FIVE WAYS TO GET INTO GOD'S WORD IN 2018

Posted by Scott Palmer on 4 January 2018 | Comments

It is hard to believe that it is already 2018.  I love this time of year because it is a time for us to reflect over the past year and examine areas of our life in which we are doing well and also those areas of life that we would like to change and grow.  

As a follower of Jesus, my prayer is that one of our primary goals for 2018 is to walk more closely with Jesus than ever before.   
One of the essential elements of a growing relationship with Jesus is a daily time with Him.   Every single person I know that has really developed their relationship with God, and who walks with Christ in a transforming way.  Every person I know who leads a life of significance, impact and influence for God.  Every person I know who has finished with Christ at the center of their marriage and family, every person I know who  gives off a passion for Jesus—has developed the habit of spending time with God. No exceptions.  I would like to review with you some helpful principles.

1.  Make Time.
Just like you have a calendar or a schedule  or even a day-timer for your day make your time with God a part of that plan.  It may be in the morning, at lunch or in the evening.  I have discovered over the years that if I do not make time with God I will not find time with God.  Let me encourage you establish-block out-make time to get alone with God. 

2.  Find a Place.
Find a place each day that you can get alone.  Turn off the TV-Get off of social media-put away the phone and find a place to get alone with God.  It might be your favorite chair- the couch- a special room but find a place where you regularly meet with God. Get disconnected from the daily distractions so that you can focus and connect with God.    

3.  Commit to a Plan.
In other words, have a plan in your time with God.  If you are beginning,  spend 10 minutes reading God’s Word and 10 minutes in prayer talking to God.  Let God speak to you through His word and then talk to Him about everything.

As we begin a new year, let me share with you some great Bible reading plans:

  1. On our website we have a link to BibleGateway.com  which has many different daily bible reading plans you can check out
  2. We also have lifejournal.cc on our website which is a bible reading plan but it also shows you how to SOAP a verse every day. You pick a verse from your reading and you do four things.  S- write down a verse that speaks to  you from your Bible reading for the day. O is for Observation which means you write down what you think the passage means. A is for Application which means you write down how it applies to your life.  P is for Prayer.
  3. You can also download on your phone the Youversion bible app which has all kinds of plans to get into God’s word.
  4. The Read Scripture Bible App that takes you through the Bible section by section and it has great videos to help you understand the history and the context of the section of the Bible you are reading.  If you want to get the historical meaning of the Bible this is really good.
  5. Our own David Bouchard has a plan to get you going for a few months through the Gospel of Luke and Acts.  This is a great way to get started with encouragement and accountability along the way.  Check it out at www.gracetruthcoffee.com/2017/the-word-luke/

If you will commit to these habits I guarantee you it will bring new life and joy to your walk with Jesus.  If you miss a day or a week or a month then start again tomorrow.  Don’t beat yourself up for your lack of discipline instead start a fresh journey with Jesus today. 

Expectantly In Christ

Pastor Scott