July 2020
Upcoming Mission and Ministry Schedule
[Note: Since international travel is not possible at present, I am continuing my involvement in the mission work in Latin America remotely, in consulting, seminars, preaching, and teaching, using the technological and digital tools available.]
I have cancelled all international travel for the remainder of 2020. Major online events are included on the 2020 Calendar. I hope you will join me online for seminars, sermons, studies, and classes. (Contact me for details and for how to connect.) In faith, I am currently scheduled for 2021. Contact me for details or to schedule an event.
Need help with consistent Bible reading?
I get it! Been there, same problem, same experience.
Daily Bible reading can be a chore - b-o-r i-n-g! Less than fun. On some days, our Bible reading gets no more than a passing glance. A few verses to start the day, a few token verses to end the day - just to say that we did it!
Does reading the Bible every day really help? After all, some days we can't even remember what we read. You will not be surprised that my answer is, "Yes, daily Bible reading helps!" In fact, it is essential to spiritual health.
Daily Bible reading is often compared to eating meals. You may not remember every meal you have eaten in the past week, but your body received nourishment. Even better -- most people enjoy eating! Of course, the nourishment received from eating depends on what one eats -- too much junk food is unhealthy!
Paul wrote to the Colossians, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." One translation says, "dwell within you in abundance." Just as the Christian is in Christ and Christ is in the Christian, so in the relationship of the Christian to the Word of Christ, the Word of Christ dwells in the Christian and the Christian dwells in the Word of Christ.
The release of my new book Dwelling in the Word is only weeks away. I wrote Dwelling in the Word to help Christians avoid spiritual drought and famine. Dwelling in the Word is a unique Bible reading guide.
- It contains daily Bible readings from every chapter of the New Testament.
- It can be used as a stand-alone reading guide, or as a companion to your own Bible.
- The reading plan will guide you through the New Testament in a year, but it doesn't matter when you begin!
- A unique, chronologically-based reading sequence reads the New Testament in a fresh way.
- A five-days-per-week, no calendar plan helps you stay up with your Bible reading.
- A brief explanation of each chapter helps you understand what you are reading and why it matters.
- Application questions help you reflect on each reading, each chapter.
- A prayer is included for each reading to help you learn how to pray Scripture.
- Reading checklists make it possible to use the book year after year, and several family members can use the book at the same time.
Developing the habit of regular Bible reading is one way a Christian obeys God. God commands his people to dwell in the word (Deut. 6:6-9; Ps. 119:15-16). In-depth Bible reading will let you dive into the Bible and see the bigger picture -- God is revealing himself, his character, and his eternal purpose to save the world through Christ. The focus is not on the Word but on God who gave us his Word.
Bible reading that nourishes us includes several things. First, we develop a habit or a discipline that is natural. Second, we remember the purpose of reading. Helping us keep God's purpose in view is one of the strengths of
Dwelling in the Word. Third, we must apply what we read.
As you recommit to reading the Bible, I share a word of warning. There will be times you simply do not get around to the Bible reading. That is one reason the plan uses five days each week. When important things (or unimportant things) get in the way, it is easy to catch up.
Finally, here are some suggestions to help you develop the habit of Bible reading.
Try to read at the same time each day, as part of your daily routine. Mornings, evenings, or meals work for many.
Turn off interruptions like the cell phone, television, or other media devices.
The checklists will help keep you accountable as you track your progress and catch up when necessary.
The most important thing that will happen in your life is that you will develop a desire, a hungering and thirsting, for the word of God.
Awakening that spiritual desire will make your time in the life-giving word of God a blessing and a pleasure. Soon you will see results that are hard to explain -- your life being transformed into the glory and likeness of Jesus Christ!
__________________
Also available at this link: Help for Reading the Bible Consistently
