Read the Bible in 2017
As January 1, 2017, is almost here, make the resolution this year to daily read and meditate on God’s word.
There are so many great reasons to make this your resolution.
For your own happiness
The bible promises that daily meditation on God’s word will bless you.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1 (ESV)
There is no greater blessing on this earth than having a personal knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We were created for him, and in him is real happiness. The absolute best way to know your redeemer is by learning more about him in his holy, inspired and inerrant word.
Our God, the creator of the universe, speaks directly to us in his word. Read it, and be blessed.
To grow
Pete implored us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
God uses his word in our lives to make us into the people he created us to be.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (ESV).
And Jesus prayed that God would us to grow spiritually.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 (ESV)
Read the bible for your sanctification.
To be a light for others
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
As believers, we are commanded to share our faith, but a teacher cannot teach that we he does not know. To share it well, we must know God’s word.
If you aren’t reading God’s word, chances are you won’t be sharing it.
To resist temptation and sin
Jesus quoted scripture to Satan when he was being tempted. Starving in the desert, the devil told Jesus to turn stones into bread, and Jesus said,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,’” Matthew 4:3–4 (ESV) which is a direct quote of Deuteronomy 8:3.
And Paul tells us in Ephesians that the word of God is the sword of the Spirit that is part of the armor that protects us against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6.
I am certain that with more time I could give you many more reasons why daily time in God’s word is worth it, but I hope I’ve given you enough reasons here to resolve in 2017 to dedicate yourself to the daily reading of the Bible.
A bible reading plan you might like
There are many bible reading plans, but the one that has worked well for me is the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Calendar.
The M’Cheyne plan is broken up into four chapters of scripture a day with portions from the Old and New Testaments, and it takes you through the Bible in a year. Actually, it takes you through the New Testament twice.
You can break it up into two readings a day, as M’Cheyne originally designed it, or digest all four passages at once. I typically read the entire reading in the morning for fear that I won’t get around to it if I wait until bedtime.
The M’Cheyne plan is broken down by calendar date, so you always know where to turn on any given day. Life is hard. We are sinners. Occasionally you will miss a day. Sometimes you might even miss a week or more, but with this plan you will not be discouraged by the overwhelming task of trying to catch up on the days that you missed. The calendar does away with that burden. Just go straight to the reading scheduled for that particular day and pick back up.
And remember, although the M’Cheyne Plan takes you through the bible in a year, the resolution is not to finish the bible in a year. The resolution is to spend time in God’s word daily.
The calendar give you a place to be each day of the year.
The calendar also alleviates the paralysis created by not knowing where to start.
How many times have you looked at your bible, thinking, “I should read that,” and then been deterred by not knowing where to start?
The M’Cheyne plan does away with that excuse.
- Read more about the M’Cheyne plan here. LINK
2. Next, print this single page version of the calendar and stick it in your bible. LINK
3. Also, the ESV actually publishes the M’Cheyne readings online so you bookmark it on your phone. That way, even when you’re away from your bible you can keep up your daily readings. LINK
And last of all, I hope you’ll check the Daily Bible Journal every now and then and be encouraged from God’s word.
