2020 is coming to an end in just a few hours. Can I get an amen?

If you're an avid Bible reader, I'm sure you've been scouring resources for your plan for 2021. This is a tremendous resource if you're trying to get through the Bible in a year as it has all kinds of 52-week plans.

But I want to highlight 2 off-the-wall plans that I am going to implement this year. I'm not saying to do both or either one, I just want to let you know two different ways to immerse yourself with Scripture. 

Disclaimer: These won't get you through the Bible in 1 year. 

Plan #1 - The CBR Journal

I've been dabbling with this through the month of December. Basically, it gives you the option for an Old or New Testament chapter per day. The goal is not to read through the Bible in a certain amount of time. Instead, it focuses on slowing down, taking a chapter at a time, quieting your heart before the Lord through prayer, and allowing God to speak to you. The focus isn't on checking a box for the day, it's to sit before God and Scripture and allow it to shape you. 

It's been amazing to me how this works. The other day, I was in Ecclesiastes 10 (random, I know). I couldn't believe how God was impressing on my heart ways to lead this church. 

Check it out by going to their website. If you want to get varsity level, order the journal. For $10, it's very high quality.

Plan #2 - Random Plan I Heard On A Podcast

I am excited about this one. 

Alright, pick a book of the Bible. I'm going to pick Colossians. Now read Colossians every single day in January. Yes, read Colossians 31 times. 

Then in February, pick another book and read that 28 times.

But, Michael, that is going to take forever! 

I'm not a fast reader. Colossians took me 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Compare that to the screen time on your favorite app...

Here's the logic: The typical "read through the Bible in 1 year" plan will have me read through Colossians once. In this plan, I will read it 31 times. That would take me 31 years in the other plan.

It also allows the letter or book to be read all at once - so you get a feel for what is being written instead of simply proof-texting your favorite verses.

Did you pick a book like Matthew that's longer? Great! Break it up into parts throughout the day. What will it hurt to saturate your day with one of the Gospels?

My goal for the people of Salt Church is to fall deeply in love with God and the Bible. A plan shouldn't feel like a burden.

If we truly believe that Scripture is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart," why don't we read it?

As we wake up tomorrow morning to a new year, let it not be a year where we check boxes to make us spiritual. Instead, let it be a year where we fall deeply in love with God and allow our lives to be transformed.

Happy New Year!

- Michael