Be intentional.
That seems to be the key to just about anything.
Want to streamline meal prep or lose weight? Be intentional and plan your meals in advance.
Want to learn a new skill? Be intentional and set time to learn and practice.
Want an uncluttered house? Be intentional about removing things from your home and be intentional in what you add to it.
I could use some help in being more intentional in each of those areas. There is one thing I AM intentional about quite regularly, though, and I never want to give it up…
Every day I try my best to stop and meet with God. I read a bit of the Bible, think about what He is sharing with me, pray and try to listen a bit more.
I am intentional about living my life with God. I am living intentionally by faith every day. And you can be, too.
Just to set the record straight, there are days that don’t start off just as I’d like and don’t end as I’d like and my Bible reading does sometimes get shoved aside. I don’t like those days and I try to keep them to a minimum.
The days I start with His Word, though, I am more at peace, even when disaster (seemingly or real) strikes.
Reading my Bible daily keeps me in touch with what God has to share with me. It helps me to see what He wants me to know that day. It reminds me to ask for His guidance and it reminds me that He really is in control.
Being intentional about reading the Bible daily keeps me intentional in living the life He has set out for me.
So how do I do it? And how can you, too?
First, find a Bible reading plan that will work for you.
I always have a current plan and a back-up plan so that there aren’t any excuses.
Right now I’m finishing Blogging Through the Gospels and I’m about to launch back into the Bible in 90 Days next. (We start on July 11, and I would love to have you join us for this amazing experience! If you want to do it, though, you’ll need to sign up so we can get you set up with a mentor. If you are interested, don’t delay… those mentored spots fill up quickly!)
Second, determine how you will read and listen.
Most often when I read, I use the SOAP acrostic to narrow in on what message God has for me that day. First I read, then I use SOAP to write out my observations and prayer. Then I try to sit quietly and listen some more.
Third, find an accountability partner.
When I finally got serious about my Bible reading, I really didn’t know who to ask to hold me accountable, so I started blogging my daily devotions. That sure has kept me accountable!
Fourth, figure out when you will have your reading time and stick with it.
If you have to push it back, carry your Bible with you as a reminder to still spend some time with God.
And finally, get ready to be amazed at how much you will hear Him when you are intentional in spending time with Him. He will not let you down. Your time in His Word will not return void.
Being intentional about reading the Bible has made big differences in my life in ways I never even expected. Being intentional about reading the Bible has helped me to understand my Savior, my Father and the Holy Spirit so much more. Being intentional about reading the Bible daily has also brought many more questions, but it has also brought many, many more answers.
Are you intentional in reading the Bible daily and talking with God about what you’ve read? If you aren’t, what is holding you back?
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Amy became a Bible in 90 Days graduate in the Spring of 2003, and has helped others to complete the challenge through six sessions since then, both online and in person. She is the mom of three young children and an avid traveler with her husband and children. Amy blogs at MomsToolbox, MomsTravelTales and VineSleuth. You can find her tweeting about #B90Days and more at @MomsToolbox.
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