FOUR DEVOTIONAL GUIDES
Read – Read through today’s portion of Scripture (link below). Allow yourself to get swept into the story, and a sense of what is being taught about Jesus, and about people.
Reflect – Look for a word, phrase, or story that stands out to you. This is sometimes God’s way of getting our attention while we are reading. Spend a minute or two reflecting on what God may be showing you.
Practice – Consider how what God is showing you from this passage applies to or challenges your life. Is there anything you feel compelled to change because of that word or phrase?
Pray – Talk to God about what you learned from today’s reading. At this point, you can express any questions or doubts; you can express excitement or hope, too. End by asking God to help you walk in whatever He taught you.
WHY READ THE BIBLE ANYWAY?
This is a reading plan designed to help you read the Bible and pray daily through 2018. Our hope is that through this simple practice, you will encounter Jesus Christ through the Scriptures, and grow closer to God.
The New Testament was organized and written by close disciples of Jesus, who, after observing his life for three years, were commissioned by him to be “witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48)
What you are about to embark on is a journey through these writings. The New Testament is full of accounts, letters, and personal corrospondence around Jesus–his life, words, death, and resurrection. Not only are these some of the oldest and most trusted accounts of Jesus’ life, but the apostle Paul (another commissioned disciple of Jesus) went on to describe them as “God-inspired” (2 Timothy 3:16)–what that means is that it is not merely literature or good advice, it is the active and powerful Word of God!
That means what you are about to read is nothing short of astonishing—it is not like any other book or collection of books. At the very least, you will learn about the most fascinating, compelling, and loving person in history. At the very best, you may be completely transformed by him in the process. We are praying that both of these will happen as you go through this Bible reading plan.
Take advantage of the reading guide if you want to take a deeper journey. These are there to help you get the most out of reading through the New Testament.
May your time exploring and encountering Jesus be rich and meaningful!
“Follow me” – Jesus (Luke 5:27)