Greg Chandler
12/29/14
January 1 is really no different than any other day of the year. It is, however, designated as the beginning of a new year, thus receiving special attention. It is also a day in which resolutions go into effect, with many vowing to exercise more, eat less, and improve their lives in a myriad of ways. These resolutions, much like the decorations for New Year’s Eve, enjoy a brief flare of attention before ultimately being discarded.
One resolution often made by Christians is to read the entire Bible in the coming year. With great spiritual vigor several chapters of Genesis will be read on New Year’s Day, followed by a few more on the 2nd, 3rd, and so on. Like most resolutions, this noble goal soon falls by the wayside, typically because time is used for other things, and by February the idea is completely abandoned. This, however, does not have to be the case. Consider some suggestions to make sure that your attempt to read the Bible in 2015 is an overwhelming success.
Remember What You Are Reading
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness – II Timothy 3:16
Choosing to read the Bible is not the same as choosing to read any other book. While enjoyment may be found in the latest novel or newest book on your favorite topic, the Bible is the inspired word of God. God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through the written word; therefore, the more we read the more we will know of God. With each day of a daily reading, there is the opportunity to better know God. This will come in a variety of ways as you read about His dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, the penetrating thoughts of the psalmists, the insights of the prophets, the gospels’ testimony of the life of Christ, the Acts account of the birth of His church, and letters sent to local congregations and Christians. Each section of the Scriptures will offer a glimpse of the God we serve.
The Right Place & Time
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night that I may meditate on your promise. – Psalm 119:148
Planning is a key component of success. The sporting team that hopes to end the season with a winning record will devote hours to practice, with each player setting aside those times to be with the team in order to better their game. Sadly, many do not give their spiritual growth the same consideration as they do such trivial pursuits as ball teams. A daily Bible reading program helps to change this and allows time to fill the mind with ideas that will encourage spiritual maturity. For this to happen, however, time must be allotted. The “best” time to read the Bible will vary with the individual. There are those who function well in the morning. Getting up before the cares of the day commence offers a wonderful time for such individuals to read and meditate on the word of God. Others find the end of the day more satisfactory. With work completed, dishes done, and kids put in the bed, the Bible is opened so that the day concludes with majestic thoughts of God. Like the psalmist quoted above, these souls are awake and meditating on the promises of God. For others, it may be that lunch time offers the ideal opportunity to fill the mind with godly thoughts while the stomach is filled with food. A few minutes midday offers a wonderful refresher and a renewed vigor to continue the day in the Lord’s service. Each of us must determine the best time and protect this portion of the day from anything that might encroach upon it. Soon, a good habit will be formed and each day will have that special time reserved for reading and reflection on God’s holy word.
The Best Plan
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path – Psalm 119:105
What is the best plan for reading your Bible through in one year? A quick search engine inquiry will produce hundreds, if not thousands of options. There are those who prefer a seven day plan that takes the reader from Genesis through Revelation. An example of this type of plan can be found at www.teachingtruth.org (under online resources). For others, a five day plan is more helpful. Since time is devoted to study for Bible classes on Sundays and Wednesdays, two days are reserved for these studies, while the other five are devoted to a chronological reading of the Bible. An example of this type of plan can be found at www.bibleclassreadingmaterial.com. Others may prefer to purchase a Bible that is already divided into daily reading sections. These can be found at most any religious book supplier in almost any translation desired. No matter which plan is selected, the best plan for every reader is the one that works. Choose a method most conducive to your schedule and style of reading and stick to it!
Don’t Quit!
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” – II Chronicles 15:7
Even the noblest goals can often become difficult to fulfill. Because of this, there must be a steely resolve that we will not quit. There are ways to help with this. If married, a couple can challenge one another to stay on course for the plan. If single, find a reading partner with whom you have daily associations. Ask one another if the reading has been completed and, if possible, spend a few minutes discussing the content. Ultimately, however, this is a personal decision and only personal commitment will see it to its satisfactory conclusion. If the Lord allows the earth to continue, the year 2015 will offer a number of challenges, joys, and setbacks. No matter what the year holds, allow your reading of the Bible to be constant and, when the year is ended, you will have a deeper understanding of the Bible and a richer understanding of your God.