5 Reasons I Use PRDX365 Every Day
from Paul Drake, a partner at The Paradox Church. Published February 2019.
Daily Scripture reading will look different for each of us, there’s not a one-schedule-fits-all approach. Though faithful and regular consumption is non-negotiable, finding a way to keep consistent is what helps us transform.
As a believer, I’ve experimented with numerous times and situations, often struggling to find something that works. In recent years, the best fit has been first thing in the morning. My apartment is quiet. My coffee is hot. My journal is blank. My mind and heart are as open as they will be all day. In contrast, when I’ve attempted reading Scripture in the evening, my mind is spinning from the day’s events, making it difficult to concentrate. Thus, coffee and Scripture in the morning have become my ritual. Remember, experiment with what works for you.
But, hey, I’m not always consistent. I may forget, have a busy morning, or be sick. On such days, I remember that nothing can separate me from God’s love. Then, I can (and often do) pull out my phone and read the assigned Scripture for that day. It may not be my quiet-coffee-journal-time, but it is the living, breathing, Word of God. Struggling is part of being human.
Using PRDX365 is the best addition I’ve made to my daily routine. There’s even an audio version for those busy, multi-tasking mornings.
Why use a Bible reading plan? Let’s face it, we live in a distraction-filled world that draws our affections toward worship－whether it’s looking at the true, the good, and the beautiful or the false, the evil, and the hideous. There is no shortage of things vying for our time and attention (social media, anyone?).
Following PRDX365 offers a concrete plan—one that takes away the guesswork while putting us in sync with other believers at Paradox who are reading alongside us. Though Scripture offers infinite benefits, here are a few of the most important reasons I use the PRDX365 daily Bible reading plan and my experience.
5 Reasons I Use PRDX365 Every Day
Slow Down: Before I am immersed in daily demands, I have the opportunity to slow down and read the Bible. I can choose to be rooted in something which counteracts my busyness: the ancient Word of God. A college professor of mine once said, “That which is not ancient quickly becomes old.” The world demands that I keep up with trends and appear “important” and “busy.” When I’m not grounded in something ancient, something intentional, I can be easily swept away by the tyranny of the urgent. Scripture is my antibiotic for the frenetic demands of the day, it reorients my heart and mind.
Acquire Godly Wisdom: Am I pre-programmed with godly wisdom? Negative. My fallen nature bends my heart and mind toward foolishness. Thankfully, God gave me His Word and His Spirit. What gifts! I can attempt to use worldly-wisdom, or I can turn to the ancient wisdom of God. Proverbs 2:9 reminds me that “the Lord gives wisdom” and “from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Through His Spirit, God’s wisdom will flourish in my heart and mind, correcting foolishness.
Nourishment: Reading Scripture daily is like eating a nutritious meal. Jesus says in Matthew 4:4 that, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” I need to regularly eat to stay alive. Therefore, I also must read Scripture regularly to live like Christ. Bible reading is nourishment for my soul; it helps me store away truth that I can meditate on throughout the day.
Spiritual Warfare: Daily Bible reading equips me with truth to fight against Satan’s lies and attacks. James 2:19 reminds us that even demons can write the next great systematic theology, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Thus, it’s necessary to equip myself for spiritual warfare. I can battle (and have victory over) lies I tell myself, lies from demons, and lies from the distraction-filled world.
Commune with God: Finally, reading Scripture is deeply personal for me. When I read any book, I converse with the author and his ideas. Thus, when I read Scripture, I am interacting with the living God of the universe. This is amazing! When I am amazed by God, Scripture helps me adore Him better. When I am overwhelmed by His blessings, Scripture helps me have a more thankful heart. When I am struggling, Scripture helps me bring my burdens to Him. When I am lost and confused, Scripture gives me insight and connection to the wisdom of God. When I am tired and weak, Scripture provides rest. Communion with God through his Word is applicable in every situation of my life.