A Habit Worth Forming

Have you ever had the desire to read the Bible more?

If so, there was probably more to it than just the act of reading the Bible.  Well…HOPEFULLY!  A person with a genuine desire to read the Word of God usually desires to grow spiritually as a result.

For example, they may want to become a Christian OR they may want to live more Christ-like and desire to please the Lord with their life.  They may want to know God and better understand His will for their lives.

HOW SHOULD I APPROACH THE BIBLE?

One of the most important things we can do in life is spend more time in the Word of God.  This time is most effective when we begin and end that sacred time in prayer.  Also, in order to truly experience the Word, we must come to it with a sincere desire to learn of God. 

To anyone else, the Bible will NEVER make sense.

Mark 4:11 says, “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.”

Matt. 13:16 says, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”

We should ALWAYS begin with a humble prayer asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding and a have a willing heart that is open to the INFLUENCE of God’s Word.  Instead of simply reading the Word for the sake of reading, we should expect to be changed by the Word of God.  We should desire to be in line WITH God’s WILL through his WORD.

Hebrews 4: 12 (NIV) says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

In Isaiah 55: 10 & 11 the Lord declares, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

WHAT WILL READING THE BIBLE DO FOR ME?

The more time that you genuinely spend in the Word, the more it will begin to TRANSFORM your life and the more it will affect the way that you see things.  Your mindset and perspective will become more spiritually based.  You will begin to take on a Biblical perspective of your day-to-day life. 

Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

In fact, Rom. 12:2 tells us, “ Do NOT conform to the PATTERN of this WORLD, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve WHAT GOD’S WILL IS—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

BUT HOW CAN I ESTABLISH THIS HABIT?

The practice of reading the Bible more can be easier to develop when you associate it with something that you already do every day.  For example, in my family, we associate our FAMILY Bible Time with dinner time.  As you know, most people LOVE to eat!  Even Job said, “…I have esteemed the words of his mouth MORE than my NECESSARY FOOD.” Job. 23:12b  So, now, eating dinner reminds me of our family Bible time.  After some practice, it became second nature to follow dinner with Bible time. 

My PERSONAL Bible time is associated with my morning shower.  I like to be alert when I read the Word.  This routine even works on the mornings that I go walking, because I wake up, walk, shower, then have my personal “Quiet Time” with God. 

HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE?

As we are diligent in spending time with God, He begins to open up our understanding.  This is closely linked with our sincere prayer and the fact that God knows our motives.

When we approach the Word of God, we should do so seeking God and desiring to learn how HE would have us to live.  Reading the Word of God helps us gain the wisdom, guidance, and understanding needed to influence our decisions. 

John 14:26 explains, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

John 16:13 says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

BUT HOW DO I GET STARTED…AND WHAT IF I DON’T SUCCEED?

If you genuinely want to make God’s Word a PRIORITY in your life, then you can get started today!  You can start in many ways.  So, keep reading!  Besides, if you are starting from ZERO, the main thing is to just GET STARTED!  😊

WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY BIBLE TIME?

You may begin by reading the “Verse of the Day” on the Bible App OR you may choose to read a daily devotional with its related scripture reading.  Two very popular sources are Our Daily Bread and In Touch devotionals.  You may search the Bible App “PLANS” by the topic that resonates with you most right now (ie. anxiety, stress, weight loss, relationships, etc.).  You may even choose to LISTEN to a chapter a day on your Bible App and follow along OR you may prefer to just read it yourself.

You may choose to use a combination of these suggestions.  Just know that you can always switch things up whenever you feel the need.  Just be sure to find a quiet time or area for this special time and be sure to spend time meditating on that Word. 

WHAT DO YOU DO?

You may have noticed that I REALLY like the Bible App. I have it downloaded on my phone. Currently, I am listening to a chapter a day and reading a daily devotional PLAN with the referenced scriptures.  For example, I really enjoyed the Bible App plan called, “7 Ways to Renew Your Mind” by Hungry Generation.  I am, now, sharing it with my family on the days that I lead our Family Bible Time.  We take turns leading out. 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Will this Bible habit be flawless?  Probably not.  That’s what GRACE is for.  However, with consistent practice and much prayer, it will SOON become second nature.  Not only will you look forward to it, but you will not want to miss it!  You will even notice how much better your days go when you have had quiet time with God versus when you have not. 

So, what are you waiting for??  Decide on your plan TODAY!  Then, track your progress daily, until the Bible reading habit sticks!!  Remember, this is truly a habit WORTH forming!

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