Shared Practice of Reading Scripture

In this series we are exploring how our daily habits and routines can either help or hinder our spiritual growth. In the opening week we talked about how one of the major goals that Scripture highlights for our lives is that of becoming more and more like Jesus and that there are some simple things we can do everyday to help us on this journey. We are calling these things ‘shared practices’, but others call them ‘holy habits’ or ‘spiritual disciplines’. What is crucial to note is that these things themselves do not transform us, make us better Christians, or earn brownie points with God. God already loves us and out of that he love he invites us to respond by shaping our lives around his plans and purposes both for us and for the world.

Yesterday Caroline gave a great introduction to the importance of regularly reading the Bible and if these feels a bit overwhelming or confusing then don’t worry as she gave some really helpful advice about how to get started.

HOW?

• Begin by setting aside a time and place every day where you will be as free as possible from distractions. Having a set time and place to read is really, really helpful!
• Then decide what you will try and read and for this there a number of options. There are times where it is helpful to just focus on one particular verse, whilst at other times it is helpful to read as much as you can in one sitting. Perhaps a good place to start is to aim for reading one chapter a day but not worrying too much if you don’t get through it all. The important part is just reading something.
  • Good palces to start are the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) or the Psalms but there will also be some suggestions each day here on the Blog.
• Also, some translations of the Bible are easier to read than others, so you could have a look at some different options if you are finding it difficult. Some translations that are easier to read are the New Living Translation (NLT), the New Intertnational Version (NIV), or even The Message (MSG).

OTHER HELPFUL ADVICE

• Read the Bible with the knowledge that God wants to speak personally to you through his Word!
• Talk to God about what you are reading and any questions you might have.
• Talk to others about what you are reading, learning, and anything you feel God might be talking to you about through what you have read.
• Start your daily reading time with a reminder that you are already loved and accepted by God. Reject condemntation and guilt if you struggle and return to the idea that you are doing this from love and not for love.
• Reflect on what the Bible says, what it means, and how you might live differently as a result.
• Maybe keep a journal of any insights, thoughts, questions, that arise from these times.

That’s it for now so have a go this week at digging into the Bible, the Word of God, and remember that you read in the very presence of the one you read about!

Some Quotes about the Bible

‘We present you with this book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is wisdom; this is the royal law; these are the lively oracles of God’

Said to the Queen during her coronation

There would be no good news if God did not love us; there would be no knowledge of that good news if the story of God’s love and its redemptive achievement were not recorded for us in the Scriptures.

Christopher Wright

“The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

D.L Moody

“The primary purpose of reading the Bible is not to know the Bible but to know God.”

James Merrit