Getting Ready to read the Bible in 90 Days: It’s a BIG commitment!

Reading the Bible in 90 Days is a huge commitment. Unfortunately I think the size of the commitment takes a lot of people by surprise. Many readers think they can just slide it into their day. But you can’t. It takes more than just that.

Reading the Bible in 90 Days takes a lot of time. It does for three months anyway.

And it’s not going to be easy. Sticking to the reading plan every single day (except for the two grace days) gets a bit old. Life gets in the way. You can’t wake up an extra hour earlier every single day without eventually losing sleep and getting cranky about it. Unless you are truly committed and make the time.

Many readers decide that not only are they going to read each day, but they will also journal or blog about it, too. For you, I am about to be your wet blanket.

I have read the Bible in 90 Days five times. Many of those times I intended to journal about it. The last time I read it I did and it took about an hour and a half each day to do the reading and post my daily SOAP observation. I am a pretty speedy reader and it was my fifth time reading the material and it still took that long.

If you are planning to journal about your reading every day, set realistic goals for yourself. And don’t let your writing keep you from reading. Reading and listening to the Lord are the most important things you can do in this program.

But back to just the reading…

Reading the Bible in 90 Days will take some sacrifice. To succeed, please start thinking now about what will have to change.

How will your housework change? How will your social life change? How will your internet time change? And how will you enforce those changes so you aren’t over-tired and frustrated with yourself in changing your juggling act? How are you going to make this happen? Is there someone you can ask for help? Help in cooking together, childcare, carpooling? Help in getting the dishes done or reminding you to get back to your reading and away from the TV or computer?

God has already given you 24 hours each day to do with what you choose. Some you must use to eat, sleep and do a few other necessities. The rest are up to you. If you really want to read all of God’s written Word, you have to figure out where that will fit within your 24 hours each day. What has to go?  Something has to go.

What, realistically can you set aside for 3 months so you can grow your relationship with your Creator? Or, for some of you, what can you set aside so you can try to understand whether He really is your Creator, or not?

If you are really in, something else has to move out.

If you’re really in, what’s it gonna be?

Please leave a note here telling us how you will make time for the reading each day.  The reading alone might take between 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes per day depending on the content and your reading speed.

Then come back tomorrow to learn about some tools that are in place to help you succeed.


Comments

37 responses to “Getting Ready to read the Bible in 90 Days: It’s a BIG commitment!”

  1. I am planning on doing the bulk of my reading at night after the kids are asleep. I’m a night owl and enjoy reading before I go to bed. I would also like to read a bit first thing in the morning to start my day off right.

    On work days, Ted will be reading during his down time at work and switching up reading at morning or night based on whether he’s working an early or late shift. On days he is off, he will probably read in the morning while I’m doing school with the kids.

    We are both going to have to lessen our screen time (computer, TV, & phone). My weakness is Google Reader–it always sucks me in so it will have to go for awhile! I also want to simplify some of our household tasks by using paper plates occasionally , planning menus, making easier meals, delegating more tasks to the kids according to their abilities, etc.

  2. Holly Avatar
    Holly

    I am planning to read 15 minutes at 7am, another 15 minutes after lunch, and finish whatever is left while my daughters are taking their afternoon nap. My reason for the times I selected is to do some in the morning just to get things off on the right foot (even though I am not a morning person and would not be able to stay focused for long enough to read it all at that time of day), after lunch is to do it at a time when my daughters will see me setting aside time for God’s Word, and finishing during their naptime is so that I don’t put it off until I am too tired.

  3. Farrell Avatar
    Farrell

    Like a lot of others, random internet time will be need to be cut down to make room for the Bible in 90 Days. I’m still up at night to nurse my little one and usually sit at the computer and surf, so I think I will at least start my daily reading during that time.

  4. I ride the train to and from work each day. My goal is to read there instead of listening to my ipod. I’ll also have to give up some evening internet time. That isn’t a bad thing, I am too preoccupied with online ‘surfing’ anyway. Decreasing my internet ‘addiction’ is one of my goals in this reading also.
    .-= Heather´s last blog ..who am I =-.

  5. […] I just told you a few days ago not to write about your reading. But I know some of you will want to anyway. This is an excellent tool you can use to track your […]

  6. I too have tried before to read the bible in 90 days but have not yet completed ,my goal is to give up television time i started reading and listen to the bible in 90 days then found your website and decided to wait so while i waited i read psalm, proverb and revelation daily now the bible in 90 days will be an added reading just at a different time of day .I work 12 hour shift at night 7pm-7am .I’ve been struggling to wake up at 5am to read the bible and meet with God early in the morning,with God’s help i will make it. I work in a hospital so the paste is steady but i do find time on my 30 minute break to read the bible for 20-25 minutes.Have a bless day

  7. I will be reading first thing in the morning and in the evening, before dinner. I am a full time teacher and single mom, and I want to keep a Bible reading schedule that I can carry past summer vacation into the next school year.

  8. I am looking forward to this challenge. My plan is to get up about 30 minutes earlier to spend some additional time reading, to give up some of my internet time during the kids naps, and to head to bed 30 minutes earlier to allow for any catch-up reading and a little more sleep. Thanks for all your encouragement to take this challenge very seriously.
    .-= Christy´s last blog ..Getting Ready- =-.

  9. I plan to use my early morning quiet time and my lunch hour if needed to complete my readings each day.

  10. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    I start my day with a long walk with our dog and then quiet time in the house on the couch before our boys wake up. This summer, I cannot take the long walk with the dog until the boys are awake, so I plan to get up at the same time and do my daily reading. Only when I am done reading will I pick up the newspaper and check my email. Any left over will be my ‘after the boys are in bed’ reading.
    I am doing this while my husband is away and have several ladies from our church joining me. I do not have a twitter account, but we will meet in person on Monday nights to check in, support and encourage one another.

  11. I will to read in the morning. but will finish up at night if i need to.

  12. I read some Scripture every morning. I will just read more of it now. I have my mornings to myself, as my husband usually sleeps until noon or so. I am very excited about starting this journey. I got my book for the last time, but not in time to start. This will be my first attempt at reading the Bible all the way through, is it arrogant of me to know that I can do this? I hope not, because I know I can with all of the love and support that was happening here the last time. It is nice to know that others are doing it at teh same time.

  13. I gave up facebook a couple of weeks ago because I was blowing my days doing nothing and I have been getting up early this week to spend time in the word so I plan to keep that up plus let some house work slide if need be. The mess will always be there and making God center of my life is the only way to live. I am so ready to really start walking this out!!!!

  14. Since ending my ten year relationship a year ago I’ve done nothing with my time but grieve that loss. I have recently turned it all over to God and can not wait to read his word in 90 days. I plan to read after I come home from the gym and cut out tv time which I watch way to much of avoiding real life. I can not wait to begin.

  15. I plan on breaking the reading into 2 pieces throughout the day. I’m hoping to get in the habit of getting up a half hour earlier each morning and then finishing up the reading either during the kids’ rest time or in the evening. My Internet time will be reduced. My dh has been very supportive of my goal to do this and vows that he will do better about being an active member of the cleaning crew in the evenings.
    .-= Chris´s last blog ..A Day at the Zoo =-.

  16. debbie Avatar
    debbie

    i plan on reading my Bible at night while i ride my exercise bike at night. im suppose to ride it an hour everyday so maybe i can do both.

  17. Dineen Avatar
    Dineen

    I plan on breaking it up into 2 reading times throughout the day – first in the morning after I get up, shower and make my way downstairs while my children and husband are still sleeping. I usually have coffee and read the daily newspaper. If I don’t finish the readings then, I plan on taking time during my lunch hour at work. Most days I go sit and read in my car to get a few minutes of peaceful, private time. There’s a park near my office so I’ll take my Bible and read while enjoying my beautiful surroundings.

  18. My internet time will definitely go! It needs to be drastically reduced anyway and this is the PERFECT reason to make it go away!

  19. I’m planning on using the quiet time between breakfast and morning activities as well as naptime to get my reading done. With four kids in the house, I will be working on it whenever I get a spare minute.
    .-= Erin´s last blog ..10 Years Old =-.

  20. I have to agree with Tracy that I am very scared of failing also. I have tried many time in the past to read the whole Bible in a year with the One Year Bible and have failed, so I have thought over and over to myself, “what makes you think you can read it in 90 days?”
    With God’s help, dedication, the faith and love of mentors, friends, and family, I know I will do this. I need to do this. I want to do this! God has been calling me to spend more and more time in His word and I have been putting it off for far to long.
    I plan on getting up an hour earlier than my kids and am praying that will be a sufficient amount of time. If I need to, I will also cut out some internet time in the evening to finish what I may not have had a chance to finish in the morning!
    I am going to do this…I will succeed!
    I can do ALL things through Christ who stregthens me! Philipians 4:13
    .-= Amy Steiner´s last blog ..Be ContentGod has taken care of everything- =-.

  21. I struggled with this the first time around and learned that something had to go. And it was the TV. I don’t miss it at all. So this time around I know I can do it easily!
    Nicole

  22. I’m planning to give my morning more structure by reading then; I can always give up some tv or internet time, also, if I need to.
    .-= Charlene @ A Virtuous Woman´s last blog ..P-Gs Thank You Mom Reunion Campaign =-.

  23. Definitely will be giving up internet time during the day – as well as possibly some wasted time during my lunch hour. I am hoping to do a blog post weekly to share my reflections — hopefully on Monday’s as well. :)
    .-= Julie´s last blog ..An Open Heart a fairytale… =-.

  24. I have a good amount of time I spend in the morning dozing in and out of consiousness while my son watches PBS. I’m planning on doing my reading then. It’s not sleep I really need, I just tend to be lazier in the early morning right after he gets up and wants out of his room.
    .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Day 15- A Fanfic =-.

  25. Erin G Avatar
    Erin G

    I will start in the mornings before the kiddos get up, continue during nap time, and finish any remaining reading after dinner. I think I will be more likely to finish if I am realistic about not always being able to read it in one chunk and just making sure I make time to read whenever the boys do not need me.

  26. I like to read my Bible in the mornings and have it in my mind/on my heart throughout the day. I find that by doing this, opportunities to think on it further or share it with my kids/husband/friends come up easily.
    Already reading of a morn, I plan to simply stay in my reading spot until the day’s selection is read!
    ~
    .-= DanaB´s last blog ..What’s On Your Nightstand- June edition =-.

  27. I am going to cut out some internet time.
    .-= Debbie´s last blog ..Homemade Guacamole and Tortillas =-.

  28. Deanna Avatar
    Deanna

    I came across here a couple of days ago and REALLY want to do the 90 day bible reading. Haven’t signed up yet, because I have started so many times and failed. I know I could give up leisure reading time for a lot of it, but still not sure. Seeing other ladies who have experienced the same struggle, some that have been Christians for a while like myself, is encouraging to know we are not alone in the struggle. I will decide and let you know, but really enjoy your blog.

  29. I ordered the Bible in 90 Days to use while we read, and as soon as it came in the mail, I felt a calling to get started NOW. So I did! I am going to be reading Day 12 today (I haven’t skipped any days at all since I started), and I have found the best way to get my 45 minutes of reading in is to give up evening computer/TV time. It was hard at first, but the more I read, the less I miss it. I think it will end up being a permanent change for me. I don’t really need to spend all that time attached to electronics!
    .-= Christy´s last blog ..Another New Project =-.

  30. My kids are little so we’re up early and have some wasted time each morning. I’ll plan to keep them busy for a while then (probably with cartoons if I’m honest) to get as much done first thing as I can. Then naptime will be the next time and if all else fails, the time between kid bedtime & my bedtime will be my fall back. This worked for me last time and I now know being flexible helps alot. Also, I will keep a Bible in my car for any times when I’m out & about and have a few minutes. That often helped me finish up the last page or 2 of the day last time.

  31. I have so many wasted minutes during the day – mainly computer time. The kids also have quiet reading time from 1:00-2:30 each day, during which I usually do other things. And, I have my personal reading time at night before bed. However, I agree with Heidi, I would like to begin my day with time in the Word and our most Holy God. So, I think I will try waking up earlier. Then, if I need a snooze, I can do that during the kid’s afternoon reading time, or finish my reading then as well.

  32. My goal is to set my alarm for one hour earlier, so that I can get up and spend my time with God in the peace and quiet (before my 4-year-old sons hits the ground running each morning!)
    If I don’t have time for all my reading in the morning, I’ll finish up in the evenings (before bedtime), which is my normal personal reading time (after I’ve read aloud to two of my children). I would prefer, though, to do it in the morning and start my day with God, rather than giving him that time in the evenings when I’m winding down and not as alert.
    We’ll see if my plan goes the way I want it to, or if God has other plans!
    .-= Heidi´s last blog ..Making Work – Home Work June =-.

  33. Anna B Avatar
    Anna B

    I work full time but have the advantage (??) (Ok, it’s an advantage for THIS) of living alone. That means I can get home from work, and read right away (and make supper afterward or perhaps pop it in the oven before reading).

    My evenings are not very structured, so this will be nice to give it a bit of routine. It’s very rare for me to do something with other folks before 6pm or so, so I should always have time to read before I go out. :-)

  34. Ok I am hearing what you guys are saying but this is about being real and HONEST with myself and God , I am scared I will failm I have started so many times before and failed and I am ashamed as a chrisian to admit that I have NEVER read the bible all the way through.
    Ok thats all negative now for the positive I can with Gods grace do it, I can do it with support from each other and I AM going to do it because I want to,
    As to time well I am not sure yet I get home from school/ work by 4.30 most days so I guess for me that hour and a half till starting the evening meal is as good as anyplus it will probably be about the time you guys in America are reading .
    .-= Tracy´s last blog ..Fantastic times =-.

  35. I will probably have to break it down to a couple of sessions a day. My regular Bible reading time is at night so I will have to add a day time session, probably during nap time. Oh, and probably have to cut out some computer time as well.
    .-= melissa´s last blog ..Our whirlwind trip =-.

  36. Like Lauren, I will definitely get rid of an hour of internet time each day to complete the readings. I wake up early to go to work two days a week, and have been wanting to do that each day and read in the morning. Here’s where the rubber hits the road! I’m so excited to do this and hear from God along the journey!
    .-= Jen´s last blog ..Bus Etiquette =-.

  37. My goal is to set aside time every day while my children nap to spend time reading my Bible and to grow closer to God! I cant wait to do this and have the encouragement from others as well! I will be getting rid of an hour of my internet time each day to do the Bible in 90 days!
    .-= Lauren´s last blog ..Barefoot Books =-.

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