For those that don't know, experts tell us that it takes 21 days straight of doing something to make it a habit. Conversely, it takes 21 days of not doing something to break a habit. Most times I've heard this principle used for running or lifting weights or quitting things like smoking. This isn't a blog about exercise and tobacco so what does that have to do with us? The Gospel of John. The 21 chapters in this book could easily help you or someone you know form a habit of reading the Word of God on a daily basis. All you have to do is make a commitment to one chapter a day. That should lead to making it a habit and also to reading the other books in the Bible and increasing the number of chapters per day. Remember its hard to know God's will if we never look at his Word. This isn't just for new believers. If you have been walking with the Lord for a number of years and don't read like you should, this is a great chance to get back to your first love. We should treasure His Word like it says in the book of Job. Chapter 23 verse 12 in Job reads,"I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food,". A good thing to remember is "no read, no feed-no Bible, no breakfast." The 21 chapters in the Gospel of John will help you treasure God's word and help to form the great habit of reading your Bible daily. On the flipside, if there is some kind of sin in your life give it up for 21 days and see what happens. If for whatever reason you are having trouble letting go of a certain sin, a mere three weeks could help change your walk and your life completely. God wants us to repent, to completely forsake our sins. This could be used as a way to do that for you. Don't try this under your own power. Pray for God to be with you and help you. Remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Psalm 119:11 (New International Version)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Another reading plan I recommend is Proverbs. There are 31 chapters, just enough to read one a day. So if today is the 20th, read the 20th chapter, tomorrow read the 21st and so on. This was shown to me years ago and it really changed me in how I speak and think about things. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'll give your daily reading of John a try if you give my daily reading of Proverbs a try... just one month(but I bet it becomes a habit after 21 days!!)