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4 Bible Reading Basics

Statistics clearly show that our daily Bible reading habits are so important to a thriving life. *Someone who engages in reading the Bible 4 or more times a week is:

  • 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
  • 59% less likely to view pornography
  • 200% more likely to give to charitable causes
  • 228% more likely to share faith with others
  • 407% more likely to memorize scripture

The Word of God is powerful and life changing! It shows us God's unconditional love, it reveals His plans and will for our life (Rom 12:2; Ps 119:105). It is living and active (Heb 4:12), it's a source of faith (Rom 10:17) and it gives us power over the enemy (Luke 4:1-13). It is clearly the key to a thriving life here on earth!

This is why Jesus told us all to "Pursue, go after and seek first the Kingdom of God" (Mt 6:33). Jesus wanted His disciples to be people who pursued a relationship with their Heavenly Father. Reading the Bible is one of the primary ways we seek God. In reading the Word, we are empowered to seek God with clarity and power.

What's the best approach to reading the Bible?

How do we develop a daily reading habit that works with our busy lives and is a source of strength to us? As a pastor for the last 20 years, I would say 4 major things have defined those who have a great devotional life. Through pursueGOD, I have seen how these disciplines have helped over 1 million people get a breakthrough in their devotions. 

4 Bible Reading Basics

First, if you want to have a thriving devotional life you need to use a Bible reading plan to create consistency. Often people try to read at their own pace and quickly their goal of reading the Bible daily or going through the whole Bible comes to an end. Using a reading plan that has a clear amount of time associated to it is proven to have higher success rates.

When you know what it takes to finish a goal, you can prioritize it in your daily schedule. The pursueGOD reading plan takes 15-20 minutes a day to read through the New Testament twice and the Old Testament once each year. Knowing this basic time expectation helps you to create ample space in your daily routine to finish your daily goal.

Second, if you want to have a thriving devotional life you need a Bible reading plan that is engaging. Often people try to just read straight through the Bible and quickly get discouraged in the book of Leviticus or Numbers. Keeping your daily reading in both the New and Old Testaments will make your reading more interesting and engaging.

When we developed the pursueGOD reading plan we combined both passages from the New Testament and the Old Testament to each day's reading intentionally. This combined rhythm helps you to consistently engage with God's Word.

Thirdif you want to have a thriving devotional life you need to have an accountability partner. Doing life together brings increased results in your daily consistency and also your commitment to finish.

Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith, and told him to "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22). There was something powerful about seeking God along with others that Paul knew would help Timothy in his journey.

Fourth, if you want to have a thriving devotional life, get a Bible reading plan that has a Bible app with it. We recommend you use a physical Bible when doing devotions because it helps with long term retention. We like to say the Mobile app is a supplement to your physical Bible, not a substitute for it.

Lets be real, on those busy days, to have the ease of being able to listen to your devotions while on the way to work, at the gym, or while you're between daily tasks is priceless. The pursueGOD mobile app gives you the ability to read or listen to your daily reading plan with ease, anytime, anywhere! 

So What's My Next Step?

We like to live life one-step-at-a-time. So, our advice as you enter into 2022 is to get a simplified Bible reading plan, preferably 2 (or more) pursueGOD Journals or 90-Day Planners (both have the reading plan in them) and find a friend to join you in pursuing God daily. The daily Bible reading plan, combined with the mobile app, done with a freind brings consistency.

These tools will be a huge help to you and your friends. Properly resourcing your devotional life will help you to develop a thriving daily devotional life.

@pastorponcho

(Please feel free to share how you approach Bible reading plans in the comments section below).

PS - Thanks for reading this blog.  As a gift, here is a promotional link that will give you 20% of your entire order today: BLOG DISCOUNT LINK 

 

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* Statistics quoted are from Center for Bible Engagement

1 comment

  • Thanks, these are excellent insights. I love everything pursue god does!

    Dave

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