It’s a brand new year and with the start of a new year a lot of people think starting a regular Bible Reading program.
Hebrews 4:4 says that the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
It has been amazing to me to see how the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to give me just what I need at just the right time.
The Center of Bible Engagement polled 40,000 people to see the impact of reading the Bible has on a person’s life. What they found shocked them. They discovered something that has been called THE RULE OF FOUR.
Here’s what they found.
If you read/hear God’s Word in your life:
- ONE DAY a week, there was little to no effect on key areas of your life.
- TWO DAYS a week, little to no effect.
- THREE DAYS a week, little to no effect.
- FOUR DAYS? The results literally spiked off the charts!
Loneliness dropped 30%
Anger issues dropped 32%
Relational issues dropped 40%
Alcoholism dropped 57%
Feeling spiritually stagnant dropped 60%
Viewing Pornography dropped 61%
Sharing your faith rose 200%
Discipling others rose 230%
https://www.backtothebible.org/research
Can you imagine having God’s Word in your life EVERY DAY? I’ve found that one of the best Bible Reading Programs in an app called YouVERSION. It is the number one Bible App in the world. Under the tab PLANS you can search for whatever reading program fits your schedule. Depending on what translation you use, it will even READ it to you which might come in handy when you get to the Book of Numbers filled with names you can’t pronounce.
Some guidelines. Don’t be religious or legalistic about it. You will miss some days. Give yourself some grace and catch up when you can. Also, as you read seek to have at least one takeaway that you can think and apply that day. Most of all, remember the purpose of reading God’s Word is not to master the Scriptures, but to allow God to master YOU through them.
I’m excited about starting a new year with you.
Pastor Bill
Medina Community Church