31 Dec Prepare for Worship: Daily Bible Reading
Last Sunday, Pastor John Henschen preached from Isaiah 9:6 exhorted us to trust in the child born on Christmas Day, who is our eternal Savior and King.
Read: Proverbs 1:1-19
This Sunday, Ronnie Morris will preach from Proverbs 1:1-19, as we begin our new series called Wisdom for the New Year: A Study of Proverbs 1. We will consider wisdom’s warning: “Do not be enticed by sinful cravings.” As you prepare your heart for our gathering, take time to think about and assess the current state of your Bible reading. Do you read the Bible daily? Weekly? Monthly? Never? With the new year upon us, what an opportunity to start fresh in a commitment to read God’s Word daily for your spiritual nourishment, gaining of wisdom, and growth in godliness. Let this article from Pastor Jason help you as you make your plan for 2022.
Reflect: “A Worthy Resolution for 2022: Daily Bible Reading”
By Jason Finley, Lead Pastor for Equipping
Whether it’s a ding on your smartphone or an old-fashioned alarm clock, you have tools and a plan to ensure you wake up and get where you need to go.
As you consider the roles and tasks in your life, do you also have tools and a plan for your personal spiritual growth?
The welcoming of a new year is a natural time to evaluate all areas of your life – and there’s no more valuable resolution to make than meeting with God daily in prayer and Bible reading.
If you’ve tried in the past to develop this habit but quickly lost steam, here are two tips for revisiting and growing in the discipline of regular Bible reading.
A Designated Time
Is there someone in your life who displays Christ-likeness – someone you look up to and desire to emulate? There’s no doubt this person is regularly reading their Bible.
And if you asked them, they’d assuredly share they plan time each day to be still before the Lord.
Think about your rhythms and when you have (or can create) margin to read your Bible.
Early on in my Christian walk, I read my Bible, prayed and journaled at bedtime. Since being married, I’ve found that first thing in the morning is the best time for me.
Regardless of when you choose to spend time with the Lord, you’ll find the habit of designating a time to be one you will never regret.
The dividends will bear fruit in this life and the life to come.
A Realistic Plan
In addition to a regular time, a reading plan facilitates daily Bible intake. Knowing what you’ll do each time makes sitting down and reading a little bit easier.
Here are a few reading plans to get you started. Most of these are printable allowing you to keep a copy tucked in your Bible.
5x5x5 – New Testament in One Year –Discipleship Journal’s simple guide provides some helpful Bible study questions for understanding the Bible.
Book at a Time Reading Plan –Created by Mark Bogart, a former Crosspoint member, this plan will guide you through the Bible in a year with interspersing reflection days.
M’Cheyne’s Daily Bible Reading Plan –Robert Murray M’Cheyne pastored in the 19th century and developed a plan that has stood the test of time. M’Cheyne will guide you through the New Testament and Psalms twice in a year and the Old Testament once by reading around four chapters per day.
Crosspoint Sermon Guide –A simple way to streamline personal Bible reading and Sunday morning worship is to read and study the sermon passage each week. This winter, Crosspoint Church will launch a series on the narrative of Abraham called, “God Will Provide.” Be on the lookout in early January for a reading guide detailing each week’s passage from Genesis 12-25.
Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids –Some of my kids have found David Murray’s reading companion to be the perfect aid in developing the personal discipline of Bible reading and prayer.
A Time and A Plan
As 2021 ends and 2022 begins, think through your plan for spiritual growth.
Through designating a time and adopting a reading plan, may we be a church who proclaims with the Psalmist,
“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (Psalm 119:93).
*This article has been updated from an original version that appeared in 2018.
Sing: Song List for Sunday
1. “God Is for Us,” by CityAlight
2. “Only a Holy God,” by CityAlight
3. “Lord, I Need You,” Arr. Shane & Shane
4. “Trust You,” Arr. Shane & Shane