Plan to Read Your Bible

This was originally written for the Evangelical Free Church of Oakland December 2017 Newsletter.

In our church and our tradition, the Bible is very important because we believe it is God's special revelation to us that is the final authority on all matters upon which it speaks. So if God talks in the Bible about salvation, His nature, our nature, history, the future, the best way to live now, whatever, we believe it and should live it. That is an easy thing to say, but do you really know what is in the Bible? The easiest way to know what it says is to . . . read it! Yet in spite of supposed high view of scripture many of us struggle to regularly read the Bible and consequently really do not know what it says, which means that we are not letting God word impact our lives. I know the struggle because it took me many years to develop a regular habit of Bible reading.

Here are some tips that have helped me to be more consistent in my Bible reading.

1. Make a plan.
2. Set a time.
3. Make a realistic commitment.
4. Get accountable.

First, you need to have a plan, so that you know what you are reading next. Random reading just does not work, and often leads to misunderstandings and cherry-picking verses. On every Bible website you can set up a plan to read the Bible in a year or read specific portions or books in a set amount of time. Some people let daily devotionals lead them in their reading, and that may be what helps you get started. You might also follow along with the sermon series or pick your scriptures by your Bible study or life group material. Finding a plan to give you direction will help you be more consistent.

Second, you need to set a regular time. For many of us, the first thing in the morning works best, but for others a lunch break or right before bed might work best. If you do not set a time, your intentions will simply be a wish. Something else will always be more important at that particular moment of the day.

Third, you need to make a commitment that is realistic for you. If you have no time set aside now, do not start with a plan that takes an hour. Instead, start with a plan that takes five minutes a day. If you are not reading any days of the week commit to at least four of seven. You can still try to read everyday, but you have some grace built into your plan.

Fourth, if you really want to be serious about your commitment, you need to tell others and have them hold you accountable. This could be your Life Group, a mentor, a good Christian friend, or just someone else who wants accountability too. One of the ways that I have done this recently is by texting a number of guys and my kids, one verse or lesson from my daily Bible reading. I also encourage them to text or snap me back what they have learned.

Here a few of lessons from others that I have received in the last couple of weeks.

• The Lord will not reject forever, for if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness. For He does not afflict willingly or grieve the sons of men. -Lamentations 3:31-33
• Ps. 5:11&12 but let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exalt in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord, you cover him with favor as with a shield.
• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.
• Love this mornings odb.org scripture reference.  I needed to hear: "Dear friends, we are already God's children..." 1 John 3:2.

So not only do I get a personal lesson every day, I often get to hear what God is saying to others, and at the same time, it helps to hold me accountable.

My personal experience has been that the more I get in the Word, the more strength and wisdom I have for daily living. Furthermore, the more I read, the easier and more important it becomes to me. Now when I miss a day, I feel it! I long for my time with God. My prayer is that you would you desire to know Jesus so much that you want to hear His word for you every day, so you would take these practical steps to make it a reality.