Bible Reading Plans

The Value of Daily Bible Reading

The old saying is, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” The meaning is that a large, difficult, or overwhelming task can be accomplished by breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps. Some people see reading the Bible as a large, difficult, or overwhelming task. It’s a large book written over thousands of years, and set in a different time and culture. How do we accomplish a task like that? One page at a time. And, a big help is a Bible like the Lutheran Study Bible which explains the difficult passages to us. In addition, it has many helpful charts and maps.

Did you know that the shortest verse in the Bible is only two words long? See John 11:35, “Jesus wept.”

Did you know that the longest verse in the Bible is eighty words long? See Esther 8:9.

Have you ever given thought to the wonders of the world, like rainbows? See Genesis 9:8-17.

Have you heard the saying, “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning?” It comes from Matthew 16:2-3.

You’ve heard the expression, “A drop in the bucket.” That come from Isaiah 40:15 (referring to the nations compared to God’s immense power).

There’s also the expression, “At your wits’ end.” That’s from Psalm 107:27 (describing sailors caught in a violent storm).

Ever watch a kitty bury its poo? Before there were ever outhouses or toilets the Bible gave instructions regarding the burial of excrement. See Deuteronomy 23:12-14. Just think of that: Every detail of things we must do is in the Bible…even taking proper care of our waste.

Dozens more examples could be given regarding how the Bible has influenced our daily lives, but most importantly through Scripture, God Himself speaks—revealing His will, His promises, and His mercy in Christ Jesus. To open the Bible each day isn’t merely to read a religious text; it’s to hear the living voice of God addressing you personally. The same Spirit who inspired the Word continues to work through it, strengthening faith, convicting of sin, and comforting with the assurance of forgiveness.

Daily time in the Word centers us again in what truly matters. It reminds us who we are: baptized children of God, redeemed by Christ, called to live as His people in the world. Even a few minutes of Scripture each day anchors our hearts in something eternal and unchanging.

Daily reading of the Bible also nourishes spiritual growth. Just as the body can’t thrive without food, the soul can’t flourish without God’s Word. In it we find wisdom for daily living, courage in temptation, comfort in suffering, and hope in death. Moreover, daily Scripture reading connects us to the communion of saints. The same Word that fed Abraham, David, Mary, Paul, Luther, and countless believers across centuries is the Word that feeds us today. It joins our lives to the great story of God’s redeeming work from creation to new creation. When we read, we’re not alone; we’re part of the great company of God’s people who trust in His promises.

Above all, daily Bible reading draws us again and again to the Gospel. Through Jesus’ Word, He assures us that our sins are forgiven, our future is secure, and our lives are held in His gracious hands. To read the Bible daily, therefore, is to walk daily with Christ Himself.