The Bible begins with this line: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

I find hope in the purposeful nature of creation. God chose to bring the world into existence, ex nihilo (out of nothing), giving his time and attention to the process. Day by day God layered wonders. Stars, oceans, swarming creatures below the seas and magnificent beasts roaming the lands. In the midst of this cornucopia of curiosities, the Lord placed Adam and Eve.

A rival hypothesis posits the universe arose through a random assortment of cosmic accidents, out of dust and energy from who knows where. Through a series of collisions over billions of years, perfect conditions developed on a planet for life to spark and take hold. This living iota pulled itself from the sludge, and after several more billion years walked erect. You and I are simply the result of an unseeing and uncaring cosmos, here for a minute and then absorbed back into the void.

I reject that theory of creation, both on scientific and theological levels. God created, and in so doing imbued this world with meaning. My life and yours, knitted in the womb by God’s himself, carries purpose and significance. Not merely accidental side-effects, you and I are children of the Creator. May we live this new year with that in mind, as men and women the Lord placed on this planet to enjoy him and serve others.

Genesis 1:1

Photo by Ravi Pinisetti

I’m starting this new year with the goal of reading all the way through the Bible. I’ve grown to love the practice, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Regardless, whether reading long sections of Scripture or delving into shorter passages, time spent with God in his Word molds us in profound ways. But it don’t come easy—distractions pop up every day. As a result I’m developed a few habits that keep me focused. The following are 8 of the best practices I’ve experienced as I’ve spent time in the Bible over 45 years:

Pick a Bible version you find engaging. I’ve read the Bible cover to cover thirty-two times in at least a dozen different versions. The last couple of years I’ve read primarily from the English Standard Version (ESV), the most accurate translation to date. I regularly consult the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), and The Message (an American language version). The New King James Version (NKJV) contains all the beautifully worded, classic passages that I love, while leaving out most of the “thees” and “thous.” While I prefer reading a physical Bible, I also use both the YouVersion Bible app and the ESV Bible app on my phone.

Listen to the Bible. My wife loves to listen to the Bible and enjoys the Daily Audio Bible. For more dramatic presentations, try The Bible Experience audio Bible or my favorite, Streetlights.

Choose your best time of day. I find that picking the same time every day to take in the Scriptures helps it happen. As an early riser I prefer the morning. Others opt for the quiet of late evening. For those who listen, a walk at mid-day or during their work commute opens time to hear the Scriptures.

Create a pleasant environment. I read on a comfortable chair with coffee at hand. I read away from my desk and computer, which generate thoughts about work. Instead, create a comfortable nook that allows you to focus on the Good Book.

Turn your phone off. This may actually be the most important item on this list. I constantly attempt to limit distractions, and my phone is the biggest distractor in my life. You and I can go without our phones for an hour—we are not that important. Turn off the ringer and leave the phone in another room.

Select a reading plan. Some years I’ve read the Bible straight from Genesis to Revelation, and other years chronologically (skipping around through the text). The last few years I’ve followed the Five Day Bible Reading Program. I like it because the Old Testament is presented chronologically, and each day contains a New Testament passage. Best of all, you read only five days per week, leaving two extra days for catch-up. I print the plan and keep a copy in my journal.

Keep a journal. I retain more from my reading when I jot impressions as I go. Plus, I’m encouraged when I look back and see what God has shown me over time. Writing helps me think and allows the Holy Spirit to work. I write on a fresh page every day. Nothing to distract me from my thoughts—except my other thoughts.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading. I pray this prayer from Psalm 119: Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. The Holy Spirit indwells those who follow Jesus and guides us into all truth. Entreat him to direct you. In a mysterious yet profound combination, the Holy Spirit works with the Holy Scriptures to develop holiness in our lives.

I encourage you to make Bible reading a habit. While it may feel daunting, a little bit every day expands your trust in God. Before you know it you too will be seeing wonderful things from the Scriptures. I pray you find a method that clicks, and enjoy your own journey through God’s Word!

Photo by Sincerely Media

Happy New Year! Whether you stayed up well past midnight, or turned the calendar while happily snoring away (like I did), I wish you a wonderful year to come!

I keep this passage at the front of my journal, so I can pray it regularly for the people in my life. May it be true for you in this coming year:

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Photo by Stainless Images

This week I finished reading the Bible all the way through, from Genesis to Revelation. I enjoy my morning times with coffee and the Scriptures—one of the few good habits I’ve acquired over the years. As I prepare to start this journey again, let me share eight reasons I tackle this daunting book every year.

I interact with a living entity. This is actually a bit scary, but when we read the Scriptures seeking God, they begin to breathe. Godly truth burrows into hearts and minds. One writer described the experience like this: The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). It’s weird to open a book and ask God to speak, supernatural even. But if you can’t appreciate the supernatural, why bother being a Christian?

I gain an expansive view of God. Left to myself, I shrink God into my own image. I prefer a God who reminds me of me, who approves of my lifestyle and choices, and who hugs me despite my subtle disregard of his ways. No such God exists in the pages of Scripture, but how will I know if I don’t go take a look?

The discipline of daily reading develops my faith. Regular reading creates a habit and builds spiritual muscle. I did not choose to live the Christian life on a lark. As a serious and devoted follower of Jesus, I hope to continually grow deeper and broader in my faith. Bible reading forms the foundation of that growth.

I discover something I’ve never noticed on a regular basis. This may be my favorite part of reading the Bible. I discover faithful heroes and intriguing villains, fresh thoughts and challenging ideas. God surprises me, and not always in a comfortable way.

God rolls me around in the dirt. The Lord uses the Scriptures to point out my pride or vanity or loose talk. I don’t like it. At times I despise it. But I appreciate the fact that concepts in the Bible pull me up short and make me take a hard look at myself.

I wrestle with Scripture’s approach to the world. I don’t understand parts of the Bible. Why did the child born from David’s sin with Bathsheba have to die? Seems so unfair, but that’s what God wanted. I grapple with my understanding and beliefs about God. I believe questions fuel our faith, just as questions fueled the faith of many in the Bible.

The Holy Spirit blows fresh in my life. The Holy Spirit changes, comforts, challenges and builds us, particularly paired with the wisdom of the Bible. The combination of Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture transforms my heart. Nothing else works in such a supernatural way. I fight temptation, I gain compassion, and I get beyond myself when the Holy Spirit uses the words of God in my life.

I prosper. The psalmist tells us, Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers (Psalm 1). I want such a life and it only comes by meditating on the scriptures daily. Comfort, hope and peace bloom in such an environment, and my soul swells.

I encourage you to join me and read the Bible cover to cover. You can do it! If you spend 30 minutes a day on social media, you can read the Bible through in a year. Few experiences yield greater benefit. Who knows? You might start a habit you’ll enjoy for years and years.

Photo by Jonathan Sanchez