Reading the Bible Intentionally

I don’t recall the issue I was facing; I was a teenager, so there were any number of them to choose from. Something, somewhere, contradicted what I believed and threatened to shift my entire worldview (or so my 15-year-old mind reasoned).

So, I did what I had always done. I went straight to Daddy for advice. But this time his response took me by surprise: “What does the Bible say about it?”

My thoughtful, adolescent reply was something like, “I dunno,” when I was really thinking, I have NO IDEA! That’s why I’m asking you…THE PASTOR!

I’ll never forget what he said: “Why don’t you go find out what the Bible says, and then we’ll talk about it.”

That one response rocked my 15-year-old world. I had always relied on my dad for answers to deep Biblical questions–I would ask, he would answer, and I would go on with my life. I had been fine with that arrangement, and I was OK continuing it!

Since it was the Dark Ages (before Biblegateway.com), Dad gave me some passages to look up, and I went to work. I studied the Scripture, formed my own opinions then, just like he promised, we discussed it. It was a lot more work than our previous arrangement, but it taught me a valuable lesson that followed me into adulthood:

Reading the Bible Intentionally #BeIntentional | thereisgrace.com

We each have a system of beliefs and values that influence every decision of our lives. If we do not intentionally build those beliefs on the foundation of Truth, they will be influenced and shaped by other influences (culture, obligations, family, friendships, etc.). Or worse, we’ll end up swept along the path of “least moral resistance.”

As Christians, we often end up building those values on what our parents taught us, what our church teaches, or even what we’ve come to justify in our own minds. Those things may not be wrong, but in the end there’s only one Truth on which we should build any belief: What does God say about it? (as in, What does the Bible say about it?)

Here’s the catch: In order to do that, we have to read what He has to say. (Revolutionary, I know!)

It sounds so simple, so why does it prove to be so difficult? Let’s fast-forward about 25 years from the scenario above. I had allowed the daily demands of life to crowd out my regular discipline of Bible reading. I justified that I could coast on what I had “already stored up” through years of Christian school, Bible college, and working for a Christian publisher.

But when you face a situation that shakes you to your core, you tend to go back to the basics. So over the last year and a half, I’ve discovered that my spiritual life is strongest when I feed it a steady diet of God’s Word.

Honestly, I still struggle with it. I have to #BeIntentional about not allowing other things to crowd out this vital component of my spiritual life. It’s not easy, but things of great value rarely are.

That’s why I’m committing to #BeIntentional about reading God’s Word this year with a simple plan based on 3 simple decisions:

When

We tend to make time for the things that are important to us. I can say I want to read my Bible all I want, but unless I determine when I’m going to do it, chances are it just won’t happen. I know you’re busy, I get it. My “when” has morphed over the years–as a young adult, I would read late at night before bed. When I worked full-time, I would routinely read on my lunch break. When my kids were younger, I tried to get up early and spend at least 15 minutes reading my Bible before the rest of the house was up.

Now that my kids are older and able to get themselves up and ready, I have a little more time in the mornings to read and reflect. However, life is messy and it doesn’t always happen before we are needing to get into our school day. On those days, I plan a specific time later in the day for it or read a chapter with kids so we can discuss it.

Where

There is a specific spot in front of our fireplace where I like to settle in to read. I keep my Bible, a devotional, my journal, and a pen within reach. Settling into that spot triggers my brain (even when I’m still half asleep) to focus on what I’m about to do. And since I am NOT a morning person, I need all the help I can get!

What

I need a plan. If I don’t have some sort of idea what I’m going to read, I’ll spend the entire time flipping through my Bible in search of random passages. I’ve done all types of plans–chapter by chapter, topical studies, word studies, and most recently I read through the Bible chronologically. It doesn’t matter how simple or complex a plan you have, it’s just helpful to have one! There are hundreds–probably thousands–of reading plans available today in every format and on every topic imaginable. You can find a one-year plan here, or shorter plans here or here .

And for you “non-readers” out there…if the thought of sitting down with a book (of any kind) makes you break out in a cold sweat, no worries! Download the YouVersion app and listen to the Bible while you go for a run, clean the house, or fold the laundry. Or find a devotional on Audible  or Christian Audio and listen on your commute.

“If you feel uncomfortable in the Scriptures, and inadequate in the art of Bible reading, the single most important thing you can do is make a regular practice of reading the Bible for yourself.”  ~David Mathis, Bible Reading is an Art

BeIntentional-250In what ways are you intentional about reading your Bible? Share your ideas in the comments, or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

More Great Reads on Reading the Bible Intentionally:
Bible Reading is an Art
3 Tips for Better Bible Reading
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? 
Don’t Just Read the Bible for Yourself
3 Reasons Moms Need to Be in the Word

11 thoughts on “Reading the Bible Intentionally

  1. Reading the Bible is something I’ve struggled with my entire life. Of course, the older I get, the more wise I’ve become in understanding I can’t do this thing called life without God. What that means is I just have to as you said, be intentional, and do it. Every.Single.Day. It’s like exercise. It takes self-discipline. If I don’t do it first thing in the morning, I won’t do it at all. I’ll spend the rest of the day making excuses about how I’m so busy with this or that. I know myself. I know my weak zone. So I spend time with the Lord, digging into His word every morning after breakfast and right before hopping on the elliptical. The kids are at school (I only have 3 hours before my kindergartener comes home) and the house is quiet. No excuses. Now when summer arrives…well, that will be a whole new set of #beintentional rules.

  2. Such a good point! What a great parenting technique your father had. I love that. I have the YouVersion app that sends me a verse every day and I love it. Such an easy way to connect with God’s word and the app makes it so easy to dig deeper…wherever you are!
    Thank you for sharing!
    -Alli

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