Mark Your Calendar
- Family Picture Day – Jan 19th; Be sure to wear your best outfit 🙂
- Men’s Breakfast Saturday – Feb. 1st; Invite men to join us at 8am in the gym.
- Creative Arts Camp – Jun 9-13
- Marriage Retreat – October 17-18
Supporting the Church Financially
Giving statements for 2024 will be available this January. Your faithful and generous support has made a meaningful impact on God’s work here at Eastside, and we are truly grateful!
Looking ahead to 2025? We’d love to have you join us in supporting our mission and ministry. You can find a donation box in the church’s lobby, or you can give online. If you have any questions about the church’s financials or how to get involved, please contact one of the deacons anytime.
Young Adults CrossCon
If you would like to benefit from the Bible teaching at Cross Conference that the young adults just attended, the sessions can be found at https://www.crosscon.com/livestream
Nursery Workers
1/12 – Bobbi Sibley, Evalynn Nosker, & Karen Moran
From the Desk of Pastor Tom
Starting and Keeping a Healthy Bible Reading Habit in 2025
Establishing a sustainable Bible reading habit is a necessary part of life as a Christian, helping you grow spiritually and stay connected to the Lord on a daily basis. There is nothing magical about a new year, but it does provide us with a natural starting point for new habits. If you’re looking to make 2025 the year you are growing in your devotional time, here are some practical steps to help you start and maintain your Bible-reading habit.
1. Make a Plan with Realistic Goals
It can be tempting when starting (or restarting) Bible reading to set your expectations too high. I’m going to read for an hour every day (when you haven’t been reading anything). Or I’m going to read through the Bible in a year (which is a wonderful thing to do but may be hard for some). If you have not been reading anything set yourself a goal for 10 minutes 5 times a week. That gives you some free days if you miss something. Setting clear and realistic goals provides direction and helps prioritize your reading efforts.
Consistency is key to forming any habit. Choose a specific time each day for your Bible reading, such as early morning, during lunch, or before bed. Having a set time reinforces the habit and allows you to remove distractions from the busyness of life.
2. Choose a Reading Plan
Do you want to read the entire Bible within a year, immerse yourself in daily devotionals, or focus on studying specific themes or books of the Bible? A Bible reading plan can serve as a helpful guide to keep you on track. There are many plans available, such as chronological readings, thematic schedules, or plans that focus on the New or Old Testament. Decide on a plan that aligns with your goals and fits into your daily routine. Many Bible apps and websites offer structured schedules tailored for beginners and seasoned readers alike. Here are a few reading plan options you can print or keep on your computer, and I’ll include some app links below under #5.
https://csbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CSB90-DayReadingPlan.pdf
https://www.joniandfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Radio_Bible-Reading-Plan_01-19.pdf
3. Reflect and Journal
The best way to begin and end your devotional time is with prayer. It helps to still your mind and focus on God’s Word. Before you start reading, ask the Lord to speak to you through His Word and reveal any areas in your life that need growth or surrender. After reading, take some time to reflect on what you have read and write down any insights or questions that come to mind.
Journaling is also a great way to track your progress and see how God is working in your life through His Word. You can use a physical journal or an app like Day One or Evernote for journaling on your phone. This gives you something to come back to when you need to be reminded of who God is and what He is doing in you.
4. Stay Accountable
Talk with a brother or sister in Christ about your desire to grow in your Bible reading. They can encourage you to stay committed and you can encourage them in their walk with God. Sharing insights with others and discussing passages can provide new perspectives and deepen your relationship as believers. You are not trying to impress each other or pretend perfection, rather you can share the highs and lows, days that were missed, and wonderful realizations from reading. Agree to talk or text each other periodically (daily, weekly?) to share what you have been learning.
5. Use Technology Wisely
Take advantage of modern tools that simplify Bible reading. Bible apps, audio versions, and digital reminders can make it easier to stay on track. Just ensure your technology use enhances your Bible study and doesn’t become a distraction. For some people, it is better to go somewhere without a TV, no computer, and no cell phone. With just a Bible, pen, and paper. This is not bad or wrong, this is a wise choice that you may make to focus on your time in God’s Word. If you do choose to use your computer, phone, or tablet, some helpful links would be:
YouVersion Bible App – Most popular bible app in the world; Tons of Bible reading plans
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
The Bible Recap – The Bible Recap offers a reading plan with short daily recaps of God’s Word
https://www.thebiblerecap.com/start
Dwell Bible App – Beautiful Audio and Reading Bible app that Sarah loves
https://dwellapp.io
Logos Bible – Bible app with options for deeper study tools that I (Pastor Tom) use daily
https://www.logos.com/bible-app
By following these steps, you can create a sustainable and fulfilling Bible reading habit that lasts well beyond 2025. Remember, the goal is not just to complete a reading schedule but to foster a closer relationship with God through His Word. Take it one day at a time and celebrate your growth in faith. If you want suggestions of where to start reading, try the Psalms or the Gospel of John. If you would like to talk with someone to get some individualized help or encouragement, let me know!
