Plan to Read the Bible in 2020
The reality of outward trials and inward temptations calls for something more than an initial experience with God. His wisdom is needed every day. Colossians 1:9 records Paul’s prayer for the church of Colossae, a prayer that makes an important distinction. He prays that the Colossians will be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” As we study God’s Word, we receive wisdom. But Paul reminds us that there is more to our faith than wisdom; there is also spiritual understanding to be gained when we consistently study the instruction of the Scriptures.
How do we maximize our response to the Bible’s teaching? Spending time in God’s Word each day is the key to spiritual growth. We draw from its power by preparing our hearts, examining each verse, applying its wisdom, observing inner changes, memorizing verses, and demonstrating its impact.
Step One: Avoid Barriers
Corrie ten Boom often remarked, “If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy.” Isn’t that the truth? The idea that you’re too busy to spend time in God’s Word comes directly from the enemy of your soul. Knowing that Satan wants to deter you, your first action step is to find time and a location where you can consistently meet with the Lord without interruption. Then before reading, pray: Invite the Lord to plant His Word in your heart and ask Him to remove anything that could stand in the way of your interaction with Him (James 1:19-21). Then open the portion of Scripture you have chosen to study.
Step Two: Analyze Meaning
Considering that the Bible is more of a library than a book, there is a temptation to feel overwhelmed and to rush through its pages. Don’t. Examine each verse of your chosen passage. As you read, think of the Bible as a love letter from God. This will increase your sensitivity to every aspect of its message. Do not be overly concerned with the length of the passage you are studying. Remember that your goal is not to briefly scan large amounts of information, but to gain instruction from God’s Word.
Keep a pen, pencil, or highlighter available to mark significant words, phrases, or passages in your study. Consider utilizing a Bible commentary, a concordance, or a Bible dictionary to increase your understanding.
Step Three: Transform Inside
James tells us, “He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (1:25). After reading a passage of Scripture, identify one key concept to apply to your life today.
Application begins with your heart and mind. Ask God to lead and guide you in your present circumstances, and pray that He will help you submit to His will.
Step Four: Explore Attitudes
As you seek to apply God’s truth in your life, note the changes that need to occur in your attitude, outlook, and conduct. Explore the Word, reading and rereading what God has said about the things that you need to change. God will change you! Record these meditations in a journal or in the margins of your Bible. Reflect on one thing you learned about yourself through today’s study. Ask yourself, How is God speaking to me in regard to this issue?
Step Five: Increase Power
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible; its 176 verses celebrate “the law of the Lord”—God’s special revelation and gracious direction for life. Verse 11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” How do you hide God’s Word in your heart? By memorizing it. When you commit Scripture to memory, the Holy Spirit will use its truth to guide your thoughts and actions.
One memorization method is to transcribe a meaningful verse from your Scripture reading onto a notecard that you can carry throughout the day. Place it where it can be seen—in your car, on the bathroom mirror, on the treadmill, or on the computer screen. If you want power in your Christian life, Scripture memorization will provide it.
Step Six: Demonstrate Renewal
When you habitually spend time in God’s Word, you can’t help but experience renewal inside and out. Consider these words from Psalm 119: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!… I will delight myself in Your statutes, I will not forget Your word…. I will run the course of Your commandments…. I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies…. I have inclined my heart to perform your statutes” (vv. 2, 16, 32, 59, 112, emphasis added). Do you see the connection between the psalmist’s inward thoughts and his outward actions? The thoughts that inhabit your mind will work their way out in the choices you make. Demonstration is an external process that reveals internal renewal.
As you study God’s Word, its instruction and power will change your behavior. Make it your goal to share the encouragement of His Word with others whenever possible.