Glorifying the Triune God by creatively declaring the relevancy and practicality of His timeless Word..
Bible Reading Plans
Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient." Exo 24:7 ESV
Information - For the Christian, regular Bible reading is the only way to discover “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3 ESV). Many fail to realize that paying no attention to the Bible, is the same as paying no attention to the Triune God. It was God the Father who made the Bible available to us, God the Son who is the focus of the Bible and the God the Holy Spirit who not only wrote the Bible, but desires to teach it to us.“God… spoke to us by His son”, is how Book of Hebrews begins (Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV). Greater emphasis is given to us by these words: “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking”. (Hebrews 12:25 ESV).
Yes, the Bible is an ancient book, but because its truths are timeless, its teachings are very relevant and practical for people today. For our worldly surroundings, our outlook on the horizon as well as our inborn difficulties, the Bible speaks the truth about them all. Its relevancy sets it apart as an information resource that never grows old with time. So when we open our Bibles, we ought to open our hearts as well to embrace what saith the Triune God.
But informing us is not all that the Bible does; its also a means of transforming us. According to Romans 8:29 NLT God’s goal is for us“to become like His Son.” When in all sincerely we swing open our hearts door to the Word of God, God the Holy Spirit makes use of the Word of God to make us more like the Son of God. Notice what 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT says, So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.
Yes, the Bible is an ancient book, but because its truths are timeless, its teachings are very relevant and practical for people today. For our worldly surroundings, our outlook on the horizon as well as our inborn difficulties, the Bible speaks the truth about them all. Its relevancy sets it apart as an information resource that never grows old with time. So when we open our Bibles, we ought to open our hearts as well to embrace what saith the Triune God.
But informing us is not all that the Bible does; its also a means of transforming us. According to Romans 8:29 NLT God’s goal is for us“to become like His Son.” When in all sincerely we swing open our hearts door to the Word of God, God the Holy Spirit makes use of the Word of God to make us more like the Son of God. Notice what 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT says, So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.
Transformation - So Information manufactures transformation, but this information is a whole lot more than just Biblical facts, it is spiritual truths. Our change into becoming more like Christ takes place when we understand Biblical truth and receive it into our hearts. Spiritual power is released by the truth when we embrace it.
God’s word has the power to make things happen. All that is needed is for us to receive the Word, trust the Word and obey the Word, and God will bless His Word by doing amazing things.
Motivation - Another reason why reading the Bible is so important is penned by David in Psalm 40:8 NLT I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart."
So far we have seen information to transformation and now motivation. But, what is it that really motivates us to read, study and obey the Bible? Love for Him because of our love for His Word in our hearts. More important than what we do as believers is why we do it. The more we love Jesus is based on the more we know about Him. It’s a spiritual chain reaction.
What does all this mean for you? It means you must spend time each of your 365 days a year reading your Bible and learning what it teaches you. Sobering thought! Just like eating and bathing, it’s a daily discipline with good results. The Word is cleansing for us as Jesus says: Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. John 15:3ESV, (Ephesians 5:25-27).
The Word is also food for us as Jesus informed Satan:"It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4 NET. “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,” 1 Peter 2:2 NLT. “When I discovered Your words, I devoured them”. Jeremiah 15:16 NLT.
Not to mention the solid exercise. “train yourself for godliness. 8 For "physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come."1 Timothy 4:7-8.
Prayer, worship, giving, using our God skills, all develop our spiritual muscles and help in making us strong in the Lord.
Wondering how to get started?
Select an accurate, clear and understandable Bible translation. Decide on what is the best time and place for you to meet with the Lord. Read your Bible watchfully meditating on what you read and praying for the Holy Spirit to enlighten you. Do your reading methodically and use a schedule.
One method that can be used is to begin with Psalm 1, followed by Genesis 1 and then Matthew 1. Then follow the same pattern of reading every day as you move through the following chapters and books. Break long chapters it into smaller reading portions, without departing from the set plan. It may take some effort, but it will be worth the time and effort to develop this discipline. In addition reading a Proverb a day repeatedly each month will help in developing practical wisdom for life’s decision making.
Application – In His faithfulness, the Triune God will provide guidance in helping us apply His Word practically to the details in the daily routines our lives. Through [1] information, [2] transformation, [3] motivation and [4] application, reading the Bible helps us in understanding how the Christian life is to be lived out.
God’s word has the power to make things happen. All that is needed is for us to receive the Word, trust the Word and obey the Word, and God will bless His Word by doing amazing things.
Motivation - Another reason why reading the Bible is so important is penned by David in Psalm 40:8 NLT I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart."
So far we have seen information to transformation and now motivation. But, what is it that really motivates us to read, study and obey the Bible? Love for Him because of our love for His Word in our hearts. More important than what we do as believers is why we do it. The more we love Jesus is based on the more we know about Him. It’s a spiritual chain reaction.
What does all this mean for you? It means you must spend time each of your 365 days a year reading your Bible and learning what it teaches you. Sobering thought! Just like eating and bathing, it’s a daily discipline with good results. The Word is cleansing for us as Jesus says: Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. John 15:3ESV, (Ephesians 5:25-27).
The Word is also food for us as Jesus informed Satan:"It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4 NET. “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,” 1 Peter 2:2 NLT. “When I discovered Your words, I devoured them”. Jeremiah 15:16 NLT.
Not to mention the solid exercise. “train yourself for godliness. 8 For "physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come."1 Timothy 4:7-8.
Prayer, worship, giving, using our God skills, all develop our spiritual muscles and help in making us strong in the Lord.
Wondering how to get started?
Select an accurate, clear and understandable Bible translation. Decide on what is the best time and place for you to meet with the Lord. Read your Bible watchfully meditating on what you read and praying for the Holy Spirit to enlighten you. Do your reading methodically and use a schedule.
One method that can be used is to begin with Psalm 1, followed by Genesis 1 and then Matthew 1. Then follow the same pattern of reading every day as you move through the following chapters and books. Break long chapters it into smaller reading portions, without departing from the set plan. It may take some effort, but it will be worth the time and effort to develop this discipline. In addition reading a Proverb a day repeatedly each month will help in developing practical wisdom for life’s decision making.
Application – In His faithfulness, the Triune God will provide guidance in helping us apply His Word practically to the details in the daily routines our lives. Through [1] information, [2] transformation, [3] motivation and [4] application, reading the Bible helps us in understanding how the Christian life is to be lived out.