Tomorrow is March 1st, and statistically most people have already abandoned their New Year’s Resolutions. How’s yours going? If you are a Follower of Christ, you may be desiring to read the entire Bible or at least read it daily. Starting beneficial habits are not easy, but empowered by the Holy Spirit i believe all things are possible.
For 2016 our church is doing the 5x5x5 Discipleship Reading Plan. (5 Minutes Per Day x 5 Days Per Week x 5 Questions to Consider) What is your plan to succeed? don’t have a plan? There is a famous quote that says, “a failure to plan is a plan to fail.” I’ve listed five tips below that I believe will help you create a plan to faithfully read the Word of God in 2016.
Consider These Five Tips
#1 – Download the YouVersion Bible App – Downloading this free app on your smart phone device or making an account with them on their website, can enable you to read, listen, and keep track of your progress as well as receive reminders and emails containing your Scripture for the day.
#2 – Begin a Plan – On your YouVersion Bible App make an account and begin the “Discipleship Journal’s 5x5x5 Reading Plan” to read the Bible with Bonlee Baptist Church.
#3 – Use Saturday and Sunday to “Catch Up” – One great thing about the 5x5x5 Plan is that Saturdays and Sundays are reflection days that can help keep you on track with your Bible Reading Plan.
#4 – Accountability – YouVersion app enables this by allowing you to connect with your prayer partner/spouse, someone to help you stay focused. Ecclesiastes 4:12 can give wisdom in this area. It says, And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Accountability will encourage you to keep going when everything else is encouraging you to quit.
#5 – Don’t Get Discouraged – 2016 will be crazy. Our culture continues to get busier each year and days are not getting any longer. Don’t allow a few days missed to keep you from reading. It is not a competition. It is a relationship. The YouVersion App actually has a function called “catch me up” that helps you get back on track after a few days missed.
I pray this helps you grow in your love for Jesus, His Church, and His mission.