What would happen if you read your Bible everyday this year?
Whether you’ve been reading the Bible for years or haven’t gotten around to it yet, this would be a good time to dust and open. A new year – the magic moment when self-improvement plans for body, soul, and spirit kick in. It’s amazing how turning a calendar page makes us believe we can rule the world in the next 365 days.
If we decide on a few do-able disciplines rather than hard-to-reach lofty goals, maybe we won’t let ourselves down.
How often have we said we’ll read the Bible cover to cover, only to get to the flood and call it a day? Even if we get past Genesis, we know we’re heading for Numbers and Nahum, and it just seems easier to quit now.
So, let’s start with a do-able. Choose one verse or portion of Scripture for the year. (I’ve been drawn to Colossians 3, the new self). Let it become ingrained, steeped-deep inside your heart so well, it begins to speak over your life.
It’s not simply a new year we need to be excited about, but an every-day-new-beginning where God’s mercies greet us faithfully. They are fresh to cover every failure.
I love to meet with the Lord in the morning before the day assaults me. I’ve spent many quiet dawns and silent nights in the Psalms with David. I need to read his journal.
And so, what would happen if you started a journal this coming year?
Discovering God – discovering you.
It’s a no-lose * no-lose, you can’t help but be changed.
Over the years I’ve shared with women the benefits of keeping a journal. I often hear the reason they haven’t started one is because they don’t know what to write. It doesn’t have to be a bestseller, just jot your life . . .
- the best thing that happened today.
- one thing you are thankful for.
- record a wonder
- dump your stress
- a victory or achievement
- a passage of scripture
- write out a prayer
Equip yourself with a 2014 survival kit to promote self-improvement this year. A Bible filled with miracles and a journal to record them. All of them.
Eager to hear, blessings on the coming year . . .
Verna
Great perspective. Thanks, Verna! Have you seen Ann Voskamp’s aholyexperience.com blog? She has presented the concept of Scripture memorization for this year, too. I think we are being nudged by our Holy God to get closer to Him as He draws us near to Him. 🙂
No, I haven’t – but, I’ll be sure to visit her blog. I agree, our Father is calling us to the close place. Thank you, Lisa!
Fantastic! I have started this year with a plan. Often I will start a prescribed “Plan” and then get discouraged and down on myself when I fall behind. I have learned that I need a schedule, and have time with my Father scheduled each day. I am pulling up the Bible app on my phone and reading the verse of the day in many different translations, and praying over it. Then I journal my prayers, which are lots of times disjointed but keep me focused…a difficult task! I have also started praying with the kids at night, and working with the Fruits of the Spirit… asking them which one they would like the Holy Spirit to help them with and how they will see improvement. This has been quite challenging as my son especially asks my for mine! (he is 6)
Love.
I love this, Erin! What a wise momma . . . and yes, a “schedule” seems to keep me going more than an actual plan. If I set aside a morning appointment to just sit with the Lord, then the times throughout the day and night are just added benefit to an already prepared day!
Sorry, I’m behind on reading your blogs. This is another good one Verna. I am faithful to read my bible every day, but right now, not doing a lot of journaling. I think I’ve been so blown away by the events of the last month and I’m still mentally processing them. Thanks for sharing!