What is a good spiritual habit to develop in 2025? Reading the Bible every day! Just as our physical bodies need food every day, so do our mind, spirit and soul. Here is “How to Read your Bible” (from myhealthychurch.com; search: 35-1664.)
Establish the Habit of Bible Reading.
1. Own a good print, well-bound Bible (or use a Bible app such as YouVersion or read online at biblegateway.com).
2. Set apart a portion of each day for Bible study. Choose a time when your mind will not be tired (Acts 17:11).
3. Study with a humble, teachable mind, praying that the Author of the Book may guide you (Matthew 11:25; Psalm 119:18; John 14:26).
4. Read the Bible as the very Word of God. Submit your judgment unhesitatingly to its teachings. Believe its promises. Heed its warnings. Obey its commands, always and at once. Remember, it is God’s message to you.
5. Commit to memory at least one verse of Scripture each day (Psalm 119:11).
6. Secure dependable helps to aid you in Bible study. The Bible Handbook by H. H. Halley, a Bible concordance, and a recent translation of the Bible…will often shed real illumination on difficult places.
7. Carry a Bible or a New Testament with Psalms with you, so that you may use your spare moments profitably (Ephesians 5:16).
Where to Begin
If you are unacquainted with your Bible, you might indeed wonder where to begin. Since the Book contains sixty-six volumes—thirty-nine books in the Old Testament and twenty-seven books in the New Testament, you have a wide choice. The first seventeen books of the Old Testament are largely historical, the next five are poetry, and the remainder is composed of sermons by the prophets.
In the New Testament, the first four books deal with the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus; the next book is a history of the Early Church. Then follow letters by Paul and the other apostles. The last book is prophecy.
You might start with reading the thrilling story of Christ by Luke. Then read the Acts of the Apostles. Follow this with the letters written by Paul to the Christians in Thessalonica. You will be strengthened by Peter’s writings. John’s Gospel is rich and will reward your prayerful meditation.
In the Old Testament, you will read the most ancient pieces of literature in the world: Genesis and Job. Read the Hebrew hymnbook, too: the Psalms. For sermons, taste those of Isaiah, beginning with chapter 40.
How Much to Read
Read the whole Bible, of course. But it will be well to determine how much time you can habitually give to this wonderful study. There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. This means that if you will read three chapters each weekday, and five chapters on Sundays, you will finish the entire Bible in one year.
You may feel you have time for only one chapter a day. Then you would finish the New Testament in 260 days and by reading two Psalms a day, except for the long 119th, you could include all of the Psalms at least four times each year.
“The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day,” says George Müeller (1805–1898, noted Christian evangelist from Bristol, England), “is to have my soul happy in the Lord.” Bible reading and prayer will do it. Begin this very day.
In 1977 a college friend of mine challenged me to ready through the Bible in one year. I accepted that challenge and now pass it on to you. (For ideas for plans go to: biblegateway.com/reading-plans.) Let’s read through the entire Bible in 2025!
Let’s continue to “Believe for Greater Things!” (John 14:12-14) in 2025! This Sunday, January 12, we will look at three women in the Bible who did just that: Sarah, Naomi, and Mary. Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us.
On Sunday, February 2, everyone is invited to stay for an “ono-licious” Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. (No need to bring anything for the meal; everything will be provided.) After the lunch, all members are invited and encouraged to stay for the Annual Meeting of the congregation as we rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness in 2024. Please don’t miss it!
Aloha ke Akua!
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