Being a Christian means that you have dedicated your life to following Jesus Christ. In order to do this, you must first believe in Him, what He's done for you, and why it was necessary. Today I want to emphasize something that is crucial: If you have dedicated your life to Him you need to know what He is saying to you. What if I said I had dedicated my life to the homeless, but only visited or thought about them once a week for an hour. Or say I had dedicated my life to playing the violin but picked it up to practice for 30 seconds a day? Is that dedication?
Then why do we as Christians - disciples and followers of Jesus Christ - think we can get away with throwing Him a token prayer once or twice a day and participating in a worship service every week where the only preparation we put into it was ironing our clothing to look acceptable? This is not dedication. It is putting on an appearance or a facade.
God's words to us were made flesh in Jesus Christ, but they were also penned for us to study through the work of the Holy Spirit in men who were dedicated to Him. These Words are our guidance, correction, comfort, and hope: The Bible. It is of utmost importance that we read them.
This doesn't mean you have to spend an hour or two reading everyday - though you sure would learn a lot! Just get into more than someone else's interpretation and same chosen passages. You need to read all of the Bible, not just the sections everyone likes to discuss.
So as this new year begins, dedicate yourself to reading the whole Bible. If you have a very busy schedule or the task seems too daunting, there are plenty of two years plans available as well. I would challenge you though to pick a one year plan and split it in half each day that you don't have time and try to read the full portion when possible. There is nothing to say that it has to be one or two years. You can do it in 1 1/2, 1 1/4, or even in only 9 months! However you choose, dedicate yourself to it in order to listen and learn from the One you have declared your Master, Savior, and Lord.
I've given you a few links to web pages that have different plans to follow. Some are printable so that you can keep it in your Bible and others will email you a section everyday. Enjoy, and may you see God EVERYDAY!
E-Word Today 5 Plans in over 50 Translations
Bible Gateway
ArcaMax Publishing Great Printable Version
Zondervan Bible Reading Plans This one is great with so many options!
Chronological 1 or 2 Year Reading Plan