1. Always read God’s Word expecting to meet with him. Approach God’s Word relationally. Listen for his voice. What is he saying to you personally? What do you see from his Word that reveals God’s character and ways? Where do you need to align your life with his character and ways?

2. Set aside a regular time to read God’s Word. I don’t know about you, but I need the discipline of a schedule. It helps knowing that I always spend this time listening to and conversing with God. Self-discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We do not cultivate self-discipline by always being spontaneous or only reading and conversing with him when we feel like it.

3. Beware of routine! This is the flipside of the previous tip. If you find yourself just going through the motions of reading, shake it up and do something different! For instance, if you’re in a reading plan, break out of it for a week and go to your favorite portion of Scripture. Be open with the Lord about your feelings and ask him to help you. Add some spontaneity to your Bible reading.

4. Read God’s Word out of desire for him. God is not impressed with how many times we’ve read through the Bible or with what we can recall from it. He wants our heart.

5. Share what you find with others. This is one of the most neglected, yet most powerful habits for launching ourselves and others into deeper relationship with God. Tell others what he’s revealing to you, how he’s changing you and what you enjoy about him.

Already, men are reporting how God is meeting with them and changing them as they spend time with him in his Word!

Let me challenge you too, to draw near to God and deepen your relationship with him as you simply read his Word. If you’re not a reader or simply prefer another alternative to reading, check out the free tools for listening to the New Testament on your iPhone, Blackberry or MP3 player: www.sccprimed.org.

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New Testament Read-thru Challenge!
Read thru the NT in 13 weeks at three chapters per day

Week
1       John 1-21

2       Acts 1-21

3       Acts 22-28; Romans 1-14

4       Romans 15-16; Matthew 1-19

5       Matthew 20-28; 1 Corinthians 1-12

6       1 Corinthians 13-16; 2 Corinthians 1-13; Luke 1-4

7       Luke 5-24; Galatians 1

8       Galatians 2-6; Eph 1-6; Phil 1-4; Col 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1-2

9       1 Thessalonians 3-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3; Mark 1-15

10      Mark 16; Philemon; 1 Tim 1-6; 2 Tim 1-4; Titus 1-3; Heb 1-6

11      Heb 7-13; James 1-5; 1 Peter 1-5; 2 Peter 1-3; 1 John 1

12      1 John 2-5; 2 John; 3 John; Jude; Revelation 1-14

13      Revelation 15-22

Always go to the Word expecting to meet with God!
Ask Him:
• What are You revealing to me here about Yourself?
• How does this passage apply to my relationship with You and others today?
• Lord, what do You want to change in me?

Partner with a friend or your small group to keep you accountable and to share what God is doing in your life!