This year is fast drawing to a close and many of us are thinking about our goals for 2022. And there are many important goals and resolutions we can make as we look forward.
Certainly, these last two years have reminded us all that it’s important to take care of our health. And while, as believers, we shouldn’t live in fear, we should use wisdom in that area. Maybe you have career, financial, or other personal goals for 2022, as well.
But we should never neglect the most important area of life … our spiritual life. One of the most valuable goals is to read the Bible regularly. And I would like to suggest one of the best ways is to read through it in a systematic way. So, how about you? Do you want to grow spiritually in 2022? If so, what is your plan to do so?
Why is reading through the Bible so valuable? Can’t we get everything we need by going to church, reading a verse or two each day and listening to podcasts here and there? Isn’t it just too time-consuming? One more thing on a long to-do list?
Or what if you’ve tried in the past, only to fall behind and give up? How can you do it successfully in 2022?
Do You Want to Grow Spiritually in 2022?
Why is Bible Reading an Important Part of Our Growth?
If you’ve been in church long, you have probably been told repeatedly that you should read your Bible regularly.
Someone told me recently, she tried it for a while but didn’t see that it made much difference. And she’s right in some ways. Reading the Bible may not make an instant difference in your life. It’s not part of a magic formula for a better life.
But it is an important part of what God wants to do in each of our lives. His work in us is not always dramatic or instant. In fact, sometimes we may not even realize it’s happening.
Our job is to be faithful (1 Cor. 4.2) to take in the Word – to read it, study it, meditate on it. It’s the Holy Spirit who does the work in us. 2 Corinthians 3 says:
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
So as we behold the glory of the Lord through His Word, personified in Christ, we become more like Him. That’s the essence of spiritual growth.
I heard Pastor John MacArthur say recently that “Jesus was the glory of God in a body.” And we know from John 1.14:
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
More Reasons to Read Through the Bible
The world around us is in upheaval. Everything is changing right before our eyes. Even in the church world, there are many examples of compromise and, in some cases, false gospels being taught as truth. The only way we’ll know the difference is by knowing His Word in context and rightly understood.
Also, these are challenging times and we’ve probably just seen the beginning. How can we stand strong in a changing world and when we go through times like these with COVID-19, the Delta Variant, and now Omicron? Add rising inflation, the prospect of more shutdowns, and a variety of other uncertainties.
But there is one thing that never changes. One thing that will be a light to our path and a lamp to our feet. One sure foundation and an anchor for our souls … God’s Word.
It’s a firm foundation when all around us is sinking sand, our comfort in chaos, our standard for living, wisdom for today and the days to come.
How to Successfully Read Through the Bible
Like any new habit, reading through the bible can seem challenging at first. But, here are six things that can help you make and keep Bible reading one of your goals for 2022.
First, remember it’s not about perfection. Even though it has become as much a part of my morning routine as brushing my teeth, I still miss days and fall behind. When I do I don’t stress about it, I simply catch up one chapter or portion of a chapter at a time. Occasionally, I just pick up and start where I need to be.
Second, change your mind. It’s not too much. It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the entire Bible out loud “at a pulpit rate.” That breaks down to 12 minutes a day. And since, most of us don’t read out loud, 10 minutes is more realistic.
Granted, you don’t want to just read. 20 minutes would allow you to journal your thoughts and take a few minutes to pray about what you’ve read. 30 minutes would give you time to read a bit of commentary on the readings like my “God’s Word Day by Day” devotionals.
Third, there is value in accountability. Do it with a friend or your spouse, if he or she is willing. You will grow in your relationship with God and with one another.
Fourth, create a habit. Set aside a specific time. Morning is best for most of us but your lunch hour, at naptime, after the kids go to bed or some other time will work if you purpose to be consistent.
Fifth, apply what you read. Seeing God work out His purposes in your life, experiencing changes in your relationships and seeing the growth of your faith and trust in Him will encourage you to keep going.
Sixth and most important, pray for God’s help. Ask Him to give you a growing hunger for His Word.
Make the Commitment
So, why not make Bible reading one of your goals for 2022? Make this the year you read through the Bible by signing up for the daily devotionals. As a bonus, you’ll receive a set of Prayer & Scripture Journal printable pages for each month and a printable e-booklet, Prayer for Busy, Imperfect Pray-ers: 5 Strategies to Jumpstart Your Prayer Life. The journal has the daily readings, questions to help you think more deeply about what you’ve read and room to add your own thoughts and prayers.
Why Make It One of Your Goals for 2022 if You’re Already Reading Your Bible
Whether you read through the bible this past year or if this is your first time, why not ask a friend, family member, or co-worker to read through the Bible with you? Simply let them know that you’ve made it one of your goals for 2022 and ask if they would like to join you. It’s that simple.
The world around us is literally perishing—people are dying and going into an eternity where they will be separated from God forever, marriages are falling apart, children are suffering, and so much more. Are you and I willing to step out in faith and make a difference with God’s help? Even people who don’t go to church will often respond positively to the question, “Would you like to read the Bible with me?”
Blessings,
Donna
I sometimes LINKUP with these blogs.
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