AwakenНамуна

Today’s big idea is this: Awakening to Jesus happens best by reading the Bible.

The Bible is the most amazing book. 

Period.

No other book in history compares to it. There are 66 books that combine together to make the Bible, with over 40 authors writing over the course of thousands of years. And despite so much time and so many authors, the Bible tells one central story: the good news of God’s great love story!

The central way that God communicates to us, his sons and daughters, is through the Bible. It is a gift and a love letter to us. If someone you loved sent you a letter, wouldn’t you want to read it right away and then re-read it? We have the amazing privilege of having access to God’s love letter, so let’s not miss the opportunity to read it every day!

The most powerful way to get un-stuck in life is by letting God’s truth be the foundation to everything you think, say and do. But this doesn’t just happen overnight. God’s word becomes the foundation for our lives when we read it, re-read it and study it regularly.

You Win With Strong Habits

The key is consistency. Just like working out to perform on the the athletic field, or studying to crush your exam, good habits are key. A spiritual discipline is a habit that you bring into your life that helps you grow. If the best way to awaken to Jesus is by reading the Bible, then it will require a strong habit of reading God’s love letter daily.

Thankfully, there are amazing tools to help you form these new habits. Use reminders on your phone, wear a bracelet, ask for accountability from a friend, set goals and keep them! Find the tools that work for you and use them wisely.

It Is Not About The Habit, Its About The Person.

Remember, the habit is only the vehicle, not the ultimate goal. The habit of reading the Bible is not about checking a box off of a religious to-do list. The real goal is awakening to who God is and bringing Him glory. This is about building a relationship with your heavenly Father.

It is critical for YOU to do the reading. Today, it can be easy to “delegate” your Bible reading and get the cliff notes from someone else online. Just like hanging with your friends is the only way to get to know them, view your Bible reading habit like hanging out with God. Only you can do it!

Closing prayer: Dear Lord, give me a passion to read your word. Give me clarity to understand your word. Give me strength to live your word. Amen.