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This week all of the Early Grade students needed to be extra quiet when entering chapel because it seemed as if someone has decided to sleep in the chapel room for a few days.
In challenging the students to think about a regular Bible reading plan, they were treated to "a morning in the life of Mr. Bishop and his plush stuffed dog." The point was to show the students what it might look like to have a morning time in the Word of God.
Of course we are not limited to having a Bible reading time "only" in the morning. In fact, the Bible says in Psalm 63,
My soul longs for you in the night, my spirit seeks you in the morning.
As we heard in chapel, the time of day is not important, but the fact that you actually spend some time with God is. Here are a few of the things we discussed.
Choose a version of the Bible that you can understand.
I know, there are some bad translations out there, and it is important to be careful and wise in choosing, but having a Bible that is too hard to read is also not helpful. Personally I enjoy reading the New King James Bible or the New American Standard. And lately I have been enjoying the Berean Standard Bible. A popular version that we use around ICSB is the New International Version.
Pray for your time in the Word.
Maybe you think that it would be cool to discuss a great book with the author. Well with the Bible, we get to do just that. A simple prayer asking for wisdom and understanding might be enough as you get started with your reading. I think your prayers will grow as you do, but feel free to keep it simple. God can handle it.
Read your Bible regularly.
Every morning. Every night. In the middle of the day. All are good times to read the Bible. Just find time to read it. You will be blessed; and more consistency often seems to increase your desire and ability to learn even more. Find a consistent time, give it a few weeks, and see if this is true for you.
Write down a good thought to carry with you.
Often we are told to write things down so that we will not forget them. Bible reading is no different. Many people write down something from their daily reading to remind them of an important idea or a key verse. It is an effective way to keep focused on what you are learning, and may even help you be more consistent in actually doing the reading.
A final thought from Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
If you want to know more about God, and if you want to be more like Christ, you must spend time seeking Him in His Word. We can be sure that God will fulfill His end if we seek Him with our whole heart.
Basic stuff for may of us, I know. But just imagine what God will do with a bunch of young people that dedicate their entire lives to the reading and study of His wonderful Word.
If we can help you find a reading plan for yourself or for your family, feel free to reach out and let us know.
In Christ,
Dr. Dan - ICSB Chaplain
dbishop@icsbudapest.org