One small decision can change your entire life. A decision to read God’s Word daily, systematically, and completely over the course of one year could change everything.
When it comes to your pursuit of spiritual growth, development, and transformation, will 2024 be any different than 2023?
I firmly believe that one decision – ONE SMALL DECISION – can radically change your life!
What decision could possibly guarantee radical transformation and life change?
A decision to READ GOD’S WORD daily, systematically, and completely during in 2024.
Why should you read God’s Word daily?
I can think of at least four reasons:
1. Direction and guidance.
God’s Word provides reliable direction and guidance for life.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” —Psalm 119:105 NLT
In these confusing times, most of us could use some reliable direction and guidance. I’ve been amazed at how spending time daily in God’s Word gives me the direction and guidance I need for the questions, issues, and challenges I regularly face.
2. Insight and understanding.
God’s Word contains uncanny insight and understanding on a variety of topics and issues.
I’m regularly blown away by how God’s Word reveals issues in me that need to be dealt with, issues that have the power to sabotage my life and damage relationships.
Hebrews 4:12 says it like this:
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” —Hebrews 4:12
The Living Bible says, “…it exposes us for what we really are.” The Passion Translations renders it, “It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.”
Daily time in God’s Word helps me examine my heart, motives, and attitudes. Are they healthy? Have I drifted into selfishness and sin? Am I becoming the person I was created to be?
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
—Psalm 119:130 NIV
3. Strength and encouragement.
Life can wear you down. But a few minutes daily in God’s Word, restores our strength and provides much-needed courage and perspective.
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”
—Psalm 119:28 NIV
4. Peace
Here’s a question I regularly need to ask myself:
“Am I running my day or is my day running me?”
Taking 15-20 minutes first thing in the morning to read God’s Word, often gives me the peace and stability I need to tackle what could be a challenging and otherwise hectic day. It helps me “run my day” instead of allowing “my day to run me.”
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
—Psalm 119:165 NIV
Okay. Convinced yet?
The Next Question: Where do I start?
Remember, James Clear wrote,
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
—James Clear, Atomic Habits
So, what’s your system for reading God’s Word?
For me, my system starts by selecting a Bible Reading Plan.
Another Important Question: Have you selected a Bible Reading Plan for 2024?
Over the years I’ve used a variety of plans. For 2024, I’ve chosen the “M’Cheyne One Year Reading Plan.”
You can access the plan on the Bible App by using this link: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/24-mcheyne-one-year-reading-plan
You can also read the letter that Pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne wrote to his congregation when he introduced the plan to them in the 1800’s using the link below. It also contains a calendar for the plan. (By the way, this is the heart of a pastor for his sheep. He longs for them to read God’s Word.) Link: https://www.mcheyne.info/calendar.pdf
Another downloadable calendar for the plan has been created by The Gospel Coalition and is available here: https://media.thegospelcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/09151141/RtB_Reading-Plan_2020.pdf
I’ve used this plan several times to read through the Bible in one year. Here are two reasons I’m using the plan again this year.
1. It’s Do-able.
Each day’s reading requires about 15-20 minutes depending on your reading speed.
By breaking down the daily reading schedule into a couple of chapters in the OT and a couple of chapters in the NT, this plan allows you to read through the entire Bible during the course of a year. In fact, you’ll read through the OT once, the NT and Psalms twice in a single year!
And, why is that so important? Because, Paul wrote the following to his son-in-the-faith, Timothy in his second letter.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
—2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
Underline the first two words, “All Scripture…” This plan takes you through the entire Bible in a year.
Yes, I love hanging out in the psalms! I also enjoy the gospels and Acts. But Paul wrote that, “All Scripture is inspired…and…useful…” All of it! This plan takes me through ALL OF IT!
By the way, if you discover that the reading pace of the plan is too much, simply divide the plan in half. This will stretch the plan out over two years instead of one, but provide you with a more leisurely pace through God’s Word, allowing more time for reflection and study.
2. It’s Design
The second reason I’m going back to this plan is because I like the way it’s designed. A couple of chapters in the OT, a psalm, and/or a chapter or two in the NT.
For instance, the daily reading for January 1 or whenever you start the plan would include the following:
Genesis 1 / Matthew 1 / Ezra 1 / Acts 1
The design of the plan gives me daily access to different portions of God’s Word. I’m often amazed at how that day’s reading aligns perfectly with what I need to read and hear on a given day.
Further, the design of the plan also helps me get through some of the more challenging sections of Scripture.
How many plans have been abandoned when the reader comes to sections like Leviticus, Numbers, or Ezekiel?
This plan helps me walk through these difficult, but important passages.
One small decision really can change your entire life. A decision to read God’s Word daily, systematically, and completely this year could change everything. Begin by choosing your plan today and jumping in. You’ll be so thankful you did.
ISOW Bible College features several courses that will you in your desire to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word. For instance, check out our course on the Canonization of Scripture featuring Dr. Michael Knight to learn how we arrived at the 66 books that make up the Holy Bible. And, to enhance your reading of the Old and New Testament, don’t miss out on taking our Old Testament Survey or New Testament Survey courses which will give you a 30,000 foot view of the beauty of Scripture.
To view courses in Spanish, click here.
