I have three broad recommendations: Listen, Look, and Love.

Step #1:
Listen

Last week, I talked about how for thousands of years, the saints never had a Bible in their homes. It was only during the invention of the printing press when we finally had Bibles we could carry. But daily, the saints prayed a few Bible verses they could remember.

More than reading, I believe you need to pray the Bible.

When you read, you’re listening to God’s Voice. It’s having a chat with God over coffee. It’s opening your heart for Him. It’s giving Him space to speak to you.

It’s not how much you read. It’s how much you listen. Some people read 10 chapters of the Bible and not hear a thing from God. Some just read one verse—but they hear God’s voice in that one verse—and their life changes forever.

Here are some tips:

First, Get yourself a Companion or Didache or Sabbath. I’m biased towards these devotionals because we publish them. Other Daily Bible Reading Guides are good, but you won’t see my face on the first page, so that’s minus two brownie points with God. You can get your copies via www.kerygmabooks.com/shop or get online copies via www.kerygmafamily.com.

Second, while you read, always ask, “Speak to me, Lord.” If possible, write down a “One Big Message” every time you read the Bible

Third, set aside a specific time during each day to do your Chair Time with God. Some people do this first thing in the morning, some carve out 15 minutes during their lunch hour, while others do it in the evening. You do what works for you. Like anything else, success comes from commitment, not convenience. Commit to do it every day. If you fail to do it, don’t feel guilty that God is angry or that you’ve sinned. Your God is not an insecure teenage girlfriend who throws a tantrum when you don’t call Him.

I repeat: Some are not natural readers. That’s okay. If you’re not a reader, then hear God’s voice through other ways. Listen to a podcast. Watch an online video. Talk with spiritual friends about what you think God is saying to you.

We’ll talk more about Step 2 next week. For now, make sure that you have your daily dates with God through the Word.

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez