....Making the bible a habit.
The bible is great. It challenges us, encourages us, speaks to and helps us to live well. Yet we find any excuse possible not to squeeze in 5mins into our 24 hour days!
Reading the bible every day got me through uni. It taught me how to live and treat those around me. It gave me the confidence to live differently because I knew God's words and plans for my life. And it gave me a foundation for life so when hard times struck I knew God's faithfulness and promises.
Here are a few top tips which I have found helpful when trying to make reading the bible a habit in my every day.
1. Find the right time!- Whether it’s in the morning with a cuppa, while your pasta is cooking at tea time or just before bed, finding the right time is key.
If you can’t find a good time, make time. Take 10mins off your facebook scrolling schedule and fill it with scripture.
Once you’ve set a time, stick to it. Turn your phone off, shut your door or go for a walk… commit to it in every way.
2. Pray before you read- ‘Holy Spirit speak to me as I read this passage…’. We believe the bible is the breathing living word of God so be open and ready to hear from him.
3. Start somewhere easy- Don’t continue to wade your way through Leviticus if you’re struggling. Read about Jesus in the gospels, or get some practical teaching on how to live in the New Testament. Pick out a few stories in the Old Testament or if you’re more the poetic type then read the Psalms! There are no rules, read what you’ll enjoy.
4. Get some bible notes- If you want assistance in your bible reading, get some good bible notes which explain what you’re reading, the context of it and usually give you a prayer pointer to go with it. John Maxwell does some great ones. Or If:equip for girls.
5. If you don’t understand something, don’t just skip past it, look it up! What does sacrifice mean in the New Testament? What did Jesus mean when he said he is the truth? Expand your knowledge and learn!
6. Read a book about a book- Steven Furtick’s ‘Sun Stand Still’ made the story of Joshua amazing for me!
7. Be accountable- Ask someone to ask you if you’re reading your bible. But not just that, get them to ask ‘What is God speaking to you about through your bible?’
8. Set yourself a challenge- Bible in one year? A chapter a day? A Psalm every morning for a month?
9. Find a ‘bible buddy’- sounds cheesy but it works. Pick a book of the bible that you’ll both read and then meet every month for coffee to discuss it. Or text each other a verse which stood out to you each day.
10. If you find reading hard- Audiobible! Listen to it in the car, on your ipod in the gym, walking to uni. Get a verse to pop up on your phone each day. Read smaller chunks. It's totally do-able!
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16
