The last Sunday of December 2013, one of the songs we sang at church on Sunday was Hillsong’s Oceans. The words are so powerful and not only encouraged me to grow deeper with God and become more like Christ, but it also made me wonder what was ahead for 2014 and what it would take for me to grow in my faith.
Each year, I consider how God wants me to read through scripture and stay in His Word. I’ve read the Bible through now for a number of years, and I’ve read chronologically the last four years. I’m doing that again in 2014. The difference this year is that I am reading through in a different translation than before (The Message this year) and I am doing it with a friend. We will email or text back and forth the key things God points out to us as we read.
I loved reading this post on Dr. Thom Rainer’s blog by Chuck Lawless, A Bible Reading Strategy for 2014. It gave me several ideas about how I will read through scripture this year. I won’t use all the ideas but will choose those that will help me read for transformation. This might help you as you consider your reading plan for this year.
There are so many ways to get into and be transformed by His Word. The point is that you have a plan and that you lead the women you serve to get into His Word for LIFE! Not for the sake of completing a task or to be able to say you read the Bible in a particular time frame, but so that you allow His truths to wash over you and change you .
I don’t have any idea what 2014 will hold for me, nor do you. But one way we continue to grow deeper in our faith is to stay in God’s Word in each season of the year and of life. God will shape your ministry as He transforms you day by day.
That’s my prayer for myself this year and for you as well. How will you do it? I’d love to know what ideas you use to become a continual student of God’s Word.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Hillsong, Oceans