New Year's Declaration: I will embrace daily routine in 2016!

Key concepts:

• Your daily routine is the dominant force in shaping your future.
• The greatest key to a life of routine is daily time spent in the Word of God!
• Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV ...He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

1. Make an appointment.

Anything significant requires an appointment. Schedule your time with the Lord Jesus, and make it the highest priority of your life.

• Specific Time: Don't just make daily reading a priority, make it a time!
  • Don't be overly ambitious when you are establishing your routine. Try devoting 15 min a day for 2016.
• Special Place: Where you read is almost as important as what your read. Don't try to find a new place every day.
  • Order: Clutter and disorganization will cause your mind to be distracted and sabotage your time in the Word.
  • Comfort: Get a comfortable chair that makes you feel at home.
  • Privacy: Establish a routine that puts you in the best position to be uninterrupted. **Starbucks is not the best place for reading the Word! **

2. Create an atmosphere.

• Music: Light worship or instrumental music will help soothe your mind and focus your spirit.
• Lighting: Natural light is always best. Try sitting by a window.
• Technology or Old School?
  • Tech: If you use technology to read, then make sure you have your device on airplane mode or alert free.
  • Old School: Be sure your favorite Bible is in place.
  • Always use a translation that is easily understood. No one gets style points for using grandma's big, black Bible!

3. Follow a plan.

The #1 reason people don't have consistent exposure to the entire Word of God is due to lack of planning.

• Bethany Plan: Pastor Jonathan is encouraging everyone in the Bethany Family to read The One Year Bible for 15 min per day. You can easily join with us on the Bethany app.
• Audio Plan: Utilize your morning commute to be consistent in God's Word. Listen, worship, and pray as part of your daily routine.
• Marriage Plan: One chapter together each day. Take 5 minutes and sync up spiritually with a chapter and prayer of agreement and blessing. This can totally revolutionize your marriage!

4. Write it, Say it!

• Write it: Make it your goal to write down one verse or thought each day.
• Share it: Share something from God's Word with someone every day. Find a "Word friend" and encourage each other on the job or by phone.
  • The key to sharing Scripture is encouragement!

Get your customized routine worksheet at: Bethany.com/DBR'