One of the things I have taken away from New Wine United this year is that I’m coming up very short when it comes to reading the bible. Although I’ve done many short bible study plans, I’ve never managed to read it all the way through. I’ve had a couple of attempts, but the busyness of life seems to get in the way. My initial enthusiasm wanes, I lose momentum, fall behind and ultimately give up.
But this time feels different.
Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
So here I am, committing. I’m 7 days into the HTB Bible in One Year (BiOY) plan, by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. Unfortunately the app and the website start on 1 January. I wanted to start with Genesis, and couldn’t wait that long (there is no time like the present) so I’m using the plan via my YouVersion bible app, rather than start half way through. I’ll try and post regular updates here to keep track of where I am, my thoughts and prayers.
Each day there are 3 readings. A Psalm or Proverb, an Old Testament and a New Testament reading. This week has started with Genesis and Matthew. I’m now 7 days in and I’m already amazed at how much God is speaking to me through his Word. New things are jumping out at me that I must have glanced past quickly in the past.
I’ve felt particularly encouraged by the following verses:
…delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Psalm 1:2Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3
Making the time to get up 30 mins earlier or switching the focus of my train commute to my Bible app hasn’t been easy this week, but it is what God requires of me to deepen my knowledge, understanding and most importantly my relationship with Him. Starting each morning with prayer and the Word sets the day off in a completely different mindset. I need to make this part of my daily routine.
But I want to be totally honest here. I’m not perfect. If I fall behind, I’ll let you know. If there is anything I don’t understand, I’ll make a note of it.
And in that spirit, here is something I’ve not noticed before:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.
Day 4, Matthew 4:1
Why did the Spirit lead Jesus to be tempted by the devil? Grateful for any thoughts…
Lord, I thank you for the gift of your Word, and I pray that by your Spirit you would reveal yourself to me in fresh new ways over the coming year. Help me to remain focused with an open heart to receive from you. Amen.
Fearfully and wonderfully made 
That’s such a cool thing to do. I’ve read the whole Bible through once, but in quite a disjointed way. Some books I’ve read more than once and I’ve read the NT in its entirety a couple of times. But I’ve never completed a very intentional read through the whole of scripture in one go I do have the YouVersion plan saved for a “rainy day” so maybe I’ll get started on it soon…
I’ve been surprised a number of times by people who say that God doesn’t really speak to them, yet they never set aside time to read scripture! One of the main ways that God has to say something to any of us!
Hope your reading goes well and that our Father continues to speak to you through his word. 🙂
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Yes! I’m amazed at how God is speaking to me very directly through the scriptures. Thank you for your encouragement 😊
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Well done Michelle! I started reading my Bible every morning when sitting for half an hour in front of my lightbox during the dark winter Scottish mornings, and continue to do it during the light Essex summer mornings as I don’t feel ‘right’ if I don’t do it! It is a great habit to have, takes about 30 – 40 days to become a habit that you don’t want to give up………..
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Thanks Sue. I pray that this will become as routine as brushing my teeth!
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