Here are 5 tips for your 2021 Bible reading [a thread].

#1 - REMEMBER THE GOAL

The goal of Bible reading is INTIMACY not INFORMATION.

You’re not just reading to learn. You’re reading to love God and enjoy His love as He reveals His character and will in His Word. And you’ll experience that over time, but not necessarily EVERY time.

So stay consistent, like an investor trusting that her steady deposits are producing compounding interest. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to show what He wants you to see and invite Him to work in your heart.

#2- Pick a PLAN.

Plan WHAT you will read.

It often helps to follow a Bible reading plan. I suggest a plan that leads you through whole books of the Bible.

Here’s the plan our church is following this year. https://mcleanbible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2021-Bible-Reading-Plan.pdf

Plan HOW you will read.

Hearing from God in Scripture is mysterious, but it’s not magic. There are practices that have been used throughout church history to help turn Bible reading into intimacy with God.

2 helpful parts of your plan: RECORD your thoughts in the same place every day bc God often reveals things over time (e.g. a journal, Word doc, etc. I use Day One app). And PRAY based on what you read. That will expand and deepen your prayer life.

Here’s our church’s M.A.P.S. approach (which isn’t anything new). https://mcleanbible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MAPS-GUIDE.pdf

#3 - Pick a PLACE.

Routine reinforces habits. Doesn’t have to be perfect. Just pick a place that at least has some positive association in your mind & that’s easiest to build a routine around. So don’t pick your favorite spot near the beautiful river u can only get to in perfect weather conditions!

The goal is consistency.

Your favorite couch or near the window with a nice view. If you’re in NYC, you might not have either of those so maybe your multipurpose closet

#4 - Pick a TIME.

Remember, routine reinforces habits. So it’s best to shoot for the same time every day. But don’t stress about it. Get time in when you can.

Early morning is best for most people because your brain is fresh, there’s less temptation to be distracted, and it gives you a chance to aim your heart toward God before the day begins. But maybe during your kid’s nap time or late at night.

Either way, give God your BEST time for THIS season of your life.

#5 - Pick a TEAM.

Ask a few people to commit to the same Bible reading plan & check in with each other to see how it’s going. Share what you’re learning and how God has been speaking to you through His Word. Share how you plan to FOLLOW THROUGH on how the Holy Spirit is leading you to respond.

Remember, the goal is intimacy with God. So if one of you struggles with inconsistency, don’t condemn each other; HELP each other. If someone needs a jumpstart, maybe connect more often for a few days or weeks.

For example, pick a few days where you read and reflect during the same time (eg MWF 7-730am) and then FaceTime to pray together based on what you read. Just like working out, sometimes you just need a spotter or running partner for a while until you get in a rhythm.

That was long. But hopefully helpful to somebody. In fact, let’s help each other!

What have you found helpful for communing with God through His Word?