September 13th, 2021
by Austin Duncan
by Austin Duncan
Yesterday we had over 100 people come forward to declare they were ready to step up and change the world for Jesus Christ. Based on the message of Revelation 3:14-22, many declared they did not want to be lukewarm in a world that is desperate to see Christians who are either hot (bring healing) or cold (refreshing). So where do you begin?
Let's Start with the Basics
Many people are intimidated with the idea of reading Scripture on a daily basis. But the best way to live a passionate life for Jesus Christ and change the world in His Name is to fall in love with His Word. There are plenty of Bible reading plans out there these days, and if you already follow one I want to encourage you to keep going. However, if you do not have a reading plan I thought I would share with you how I am currently reading through the Bible.
I hear people say all the time that they don’t like to read. I know this was once true of me until I figured out reading is an exercise of the mind, and any kind of exercise is not fun when you are out of shape. We need to put our minds through basic training, realizing the first few days or even weeks will be challenging.
Most people will read something for a day or two and then become bored and quit, but nothing is easy when you start doing something new because the body likes to do things the way it has always done things. The key to breaking through this challenge is to discover why you are doing what you’re doing.
Reading the Bible out of obligation rarely works. It just becomes another chore and nobody likes chores. But what if you read the Bible as the life-giving source that it is? What if it clicked in your heart and mind that the people in Scripture were real and had amazing encounters with the Living God? And the best part, the same can be true for you!
Read Philippians 3:12-21 and marvel at how Paul fell in love with Jesus because of his upward heavenly call!
I hear people say all the time that they don’t like to read. I know this was once true of me until I figured out reading is an exercise of the mind, and any kind of exercise is not fun when you are out of shape. We need to put our minds through basic training, realizing the first few days or even weeks will be challenging.
Most people will read something for a day or two and then become bored and quit, but nothing is easy when you start doing something new because the body likes to do things the way it has always done things. The key to breaking through this challenge is to discover why you are doing what you’re doing.
Reading the Bible out of obligation rarely works. It just becomes another chore and nobody likes chores. But what if you read the Bible as the life-giving source that it is? What if it clicked in your heart and mind that the people in Scripture were real and had amazing encounters with the Living God? And the best part, the same can be true for you!
Read Philippians 3:12-21 and marvel at how Paul fell in love with Jesus because of his upward heavenly call!
Developing a Routine
I have developed an intentional routine when it comes to reading the Bible.
I have a print out that lists each book of the Bible, 66 books in all. Here is a word document that I use. Let me give you the steps I go though. (Note: Find what works for you!)
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Get yourself a good study Bible and read a little about the Author, Date, Purpose, and Theme of the book.
I have a print out that lists each book of the Bible, 66 books in all. Here is a word document that I use. Let me give you the steps I go though. (Note: Find what works for you!)
- I pick one book from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.
- I commit to reading at least one chapter from each book, each day.
- If I want to read more than one chapter, I do!
- Once I complete an entire book I write down the date I finished it next to the book.
- When I have extra time I will add one chapter of Psalm and one of Proverbs.
- If you come across a verse that really stands out to you write it down. Record the thoughts that came to your mind as you read it.
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Get yourself a good study Bible and read a little about the Author, Date, Purpose, and Theme of the book.
The best step you can take right now is the FIRST ONE…get started today.
Blessings,
Pastor Josh
Blessings,
Pastor Josh
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