By Doug Hanson
The sheet of paper has white lettering on a black background and is sized to slip nicely between pages of my Bible. In the top left corner is printed Revival from the Bible and in the top right corner July-December 2026. Below them, across the top, are four headings of columns listed left to right labeled Date, Worship, Wisdom, and Witness. Each column has 80 rows on the front side of the page with an additional 80 rows on the back side. Everything is in small print to fit on the page.
The Date column lists dates and days. The Worship column lists chapters and verses from Psalms, while the Wisdom column lists chapters and verses from Proverbs and the Witness column lists chapters and verses from the rest of the Bible. For example, in one row is listed 9/15 Tues under Date, Psalm 106:40-48 under Worship, Proverbs 22:15-16 under Wisdom, and Acts 17-18 under Witness.
In front of each Wisdom, Worship, and Witness Scripture reference is a little white square. After reading the specific passage, I grab my pen and carefully fill in the white square, showing that I’ve read the passage. I feel satisfaction when I meticulously fill in the square with ink. Don’t get me wrong, reading Scripture is the highlight, but I view filling in the little white square as the exclamation point! Over time I can look at the sheet and see the squares I’ve filled in and feel confident that I’m consistently and deliberately reading through God’s Word this year.
In Worship, I read verses speaking of God’s glory and power. In Wisdom, I read encouragements of how to live life well, and warnings for those who don’t. In Witness, I read God’s unfolding story across Scripture of creation and redemption. My success in reading the Bible in a year hinges, however, on reading it regularly. When I miss a day or two, I make it up quickly before I fall too far behind. And this is where the power of the little white box comes in. It challenges me with what I haven’t read and rewards me for what I have! I’m looking forward to the end of the year when I see all the boxes filled in, knowing they represent consistent time in God’s Word, being impacted by Scripture daily.
The little white square concept can be applied to planning for the future financially. Regularly investing towards your future financial goals is a wise pursuit. When saving for retirement, set up an automatic monthly investment to a Traditional IRA or Roth. Quarterly, you will receive a statement showing the amount you have invested and the overall value of the investment. The statement can serve as your little white square, giving you satisfaction that you are taking financial steps for your future. Likewise, invest regularly towards other financial goals such as buying a house, a vehicle, or college for your children. Imagine the satisfaction you will get when down the road you can look back and see all the proverbial little white boxes you’ve checked on the way.
Reading through the Bible in a year can seem overwhelming if we don’t have a digestible plan. Investing for our financial future can also seem intimidating, unless we take regular, doable steps. So, let’s apply the little white box approach to our Bible reading and to our financial futures, starting today! Excuse me now, but I need to check one more box on my Scripture reading!
Doug Hanson is a financial advisor with Christian Wealth Management in Boise, Idaho providing biblically responsible investment advice to Christians. For more information, visit investforthegloryofgod.com or contact him at [email protected] or (208) 697-3699.
Investment advisory services provided by Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities are offered through CFD Investments, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC. 2704 South Goyer Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, (795) 453-9600. Christian Wealth Management LLC is not affiliated with CFD Investments, Inc. or Creative Financial Designs, Inc.
