in a bible study.
It can be hard to focus when it doesn’t seem to flow or make sense for life application. Understanding the context can be challenging too. I added the chronological Bible to my Christmas wish list. Look forward to doing the study with other.
Consistency…..and being g disciplined to make that time the priority!
This is always something I’ve wanted to do; just unsure of the best plan for me to do it.
On the surface, time seems to be the greatest challenge (with 5 children… there are only so many hours in a day, right?). But, we do make time for the things we really want to do if it is at all possible. So on closer evaluation, I think my greatest obstacle is fear of failure AGAIN. I have tried and tried. I start out strong, bog down, get way behind and eventually just quit altogether. Now I have failed AGAIN….what’s the use? But my deepest desire is to do it!! To read and understand, in it’s entirety, the love story of my Heavenly Father from the past (the beginning of time), the present and into the future, as well as, I don’t really want to have to explain to God, when I stand before Him, why I never read His entire written Word. What if I am missing something really important? I am considering RTW.
I loved hearing your journey Wendy! It was encouraging to know that you also read the NLT, thats what I find works best for me too 🙂 The more I spend with Gods Word, the more I grow to love it, but I know that at times no matter how much I the paragraph long list about all the ancestors and tribes, I get a little lost. I find the most challenging thing for me in regards to reading the Bible is trying to understand the context. Sometimes when I hear someone speak about it in it’s light, I can begin to grasp the truth and start to realize what God is saying. I believe having a Chronological Bible in order by story would be really beneficial to anyone who struggles with having order in their life! Guilty as charged, I definitely face this head on. I’ve always been a huge fan of reading and I’ve been absolutely blessed by your “wait and see” book and study P31 is currently studying. This sounds like an amazing opportunity! I’ve always wanted to branch out and read a Chronological Bible to better understand God’s Word in the order of how He made things to be, but I didn’t want to neglect the Bible I was so thankful to have at the time. Now I know that it’s totally normal to have a stack of Bibles stacked up as tall to our head 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
It’s always encouraging for me to start something new, sticking with it daily is the challenge. I have been trying to carve out time first thing in the morning to read my Bible, if I miss this..it seems tough to do it later in the day. This bible reading would be an excellent resource for my desire to learn and grow stronger in my faith.
What always trips me up when reading the Bible is Numbers and Deuteronomy. I find them SO boring that I can’t push through them so I just quit.
I have tried to read the Bible in one year, but have never fully finished it. I want to do this in 2017…..
I too, accepted Christ as my Lord and savior when I was 7, in 1979, and like you Wendy, I’ve been a carrier of God’s word since I was little. We were in church every week. Wednesday night, Sunday morning & Sunday night. However, though knowing every book of the Bible (from memorization as a child), and even certain scripture, many of the books of the Bible, I did not understand. & still discerning the word is a challenge for which I continue to seek God. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I truly got deeper into the word and am thirsting every morning, for God’s word, & all through the day I seek him. It’s magnetic!!
The hardest part is feeling like a failure as I see others understanding things and I don’t. I have gotten better by doing RTW with Wendy, this will be my third year. It has helped with the consistency part and listening to Wendy and others share their insights is helping me. It is the best investment I have ever made in my personal growth with God!
The hardest part for me, honestly, is that I’m such a visual person and reading is so hard for me to “get into.” I love the scripture and have done many years of bible study in group settings which helps me immensely. However, reading on my own, without the accountability and encouragement from others is hard. I would love to participate in this group and I think the chronological set up would be great.
The hardest part for me is finding the time. With 4 young children time is a commodity, but I have been wanting to read a chronological one year bible for a couple of years. I hope I win!
Understanding, especially the history, remembering and knowing how to apply it in my life. I would love to win this.
Among other things, I get distracted while reading the Word because at times it’s either not engaging (all the names of people listed out) or feels “over my head”. Am praying that I stick with it in 2017.
I have tried reading the Bible from beginning to end and never quite make it through. Not because I don’t have the time. Some books are easy to get through and others are tough to understand. But the hardest part is trying to figure out what happened and when. If read in the order it is presented you are bouncing back and forth in time. Reading it in chronological order makes perfect sense and something I would love to do in 2017.
Parts of the Bible are really hard for me to understand. I have never tried reading the entire Bible but would love to do it with some help & guidance.
Not being pulled into every part. Some of it is boring or seems old or unnecessary. I’m not much into history.
I struggled this past year to take time to read daily and often times the Bible is hard to understand…. with this study feel it would help me understand more and journaling would help go back over it . hopefully in January I can afford to do winning would be awesome. Thanks
I have tried to start reading the Bible more,but find it very challenging, especially the old testament. I got a living word Bible(I think that’s what it’s called) its easier, but I still struggle. I know God is working in my life in various ways, but I need the support of the holy spirit. I know God put the email from proverbs ministry in my sights today. I sometimes scroll through my emails w/o reading the ones from proverbs ministry, but today,for some reason, I clicked on it,and wow,I was elated at what I read. Especially when I clicked on the link to go to this page,I have never won anything, and this chronological Bible,I really need. As I’m sure others do,but in this time in my life,I need all the help I can get. Please, say a prayer for me to help me become closer to God. Thank you for the opportunity to win this and God bless
I would love to read the bible in chronological order. My church reads the bible in 90 days every January. I have not gotten done with it yet by the end of the 90 days. I do finish but it takes awhile. We are encouraged to try a different version of the bible every year. I would love to read this one. Thank you!
What makes reading daily challenging for me is, well, ME! It’s my mindset most days. I get overwhelmed and think that I need to be doing all this other stuff and I tell myself that I will read later when I am better able to focus. Then the day passes and I haven’t spent time in His word. Reality is tho that when I am present and make the choice to study that I get the focus I need and always feel less overwhelmed! Yet, I don’t always make that choice! I would love this resource to help me with my focus. It would give me the direction I need in those overwhelmed moments.
Discipline is my biggest challenge. I beat myself up if I skip making time to read the Word. Making it a daily habit is my number one goal.
Many times I just don’t know where to begin. I think Chronological would be helpful. Discipline is difficult, too, but when I was in a regular study group and had direction the daily discipline came much easier. This would be a great help to me.
I think my greatest challenge is getting overwhelming with trying to understand the Bible instead of just trusting and believing in God’s plan. The Old Testament is hard for me too.
Hello Wendy,
This is my first year after being a Christian for many many years reading through the Bible from cover to cover in a year. It has been such a joy and delight to read and discover God’s Word in such a powerful way. Two months ago I decided too that I wanted to do it again in 2017 but this time in Chronological order so I too went to my local Christian book store and purchased one similar style to the one I am reading this year. Your Devo today confirmed, as I was doubting I should do it again, that I should indeed do it again and maybe every year. Thank you for your words of encouragement and for sharing how God has blessed your reading. I too have been blessed beyond words and I am looking forward to all God wants to teach me and reveal to me in the new year. God bless you and Have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and blessed New Year ❤️
The challenging part of reading the Bible for me is the old testament books of Numbers, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Chronicles and Kings. Especially the chapters that just has a bunch of names. They are hard to understand. I usually skip those parts and read the books of the Bible that are more interesting and easier to understand. I am excited to start RTW in 2017 and can’t wait to read the Bible chronologically in order. It will be my first year with RTW. I have read the Bible in a year before with my Bible but it wasn’t chronologically. So, hopefully the one year chronological Bible will be easier to understand when the books of the Bible are in order from when all the events happened.
I would love to be part of your RTW group. For me, the most challenging part of reading through the entire Bible is focus.
Thank you for your encouragement.
My biggest difficulty with reading the word daily is the fear of being reminded of how many things and in how many ways I fall short of the things I should and need to be doing the way He would have me to be or do. He always uplifts me and provides for my sustenance and forgives my short comings. But there are days when I just can’t face the shortcomings that hurt my heart to not have done or do better.
My biggest difficulty with reading the word daily is the fear of being reminded of how many things and in how many ways I fall short of the things I should and need to be doing the way He would have me to be or do. He always uplifts me and provides for my sustenance and forgives my short comings. But there are days when I just can’t face the shortcomings that hurt my heart to not have done or do better.
I have such a hard time understanding the word …I have a bible so worn from church and bible studies but when I sit and read I’m confused. I am in the midst of breast cancer treatment and fear I wont keep up but wow what a challenge. Wendy I like how in your Wait and See study you said you just started ready and with time it all made sense. ? That whole idea
The challenging part for me in reading the Bible at this point in time is that I have no one to share the journey with. I have been battling cancer for the last year and three quarters and it has been a very isolating experience. My friend that I used to do bible study with lost her best friend to cancer years ago and when I was diagnosed she pulled away from me– I think out of fear that she was going to lose another person in her life and go through that pain of loss again. I always have found it so much richer to study with someone else– and motivating as well. I NEED to get back in the Word– I feel dry and need the Living Water! Blessings on all of you doing this study– I pray my colonoscopy on Dec 14th is clean and I thank God for this provision of someone to share the journey of bible study with me!!
I scanned a lot of the comments and I am also one of those who has difficulty committing and setting aside time to read my Bible. I have started several times in the past and usually get to about March and find myself slowly getting behind on a one year head through the Bible plan. Joining a group such as this would help me in staying accountable (especially when I am committing a monetary amount as well as time!). Still thinking about it. 🙂
I worry that I am not understanding things correctly. That what I take from it isn’t really what it means. I need to have faith that God will reveal it to me. I really want to spend more time in the Word, not just reading devotionals and the Scripture with the devotional.
It is sometimes hard for me to understand how the Bible flows and fits together. RTW sounds like the perfect way to study and learn. I wish I had the money to join.
The hardest part for me is two part…one, I don’t always understand what I am reading and two, finding what the life application that God is instructing us to apply! I am so excited to read the Bible in chronological order!!! Thank you so much! Learning together in a group like this is so much better than on your own!
Would love a chance to win the chronological bible. I think it is a wonderful goal to read the entire bible in 2017. Thank you for your wonderful devotions!
The hardest part for me is that I don’t always understand what I’m reading. Then I compare myself to others who it seems to me “get it”, and I wonder why I don’t. Would love to win this as it has always been a goal of mine to make it through the entire Bible.
For me the most challenging part of reading the Bible, is finding the time and if I am being honest, the desire to do it every day. I love God, I am a believer,I have hope, and I pray daily. But there always seems to be other things that take my priorities. I try to do it in the morning but that always backfires. I can do it better at night before bed, but sometimes if I am honest, the Bible is not a light read. It requires a lot of thought, and study. I would love to see the difference between a chronological bible and others.
Hi! The hardest thing about reading the Bible for me is FOCUS! Im usually good and sitting down and opening the Bible…then. …sigh…my mind starts to wander. What needs to be done, how ,where & why, etc etc. ..
I would love to gift my Mom with this bible!! My goal for 2017 is to read through the bible in a year. And I just bought a one year version.
The hardest part of reading the Bible is time, consistency and fear that I’m not smart enough to understand and apply its messages into my life. I often get distracted when I’m reading and then give up. I’m going through one of the most challenging times in my life right now as my 11 year realationship is coming to an end. I feel alone and suffocated by the thought and worry that I may be alone for a while. I’m seaking Gods comfort because I recognize that only through him can I overcome this deep sadness and depression. I want a stronger relationship, I want to understand him and I want to growth in my faith and spiritually.
The hardest part for me is to stay engaged as I read and not view it as a check mark on my to do list
The hardest thing about reading the Bible is me. I get in my way. The selfishness of wanting to sleep a little more or watch a movie, talk with a friend. It truly comes down to wanting to be in the word more than anything. Wanting to know God. The Bible is about Him. Not just wanting head knowledge and the good Sunday School answers but longing to know the Lord.
Finding time each day to dive into God’s word & be consistent each day is hard. This is why I love proverbs 31 online bible studies. I learned & grew so much from the wait & see online study.
Time and commitment. I think the Facebook group will be a wonderful way to connect and motivate me to keep up. Thanks Wendy! This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to stay in the word.
The most difficult part of reading the Bible for me is that I struggle with parts in the Bible where there is talk about the end times and suffering. I have a very, very soft heart, and it breaks my heart to think of anyone suffering the depths of Hell. I wish there was not so much conflict and division in this world over religion and faith.
The biggest challenge for me is setting the time to just do it. I have participated in your RTW class and finished reading the Bible but we all know everytime we read, we see something new and exciting. I can’t wait to join you again in 2017.
Most challenging for me is being consistent with my reading each day.
My problem is time management & sticking to a commitment of quiet time. I have time in the morning but I choose sleep. I complain about my living situation when its just an excuse. For me to not make studying a priority.
The most difficult thing about reading the Bible is understanding what it all means. I was just talking to my husband the other day about the chronological Bible, and he doesn’t understand what I’m talking about. I’m one of those people that like to see it all nice and in order. I have my daily study time so now I want to add this to my time. Thank you, Wendy.
I have trouble when I don’t understand things, and the only source to research is the internet. I just read Judges, and Jephthah promised to sacrifice his daughter. I didn’t understand why God would let that happen, and I had to stop and search for clarification. Time is also an issue.
The hardest part for me is really understanding what I’m reading and understanding how to apply it to my life. Things are so different now compared to when the different books of the Bible were written that it’s hard to know how to apply what I’m reading.
Very simple answer… staying focused!
This sounds exactly like what I need for 2017. After many years of saying I was going to read through the Bible in 1 year, I have ( or will in 3 weeks), have finally achieved it. My goal was to do it again next year and try and get it to ‘sink in’ a bit more to my brain.
Consistency. I have a load of good intentions to be in the Word daily but even with the First Five app, I find reasons to “forget” or ignore.
The hardest part about reading the Bible for me is to be able to really understand what is being presented. Sometimes it is so hard to decider what God is saying, as I tend to be a person who takes what I read rather literally. I would love to go through the Bible in a year and understand what took place and when the event took place! And, of course, understand just what I am reading.
The hardest part about reading the Bible is when the laws get cryptic and I am uncertain about how to apply them to today’s world.
The hardest part of reading the Bible is understanding it as much as I would like to. I did start reading the New Testament a few weeks ago, and it’s hard to put it down!
Most challenging about reading scripture is truly understanding it and applying principles to my life which I’m really struggling with.
The hardest part is sticking with it and making it a separate time from an in depth study. Seems now that we’re empty nesters, there’s even less time.
The hardest thing for me about reading the Bible is understanding. I really want to be a part of this so I can get all your understanding and insight! I love Wait and See and it’s changed my life!
The Old Testament!
What I find most challenging is sticking with it… I have good intentions and then life happens and it goes by the wayside. I need accountability but most people I know are further on their walk.
I think the hardest part is understanding, and also trying to put it together in a way that resonates in my heart.
I find it hardest to be consistent. Especially when I get to the chapters where all the families are named. Since I don’t understand some of the background stories behind why they were written, I think I flounder sometimes.
Hi Wendy!
My biggest challenge when I read the bible is understanding the culture. How people’s lives actually looked on a day to day basis. I think if I had a better understanding of culture allot would make more sense to me!
I loved Wait and See and I look forward to your next book! 🙂
My challenge is knowing where to start….then, comprehending what I’ve read. I want (and need) to get close to God and know the way is thru his word. I just don’t know where or how to start.
The challenge for me is knowing what to concentrate on, I read from the online bible app and the online commentary, one scripture leads to another book of the Bible, before I know it I’m 12 clicks from where I started trying to understand what I just read. In all I enjoy reading His words, promises, and understanding this life I’m living.
Hardest thing about reading through the Bible is sticking with it…both through the difficult parts of the Bible and difficult parts of life.
My biggest challenge is the time event. I need to make time at a set time each day.
Time element not event.
I struggle alot with knowing how to pronounce words correctly in the bible; and i have never tried reading the chronological bible – which sounds like it would be easier for me personally to understand better… that is my goal to read thru it in 2017
I think the hardest thing about reading the Bible is trying to pronounce some of the words! That and understanding the real meaning behind them.
Hi Wendy,
When it comes to reading through the Bible from start to finish I also struggle with consistency. Especially at the start of each new year, when I find myself commiting to follow yet another reading plan and it only lasts so long. Perhaps, the chronological Bible will be a helpful tool in my desire to read the Bible in its totality with a deeper level of understanding.
Would love to start a deeper study of the Word in the New Year! 🙂
Hello!
The hardest part for me is consistency. I have a one year Bible for women and use the one year Bible reading plan on my phone. I do so good for a while then I miss a day, which turns into 2 (or 16 missed days, like I’m at now). Unfortunately, I let life get in the way and do not read as faithfully as I want to. Honestly some days, when I read, I just want to get done, to be able to mark it off my to do list. I am praying for God to help me be intentional about spending time with Him daily. I’d love to be part of this challenge in 2017! 🙂
The hardest part of reading my bible is remembering what I read. I’m very interested in the One Year Chronological Bible.
The hardest part for me is the daily time commitment with having a household of 7 and a full time job! Looking forward to this coming year!
I find the hardest part is truly understanding and applying it to my life.
I think the hardest part is understanding what really being said. Without knowledge of the customs and day to day life experiences of the people, I miss so much of what is really written. In a Bible study, everybody brings nuggets of information and insight to the discussion.
The hardest part for me is the inability to ask questions as I read the Bible. I want to be sure I am understanding what I need to understand.
The most challenging is making sure we make the time to understand the chapters and not be in a hurry. I have never gone through the bible in this way.
Wendy because of RTW I’ve been able to RTW. And I can honestly say I love his word now. The hardest part now is to live it. Let it change me. To leave my time in his word and be changed by it. Be obedient. And live in more victory.
All for the Glory due his name!!!
It’s hard to know about the history and the context and how to get the right meaning. Putting it all together is difficult.
Understanding what I’m reading, and staying focused in my time in reading the Bible.
Sometimes life just gets in the way and I find myself falling further and further behind in RTW – so I give up momentarily vowing to do better next time.?
I find that staying committed to the study of God’s Word each day the most challenging. I know perseverance is the key and to keep going and not give up. I am excited for RTW in 2017. This year my daughter and I are doing it together. She is getting married soon and what better way to start this new phase in her life …in the Word each day!!
I find pronunciation of certain words/names and the way they are written is sometimes Yoda like and it makes understanding the Bible hard. This sounds like a wonderful way to read the Bible!
Getting past the “hard to read” parts and staying focused on His Word. I don’t really like the opening the bible and read whats open. I feel like I should have more intentionality, but its hard to know where to start and go. This sounds like it would be a great way to read the word with intention and purpose.
The hardest thing for me is finding time in the morning as I rush to get out the door…& getting quiet enough after to hear Him speak to my heart!❤
I was not aware that you have been doing this RTW for the past several years…not sure how I missed it! I am just finishing up reading thru the Bible in 2016. It is actually the very first time that I have finished! I have started reading thru the Bible in a year on several occasions; and somehow, someway I don’t finish? I cannot really say why… perhaps because I need to do it with others like what Wendy is offering…anyway would love to be a part of this RTW. And I am really excited as I already have the NLT Chronological Bible.
This RTW is new to me through your site! How cool, my challenge is being disciplined to read every day. It is so easy these days to let the busyness of life take you away! I would love to do this and have the extra encouraging words from others!
To help me better understand the Bible , I have found using other translations of the Bible gives me much needed insight. I like to study particular verses which helps these verses to become a part of my life. Thank you for this devotion.
The hardest part of reading the bible is the Old Testament especially Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Numbers and understanding how these chapters tie into the New Testament.
Carving out time is a challenge with working full time. I tend to get into funks and then allow it to consume me. I did RTW in 2015 and loved it. I decided to do different bible studies in 2016 , but found myself not being as connected to God. Will be returning to RTW in 2017!! I love the improvements to your class and really look forward to it!
At this point in my life, I find the most challenging thing about reading the Bible is deciding how to approach my study. Do I “master the Word” as I’ve done for the majority of my life – dissecting the passage. Or do I let the “Word master me” – being still with a few verses and seeing if God has something to say to me. Each takes a whole different approach. Each takes a different state of mind.
I have a hard time knowing when to start. Every year I start at the beginning and then I seem to lose steam when I hit the book of Numbers. It’s helpful for me to be in a Bible study, or have a reading plan because then I know where to start and which way I am headed.
I also have a hard time making it a priority. I have three small boys. I have tried to get up early in the morning to read my Bible before they get up, but I swear somehow they know and they always wake up earlier!!! And then the day gets busy and I get wrapped up in the “to-dos” of working part time, taking care of the house, and getting boys where they need to go. I forget to take a breather and spend time in the Word. By the end of the day I’m exhausted and I often just fall straight to bed when the day is done. This is something I want to change! I feel so REFRESHED after spending time with the Lord, and if I pour into myself I have more to pour into those around me.
My pastor just spoke about reading through the bible in a year for 2017. I have done this once before but found it very difficult to keep up and to understand what I was reading. I was thinking about reading it in chronological order this time. This is perfect timing. God is like that isn’t He? I am not employed at this time so getting this gift would be amazing.
The hardest part for me is finding the time to just sit and BE . . .
I am excited to use a chronological bible. It sounds like a great addition to my resources and study.
I am looking forward to this!
I tend to study the bible by book or topic but lack seeing the big picture. It has been years since I’ve read completely through the entire Bible. Love the idea of joining with others all reading the same and sharing.
Right now I would say the hardest thing about reading the Bible is desire. And the hardest thing about reading through in a year is intimidation. It seems so overwhelming, but this is something that had been on my heart the last few weeks. A friend sent me the blog post where Wendy talked about the chron Bible, and today I just happened across this post. I didn’t know there was a class for it, and this makes me so much more excited!
The hardest thing for me is distractions. My thoughts, my family, my to do list. Something always seems to interfere. I love to multi-task & get things done so it’s hard for me to take the time to focus on God’s Word. With that said, I know how important it is and I am so excited for this group!
In 2013 I stumbled across Wendy and RTTW, purchased my first Chronological Bible and like Wendy, fell in love with it and getting to really know The Story of God in the order it happened. Was the first year I’m ashamed to admit that I finally read (age 47) through the entire Bible. Love love love the RTTW daily video and reading plan and Wendy’s down to earth teaching style and she’s just a real – just one of us gals- and I found myself looking forward to those first minutes each morning inHis word- Wendy helped the Bible come alive and taught me about pulling nuggets from passages I thought “what am I going to find useful here”. I learned to love reading His words through RTTW and Wendy so grateful to her ministry and heart. But it’s a challenge as well to get through it all the way I want to and finding that chunk of time to read and listen and then study . So like others, finding the amount of time I want to get it all in and not feel like I have to rush through to get it all in!!
The hardest part about reading the bible is I don’t know how to live it out and apply it to my every day life, I get discouraged because I don’t know when the Holy Spirit is talking to me , I just want to know and love God.
I have difficulty getting board in the reading of some of the orphans testament where I am not understanding the content.
I’m determined to start and FINISH this year in the Bible! Looking forward to what God has to show me!
The hardest part for me is staying consistent through the more”difficult’ books of the Bible.
The hardest thing about reading the Bible is understanding it and knowing how it all fits together. I sometimes find it hard to see how sections relate to others. My desire is to know it (Gods Word) well so that I am always prepared to give an answer. That I could be used by Him to further the kingdom of God and speak the truth in its entirety!
What do I find most challenging about reading the Bible? The challenge for me comes in discerning the best version that presents God’s Word as it is truly intended and not based on biblical scholars’ interpretation. Truth be told, I trust that God will reveal bits of Himself to me at just the right time as I’m reading His Word, trusting that regardless of the biblical version, HIS Truth will be revealed.
What I find most challenging is my procrastination. Additionally if I do not feel well I don’t do my devotions. I love God’s word but I let little things derail me. So I am hoping that some personal accountability will help. I adore Wendy so this will certainly help. Blessings. Diana
I think that studying the bible chronologically is a great idea! I don’t think its the only way to study the bible, but its worth a shot! I’ve been looking for ways so spice up my religious study, and I want to give chronological bible study a chance!