A "Game Plan" For Bible Reading

Regularly reading our Bible does not need to be overwhelming, but sometimes it can feel that way. I think one of the biggest challenges to staying consistent with it is not having “a game plan.”

Here are a few tips to help you establish your own game plan for reading God’s Word:

• Make a Commitment.

  Any successful game plan starts with committing to it.  Determine today that reading God’s Word is an essential part of your spiritual growth and development.  (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)

• Choose Timeslots Wisely.

  Choose a realistic timeslot for reading each day, one with the least number of distractions and the greatest opportunity for consistency.  If you are a night-owl, mornings will not be the best choice for you and vice-versa, so choose wisely.  (See James 1:5.)

• Keep It Short.

  Start by spending 5-15 minutes reading the New Testament daily, praying beforehand and afterward.  It is better to start with short, realistic goals and be consistent with them rather than setting unrealistic ones that you cannot maintain.  (See 1 Timothy 4:13.)

• Forbid Internal Beatings.

  If you miss a day or week of Bible reading, refuse to beat yourself up over it.  Just start fresh the following day and continue moving forward.  (See Philippians 3:12-14.)

Remember, the goal of a Bible reading “game plan” is to build spiritual intimacy with Jesus, not check off a box on your Christian to-do list.  God’s Word is vital to your growth and maturity as a believer, so getting into God’s Word (and getting God’s Word into you) is a necessary component worth your time, effort, and commitment.

What is your greatest Bible reading hurdle that you need to conquer or overcome?