Prepare for Worship: Daily Bible Reading | DEC 31
Last Sunday, Pastor Ken Lewis preached from Galatians 3:10-14 and encouraged us with the truth that God sent his Son to redeem us from the curse and restore all things.
Read: Leviticus 16
This Sunday, Thomas Welch will preach from Leviticus 16 and will lead us to rejoice in Jesus Christ, who became the perfect atonement for our sins. As you prepare for our Sunday gathering and the beginning of 2023, take time to establish or review your plan for daily spending time with God in His Word. Let this article from pastor Jason motivate and assist you.
Reflect: “A Worthy Resolution for 2023: Daily Bible Reading”
Whether it’s a ding on your smartphone or an old-fashioned alarm clock, you have tools and a plan to ensure you wake up and get where you need to go.
As you consider the roles and tasks in your life, do you also have tools and a plan for your personal spiritual growth?
The welcoming of a new year is a natural time to evaluate all areas of your life – and there’s no more valuable resolution to make than meeting with God daily in prayer and Bible reading.
If you’ve tried to develop this habit but quickly lost steam in the past, here are two tips for revisiting and growing in the discipline of regular Bible reading.
A DESIGNATED TIME
Is there someone in your life who displays Christ-likeness – someone you look up to and desire to emulate? There’s no doubt this person is regularly reading their Bible.
And if you asked them, they’d assuredly share that they plan time each day to be still before the Lord.
Think about your rhythms and when you have (or can create) margin to read your Bible.
Early on in my Christian walk, I read my Bible, prayed, and journaled at bedtime. More recently, I’ve found that first thing in the morning is the best time for me.
Regardless of when you choose to spend time with the Lord, you’ll find the habit of designating a time to be one you will never regret.
The dividends will bear fruit in this life and the life to come.
A REALISTIC PLAN
In addition to a regular time, a reading plan that is realistic for you facilitates daily Bible intake. Knowing what you’ll do each time makes sitting down and reading a little bit easier.
Here are a few reading plans to get you started. Most of these are printable, allowing you to keep a copy tucked in your Bible.
5x5x5 – New Testament in One Year –Discipleship Journal’s simple guide provides some helpful Bible study questions for understanding the Bible.
Book at a Time Reading Plan –Created by Mark Bogart, a former Crosspoint member, this plan will guide you through the Bible in a year with interspersing reflection days.
M’Cheyne’s Daily Bible Reading Plan –Robert Murray M’Cheyne pastored in the 19th century and developed a plan that has stood the test of time. M’Cheyne will guide you through the New Testament and Psalms twice a year and the Old Testament once by reading around four chapters per day.
Crosspoint Sermon Guide –A simple way to streamline personal Bible reading and Sunday morning worship is to read and study the sermon passage each week. This winter, Crosspoint Church will launch a series concluding our study of the book of Genesis, chapters 25-50, called “Promise Preserved.” Be on the lookout in early January for a reading guide detailing each week’s passage, and, as always, check out our Current Sermon Series page for resources.
Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids –Some of my kids have found David Murray’s reading companion to be the perfect aid in developing the personal discipline of Bible reading and prayer. Especially useful for upper elementary-aged kids.
A TIME AND A PLAN
As 2022 ends and 2023 begins, think through your plan for spiritual growth.
Through designating a time and adopting a reading plan, may we be a church that proclaims with the Psalmist,
“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (Psalm 119:93).
*This article has been updated from an original version that appeared in 2018.
Sing: Song List for Sunday
1. “How Great Thou Art,” Arr. Paul Baloche
2. “Only a Holy God,” by CityAlight
3. “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” Arr. Nathan Drake
4. “Before the Throne,” Arr. Shane & Shane
5. “It Was Finished Upon that Cross,” by CityAlight