“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4). I am running a little late on my annual prophetic year in review. I have been busy with life— Christian’s health, family and work responsibilities, and working on my Doctor of Ministry.

I'll be the first to admit I don't read my Bible often enough.  This sad fact never ceases to amaze me yet I seem almost powerless to do anything about it.  The Bible claims to be God's Word to us yet far too many Christians fail to read it regularly.  Why is this?  I was just pondering this question today as I dealt with a difficult ministry situation.  The one thing that God is sure to use to sustain me--reading and meditating upon His Word--is so often neglected. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  In the meantime, here are a couple resources that might help you in your journey.

First of all, Andy Naselli offers Three Tips for Better Bible Reading on the Desiring God Blog.   He offers three suggestions, (1) Listen to audio Bibles, (2) Read entire books in one sitting, and (3) Read a Bible without chapter and verse numbers.  There are also links to related resources at the bottom of the blog entry.

Secondly, Professor Grant Horner of The Master's College, has designed a Bible reading plan using a book mark system.  Basically, you read 10 chapters a day but you're never reading the same 10 chapters together again.  Personally, I have been using a modified version of this system for awhile (when I actually read my Bible).  I say "modified" because Grant's system has you reading through Proverbs and Acts every month.  I decided I'd rather read through Daniel, Romans, and Revelation each month so I adjusted the book marks accordingly.  By the way, for you Facebook people, he even has a Facebook Page dedicated to his system.

Thirdly, whether you use a formal plan or your own plan, remember, what's important is that you and I regularly read and meditate upon God's Word.  There is no substitute for regular Bible reading and feeding. The Psalmist wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Jesus said, "You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me" (John 5:39).  Let's all renew our commitment to read God's Word regularly.