A Steady Diet of Scripture

News of Bible sales being up last year is certainly encouraging news, and a leading Bible app has reported a record year in "app installs and daily use." It is important that we are reading and studying God's Word, and the local church can play a significant role in that. Psalm 119 states:
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.

Lifeway Research reports in an article on its website that...

...Almost all U.S. Protestant pastors (99%) say they encourage those in their church to read the Bible on their own using at least one of seven methods, according to a Lifeway Research study. On average, pastors say they use around five ways of encouragement. Less than 1% say they don’t use any or are unsure.

How is this done? Interestingly enough, as the Lifeway Research article states:

The most likely ways a pastor will work to spark individual Bible reading among their churchgoers is by providing free Bibles to those who need one (93%) and reminding them during sermons (92%).

Almost 3/4 of pastors surveyed say that Scripture is read during their services, which is "in addition to the passages used in the sermon."

Almost 6 out of 10 pastors say they make a printed Bible reading plan available to their churches, while over 1-in-3 offer a plan digitally.  

The use of some of these methods to encourage Bible reading is up from 2016 - as Lifeway Research reports that these include: "providing a free Bible to those needing one (up 7 percentage points from 86%) and reminders in sermons (up 6 percentage points from 86%)."

Dwayne Miloni is a North Carolina pastor who is quoted in the article; he has worked with a Bible publisher to create a Bible that offers a plan to read through the Bible in a year. He says: "As we’re preaching and teaching, it would be so much better if we knew our church members were reading and studying the Word of God on their own,” adding, “How much more glorious would the assembling of God’s people be if every day of the week our people were engaging God’s Word?” His church reads through the Bible together, and he relates: “It not only increases their knowledge of God but deepens their relationships...It helps a church grow closer to God and one another.”

I think we can ask the question: how do we discipline ourselves to spend time in God's Word on a consistent basis?  Then, once we get there, is there a systematic way in which we absorb the teachings of Scripture?  That is why having a plan is important.  Faith Radio, through our free app, offers a Bible, audio Bible, and Bible reading plan that you can use that will provide a template through which you can read God's Word.

But, a Bible reading plan is just the beginning - it's important that we study the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to direct us.  Perhaps a study Bible can be a valuable tool so that you can ponder some of the content of the Scriptures and read corresponding verses and passages.  Memorizing and meditating on Scripture can also help us to grow in our relationship with the Lord. And, the teaching of God's Word is a vital component, too - we can expose ourselves to the Word in our local churches - and Faith Radio offers you a lineup of quality Bible teaching each day.  

Just as our physical food can provide the necessary nutrients we need, our spiritual food, found in the Bible, can contribute to strength and growth in the Lord.  As we embark on a new year, we can consider how God might be leading us to deepen our walk with Him.