My Top 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Bible Reading

Over the last 15 years, I’ve read the Bible more than 30 times. That’s not a flex; it’s a testament to how much the Bible has transformed my life. Over the past six years, I’ve also had the privilege of helping over 100,000 people read the Bible from cover to cover. Along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make Bible reading a consistent, meaningful practice—and today, I’m excited to share my top five tips with you.

These tips aren’t about being hyper-spiritual or complicating the process. They’re practical, straightforward, and designed to help you tear up your Bible (in the best possible way). So, let’s dive in!

1. Get a Physical Bible You Love

I’ll start with a confession: there’s nothing wrong with using a digital Bible. But I’ve found that a physical Bible has some serious advantages. When you have a tangible book in your hands, it’s easier to stay focused. No notifications. No TikTok. No Instagram. Just you and the Word.

Plus, owning and using a physical Bible creates a sense of sacred space. When you open it, you’re in a different zone, and it’s free of the distractions that come with your phone.

Now, choosing the right Bible is important. First, pick a translation you like. I recommend either the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New Living Translation (NLT). If you’re a stronger reader, go for the ESV, which is more literal. If you prefer something easier to understand, the NLT is fantastic. Both will take you to the same spiritual destination—just with different levels of complexity.

Next, consider the format. Do you prefer a thin Bible or one with wide margins for notes? Personally, I love writing in my Bible, so I opt for a wide-margin version. And here’s a pro tip: Books-A-Million has an impressive Bible selection. (Not sponsored—but, Books-A-Million, call me!)

And don’t be afraid to mark up your Bible with pens and highlighters. It makes the experience more engaging and helps you connect with the text.

2. Use a Bible Reading Plan

The Bible is a big book, and reading it can feel overwhelming. That’s where a plan comes in. A reading plan breaks the Bible into manageable portions, so you can tackle it bit by bit—like eating an elephant, one bite at a time.

Here are three great ways to find a plan:

  1. DIY with Math: Divide the total number of pages in your Bible by the number of days you want to read. For example, my Bible has 1,359 pages. If I want to read it in a year, I divide that by 360 days (allowing five grace days) and get about four pages a day.

  2. The Bible App: Download the Bible app on your phone, and you’ll find a treasure trove of plans.

  3. TearUpYourBible.com: My personal favorite—the Tear Up Your Bible Alpha Plan—is free and designed to help you make serious progress.

One piece of advice: Don’t commit to reading a set number of chapters. Chapters vary in length, and that approach can lead to inconsistent reading times. Stick with pages or a solid plan.

3. Track Your Progress with a Calendar

Some days, you’ll wake up and feel like a Bible-reading champ. Other days, not so much. On those tough days, a calendar can be your secret weapon. Marking off each day you read creates a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum.

This tip is inspired by Jerry Seinfeld’s habit of writing a joke every day and marking it on his calendar. He’s motivated to keep the streak alive, and you can use the same approach for your Bible reading.

I’ve used a calendar in my Bible to track my progress, and it’s incredibly motivating. If you’d like a Bible-friendly calendar, you can grab one at TearUpYourBible.com.

4. Don’t Study—Just Read

This one might ruffle some feathers, but hear me out: Stop overcomplicating it. Just read the Bible. Some people believe the Bible is only meant to be studied, but that’s like saying you shouldn’t open a biology textbook until you’ve mastered biology. It doesn’t make sense.

Reading is the foundation of understanding. The more you read, the more you’ll comprehend. I’ve found that reading the Bible three times—especially within three years—creates a solid framework. Think of it like solving a puzzle:

  1. First read: Lay out all the pieces.

  2. Second read: Build the edges.

  3. Third read: Start filling in the details.

Over time, the picture becomes clearer. And while studying is important, don’t let it slow you down in the beginning. Focus on reading consistently.

5. Manage Your Expectations

Let’s be honest: Not every Bible reading session will feel like a divine encounter. Some days, you’ll walk away feeling like the prophet descending from the mountain. Other days, you’ll close the book thinking, “I didn’t understand any of that.” And that’s okay.

Bible reading is a long game. Insights will compound over time, and the more familiar you become with Scripture, the more it will speak to you. For example, I used to struggle with Isaiah. Then, in 2019, everything clicked, and it became one of my favorite books. It took years, but it was worth it.

Think about this: If you get just one spiritual insight per week from your reading, that’s 52 insights in a year. Multiply that over ten years, and you’re looking at hundreds of life-changing revelations. Keep going, even on the tough days.

2025 could be your best year of Bible reading yet. If you’re just starting, I’m praying this will be the beginning of a life-changing journey. Stick with it. The Bible has the power to transform your life, little by little, day by day. And trust me—it’s worth every moment.