Hey everyone, it's 2021! As we start a new year, it's always a good time to bolster our spiritual disciplines and especially consider reading the Bible more. Personally I am hopeful to read the Bible in 2021 and I'd love you to join me on this adventure. Here are a few things that might encourage you:
1 - the goal of reading the Bible isn't to remember/retain everything you read. Many people start in Genesis and fizzle midway thought Exodus. It can get hard if you're unfamiliar with the story, but keep on going. If there's something you don't understand, that's okay!
2 - there are some great tools that can help you read. The YouVersion Bible app has plans that can help divide up the readings each day. It also has audio bible options as well. I used the "Read Scripture" app last time I read through and it had videos from "The Bible Project" throughout the reading which really helped. And then there's the good ol' paper Bible too.
3 - There are various translations that can help you understand what you're reading. Our church uses the NASB and many of us also read the ESV. However, the first time I ever read through the whole Bible, I read it in the New Living Translation [NLT]. While there are some places where it lacks accuracy, it has VERY high read-ability which was important for me at the time. If you have questions on finding the right, translation, let me know.
4 - Does the whole Bible seem like too much? Maybe commit to read through the New Testament this year? Maybe start off with the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)? The whole Bible might seem like a big task, but if you read for 12 mins a day (WAY less than most episodes on Netflix), you can finish in a year! Check out this encouraging article about how long it really takes to read the Bible. There are some entire books of the Bible that take less than 10 minutes!
5 - If you get stuck, keep going! As I said above, it's okay if you don't perfectly understand every measurement of grain or dimension of the tabernacle. A lot of what we're doing is building a foundation that God can use later to show us more about Him. However, you'll be surprised how God will speak to you along the way. So if you miss a day along the way, just pick up where you were, don't overwhelm yourself by trying to catch up on 10 days in one evening. That might be missing the point.
6 - Think about when, where and how you will be successful. Mornings? Evenings? Sitting at a table? Laying in bed? During your lunch break? With a paper Bible? On an electronic devices? After the kids wake up? Before you have coffee or aft...come on now - after the coffee!! Each of these settings have pros and cons for your life situation, routine and learning style. The couch might be comfy, but will you doze off? The smartphone might be handy, but will texts and notifications coming in be a distraction. Something to think about - it's not one size fits all.
7 - If you're still reading up to my point 7 - way to go! I want to encourage you that you can do it. God is for you and has sent His Spirit to teach us and guide us into the truth. At times, when we read the Bible, it might not seem like anything is happening, but we don't know what God is doing in the spiritual realm. Ask God to speak to you, teach you and shape you as you and I spend time with Him through the Bible in 2021.
If you'd like to talk about this more with me, I'd love to connect with you to see where I can help.
Peace and love,Pastor Victor
PS - Remember, a goal without a plan is a wish. Let's make a plan, ask God for help and see what He will do in 2021.