Starting Fresh - 2015

This morning, I had the privilege to share our now-traditional, first-Sunday-of-the-year challenge to adopt a daily Bible reading plan. Speaking out of Hebrews 4:12-13, the challenge, as always, is to become intimately familiar with the Bible by reading it on a daily basis, using one of the many, many plans that are out there. Finding one that suits your particular style and personality should be fairly easy. 

Our church web site has a newly formatted Bible Reading

Plans page that lists a number of plans, a number of sites that have additional plans, reading tips, apps and more.

One highly recommended site is You Version . You Version offers a variety of reading plans, a number of mobile apps and even an audio feature that will play your daily reading for you. 

You can listen to the sermon detailing all this here. Hopefully, it will encourage you to start a new plan tomorrow morning. 

If you would like to join me and a few others, I'll be starting the Chronological Reading Plan tomorrow, Jan 5. Let me know if you do, I'll keep in touch and we can hold each other accountable.  
Reading plans always require some discipline and a huge dose of commitment. This is why it's important to pick one that suits you. If you're new to a daily reading plan or if you've struggled with them in the past, make it easy on yourself until you can begin to flex those spiritual muscles. Over-reaching can cause early discouragement and lends to the tendency we all have to "skip a day or two"...for whatever reason...and finding ourselves unable to get back on track. Instead, start out easy. 

Give, as an offering, 5 to 10 minutes of your time, perhaps starting in Matthew. The important thing is to continue on, systematically, book by book, through the entire New Testament.  Commit to doing that and watch what the Holy Spirit does with your faithfulness!

If you're a seasoned veteran, try a plan that challenges you. Allow yourself to be stretched and shaped by a new experience with the Word. 

May the Lord bless you, enable you and kindle a passion deep in your heart for His word!