I don’t have a strong opinion on the whole idea of New Year’s resolutions. If they work for you, go for it. If they are only going to add to the stress you already feel, what’s the point? There is probably a better way for you. But I do think there is necessity in planning for improvement.
There is little good accomplished apart from intention and planning. Clearing the snow that will come at some point this winter requires the intention to shovel and the plan to buy a shovel to move the snow. Without either, you’re likely to have that dreaded packed snow driveway, which if it doesn’t irritate you, will irritate your father-in-law when he comes to visit his grandchildren.
They probably exist somewhere in Christianity, but I have yet to meet the people who read, study, and know the Word of God without both intent and plan. I do know many people who intend to read the Bible, but they have no plan to follow. Sadly, the reality is too many of us who hear the faithful preaching of the Word of God in our churches spend very little time in God’s Word other than Sundays.
Would you like to change that for yourself? Then let’s read the Bible together. Christianity is always personal but never private, and that includes our Bible reading. We cannot meet every morning or evening for Bible reading, but we can plan to read together.
If you’d like to join me in reading the Bible, I have three suggestions and invite you to choose one with me.
Option 1: Read the Proverb of the Day. This simple plan has been a favorite of many since personal Bibles became the possession of anyone who wanted one. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. Simply read the Proverb that corresponds to the day. January 1 read Proverbs 1. January 2 read Proverbs 2, and so on. If you miss a day, just pick up by reading the chapter that matches the current day. There is no requirement to go back and catch up, though you certainly can if you’d like.
Option 2: Read the Psalms of the Day. I learned this pattern for reading the psalms from a college professor. Month after month, you can read the whole collection of psalms by reading 5 psalms each day. Like the Proverb of the Day, you begin with the psalm that corresponds to the day – for example Psalm 1 the first day of the month. From there you add 30. On the first day of the month, you will read Psalms 1, 31, 61, 91, 121. On the 17th day of the month, you will read Psalms 17, 47, 77, 107, 137. The only variation is Psalm 119. Because of its length, read 119 on the 31st day of the month as a stand-alone psalm. In addition to improving your math skills, you will gain exponentially in your spiritual maturity by the intake of the psalms.
Option 3: Here’s a great plan I find accessible for any Christian, and, I think, can fit into the lifestyle of virtually everyone. The 5 Day Bible Reading Program takes you through the whole Bible from January 1 – December 31. The plan is kind of chronological but not exclusively. 5 days instead of 7 allows for catchup if you miss a day. The plan if free and downloadable, and for those who need paper in front of you, you can print off the plan and mark the days as you go.
So, who’s with me? If you want to read the Bible together, text me or reply that you’re in. The first of every month, I’ll let the group know how I am doing in my Bible reading, and we can encourage each other in our Bible reading.
Most of my readers are more than familiar with the positives for reading and studying God’s Word. You know the Bible is a lamp to your fight and a light to your path. You know it’s the source of wisdom and that Bible intake will keep you from giving into temptation. You know reading the Bible is the key to praying the Bible. What you need is a community of people to help you read the Bible. I know a group of people who can help you. I’m one of them, and I need you to help me. So, let’s read the Bible together.
I look forward to hearing from you.
As always, thanks for reading, and I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.