Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
~ Psalm 34:8
January is often a season of new beginnings. Maybe this is the time of year you wonder about trying to read the bible? And maybe you don’t really know where to start. Or you’ve tried before and the wheels fell off by February.
Well, there’s good news for both those who are just getting started and those who have been discouraged in the past! You and I can look at plans without fear of condemnation because bible reading is not something we do to get or keep God’s approval. So, why think about a Bible plan? To put it simply, we want to know God more than we did before.
And this isn’t just knowing more about him, but knowing him relationally as a friend you are growing to love and trust.
Savoring any moments you get with the God who loves you is a far different story than trying to maintain perfect attendance at Bible trivia school. So, the plan is intended to create structure and space for you to connect with the Lord.
If you want to grow and need some help, I’d recommend 3 steps: Plan | Place | Process
1) PLAN
Select a Bible Plan
ESV Study Bible is a very helpful tool - visit esv.org for bible plans - you can have the readings emailed to you every morning by subscribing.
The Bible app by Youversion has hundreds of bible reading plans and you can listen to audio versions while you drive or walk.
Good reading plans to check out include:
Feel the freedom to change
The goal is fellowship with the Lord, not crossing the finish line in Leviticus.
May need to shift because of life transitions or better approaches.
Find unhurried time
What kind of timeframe do you have?
Can you make adjustments to clear more time?
Ex. - pick out clothes the night before, make lunch the night before, set coffee maker, go to sleep 30 minutes earlier…etc.
2) PLACE
Location, location, location!
Mar 1:35 - And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Minimize distractions
Quiet + Low traffic + Away from screens/emails/texts…etc
Set yourself up for success - literally!
3) PROCESS
PRAY - IOU’s is a helpful acronym to guide a simple prayer based on some verses in the Psalms:
Incline my heart to you, not to prideful gain or any false motive. (Psalm 119:36)
Open my eyes to behold wonderful things in your Word. (Psalm 119:18)
Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)
Satisfy me with your steadfast love. (Psalm 90:14)
READ
WHILE READING: Read with a highlighter and pen. Mark it up and make notes along the way. This helps you engage while reading and remember what you read!
What stood out to you?
What do you have questions about?
AFTER READING: Meaning and Application - 3 questions
What does this text reveal about my brokenness?
What does this text reveal about the sufficiency of Christ?
What virtue does this text encourage me to put on in response?
MEDITATE
Springboard off of scripture into prayer - Talk to God!
Meditation is meant to marinate your mind in the truths of God’s word.
Reread encouraging verses.
Write it down.
Memorize it - find ways to think on it throughout the day.
Hopefully, this starter kit will serve you as you get rolling into the New Year and beyond. As always, let us know if there are any ways we can help you! Looking forward to growing together in 2024.
“Day by day, as God’s sons, we thankfully take the gifts that our heavenly Father bestows—daily remission of sins, daily reassurance from his promises, daily revelations of Himself from his Word. Day by day, we trustfully hand over to our heavenly Father our various fears and failures, deliberately unstrapping the burden of care from our own shoulders in order to cast it upon Him. Such . . . is the taking and giving (the fellowship) . . . that constitutes the life of faith.” - J.I. Packer