Why I Like "The One Year Bible"
I try to read the Bible through 2 times each year, so that is why I’m choosing such an odd time to mention a Bible that leads you through in one year. Most of the time, these are popular around the end of the year.
Right now, I am using the New American Standard version of The One Year Bible and wanted to take a moment to mention some of the reasons why I, personally, like it more than The Daily Bible. I have read both more than once, but I like The One Year Bible a little better. Here are some reasons.
It is only the Bible text. While I certainly don’t want to diminish Bible study, sometimes we need to just take a few moments for Bible reading. Personally, when I am trying to just read the Bible, even things like center-column references and footnotes distract me. These things are very helpful in study, but make reading difficult. The One Year Bible contains just the Bible verses. Contrast that with The Daily Bible which contains F. Lagard Smith’s introductions and devotional thought and also contains several footnotes. While I like Smith’s thoughts, there are actually some days where that is all you read if you follow the dates in the book. When I’m doing my daily Bible reading, I like to read the Bible!
It gives a little taste of the Old and New Testaments each day. I know that this is why some people don’t like The One Year Bible as much, but it is nice for me. I try to read 2 or 3 different books at the same time anyway, so my mind works in this way. And, let’s be frank. How many of us look forward to those days when we read 6 or 7 chapters from Leviticus, for example. The One Year Bible allows you to take in a little from each Testament each day.
It is available in many versions and paraphrases. The Daily Bible, while helpful, is only available in the New International Version, to my knowledge. Many simply do not like the NIV, but, if they want The Daily Bible, they are “stuck” buying that translation. On the other hand, The One Year Bible can be found in many translations, either new or used. It offers the King James Version, New King James Version, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version and Revised Standard Version. It also comes in the Catholic Bible and the New Living Bible. (If you would like to order one of these, there are links below to Amazon.com’s site for several versions.)
It is less expensive. While you may find a good deal on either The Daily Bible or The One Year Bible, either used or on sale, a new copy of The One Year Bible costs $3 less. I know we should invest in a good Bible, but if you are watching your pennies, every little bit helps.
I am enjoying reading The One Year Bible, and I just thought you might like to know some reasons why. If you have a favorite way to read through the Bible each year, leave a comment.
