Are You Existing on Bible Snacks?

They say that failing to plan means planning to fail – and it’s usually true. Especially in the area of spiritual growth. So as we are all starting to look toward 2021, I’d like to encourage you to reflect on your spiritual plan. And if you don’t have one, to get one!

Do you have a good plan for Bible reading? Do you think having one is important? Do you read the Word daily, or at least regularly?

For a few years, I followed a genres Bible reading plan which is quite good. Based on Scripture’s different literature types, I find it gives a more complete picture of the Word because of reading several portions every day. Yet for me it lacked continuity. It seemed that on some I days I was snacking, and on others feasting.

But then after discovering Professor Grant Horner’s plan, I found the plan that works for me! And I’ve been using it for years now.

From snacks to meal!

When I first read about this 10 chapter a day plan, I thought, “No way, that’s just too much!” But you know, I soon became addicted. For I discovered that the more we eat, the more we want to eat – and that goes for spiritual food too!

So it wasn’t long before I started wondering how I had survived so long on the “Bible snacks” I’d had before. And I’ve been using it ever since!

We need a plan

But the main thing I’ve learned is that we need a plan! We plan so many areas of our lives – yet we sometimes approach our spiritual growth in a haphazard or careless way. Which is why we often fail to experience real growth.

The more we eat, the more we want to eat – and that goes for spiritual food too!

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God’s Word is life, and without it our spiritual life will fade and wane. It can create hope when hope is dying. Peace when war threatens our hearts and souls. Joy when sorrow overtakes. And new life within us, making us like our Lord and Savior.

So if you don’t already have one, develop a plan for spending time with God. It’s the only way to really know him, and become like him. No one else can do it for you. And it won’t happen through osmosis – by just sitting in church or being around other believers.

The spiritual growth plan is simple

1. First, fully realize that need you a plan.
   And hold yourself accountable to sticking to it.
2. Then set aside a time for daily Bible reading and prayer.
   A fixed appointment will help you be consistent in your relationship with God.
3. Choose a spot free from distractions and interruptions.
   Distraction free because you want communion to be a priority.
4. Choose a Bible reading plan.
   Reading the whole Bible will bring riches to your life that you never imagined!
5. Spend time in conversaton with God, listening for his guidance.
   Nothing will create intimacy with him like time spent with him.
6. And then find during your day to dig deeper into God’s word because that’s where you’ll find the meaty stuff! Start out by doing Bible study 1-2 times per week – and then as your hunger grows, add to it!

Just as fire needs air, our spirits need light. Without it, our spiritual light will go out. But the more we feed it, the stronger our light will become. We need the light of God’s word come in, feed us, and change our lives.

But this can only happen by feeding on his word and spending time with him.

As newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.

1 Peter 2:2 WEB

Images: Snacks by hamomdomingues | Milk by StockSnap | Bible by mnplatypus.