What’s Your Bible Reading Hustle?
It’s hustle for me. Plain and simple.
I don’t wake up and hop outta bed and sprint to grab mi Biblia.
I don’t.
I never have.
And I think I suck because of it.
But I don’t.
But where there’s a Will there’s an A.
Oooops. Dangit. That was that VHS series my parents made me watch back in 1992.
Where there is a will there is a WAY.
And let me tell you sugar, my will is weak, but my flesh is strong.
Crap. I think that’s backwards.
You get the point.
So what’s your hustle?
How do you keep reading?
What’s your flow?
What’s your plan.
Help your fellow ragamuffins out…
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
I totally agree with you. I almost never jump out of bed excited to get my bible reading on. Always felt guilty that I wasn’t spending enough time reading the bible. I do a daily reading plan right before bed. Mine is based on 5 days a week rather than 7 so I don’t have to feel guilty about missing a day or two. It goes through the OT and NT in a year and it breaks it up into short easy sections!
http://www.d-m-m.org/support-files/5dayoandn.pdf
RSS. Yes, the same technology that makes sure I read your blog every time you post, helps me read through the Bible in a year, every year.
I added the one year bible (ESV) http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/one.year.bible/
to my Google Reader two years ago. I’ve since read through the Bible twice. I gave this its own folder in Reader, and the unread number next to the folder helps to encourage me to keep up.
There are several options for one year bible readings from this site as well as other devotions. And I’m sure there are plenty of other similar offerings from other sites (YouVersion or BibleGateway).
I am with you with RSS. It’s one of the ways I get through my day!
I tried to add this but it didn’t work…
I also tried to add this to my rss but, it didn’t work. Suggestions?
Love you version I completed my first year in 2010 read the bible through in a year. I started this year, but has fallen behind, but I happen upon this blog and you all have truely encouraged my heart to catch up and continue my plan. To God be the glory. but to this blog be the thanks to all that face the same issues in life that I do. It lets me know that I am not alone. Thanks again.
7am every morning, no exceptions…unless I want to make it earlier. Trips, vacation, even times where I am at camp leading a group of girls…before anything else, I go there.
I have a reading plan that I’m working through using You Version. Got the app on my iTouch. When I wake up in the morning, I force myself to grab it and read that day’s short reading in between one of the times that I hit my snooze button. I’m not even coherent, but the first thing going in my head is the most important thing. And I’m more likely to re-read it later in the day just bc I don’t remember it.
What an awesome idea… and so true, we definitely want the word to be the first thing running through our heads! thank you for sharing.
I’ve got a set lists that break down the whole bible into 8 chunks. Sometimes I read a chapter from each list for the day- sometimes I just read a handful of chapters from one list, but then switch lists the next day. It might seem silly but having the lists has revolutionized my time in the word. They help me not get in a rut just reading all New Testament comfort zone or certain books in the OT but aren’t so structured that I end up feeling guilty for not reading the right amount or anything like that…
and then I have a friend. We hold each other accountable by texting one another at least one verse we’ve read each day. Its pretty simple and takes about a minute in addition to the time I’ve spent reading- but having the accountability is huge. I’ll never be the kind of person who gets up at 6am EVERY morning to read scripture, some mornings sure, sometimes I read at night, sometimes on my lunch break or on the bus… some days I read a little bit during all those times. So having the accountability of letting someone else know I’ve read that day (or someone who’s sending me a verse to remind me to go grab my Bible!) has been huge.
I really like that accountability. I plan to speak to my women’s group about creating an accoutability process for us. Either text or even call, just to remind us to read. Thanks.
I have been reading My Utmost for His Highest (a daily devotional) by Oswald Chambers every day since the new year. I have read it off and on for since high school and no matter what it always speaks something new to me each time.
I have no plan and am looking forward to some good ideas to ponder and implement that will be posted today.
I read one chapter of each of these:
-OT book
-Psalms
-Proverb of the day (whatever the date is)
-A Gospel (Finishing John right now)
-a letter to the churches.
So basically I read 5 chapters when I sit down to read.
So that I can get a full spectrum of the bible, because I’ll spend all my time in the letters or the gospels and never touch the rest of the bible if I don’t do it this way.
I have to remind myself that this is a war, and I’m going to die without the Lord. If I can get out of bed to go to the gym and fight for my physical health, I can get out of bed to go to the Lord to fight for my spiritual health.
jay.
What works for me is jumping into a reading plan (I’ve used plans from YouVersion.com for the last couple of years) with a buddy. We read, then discuss it in a Google Doc. The accountability for each of us, knowing that the other one is going to be reading and discussing, helps keep us both on track.
I’ve set out for the last 3 or 4 years to read the Bible through in a year. I usually give up around Genesis 14 or 15.
This year, I’ve joined a BRA support group… you know, Bible Readers Anonymous (“Hi, I’m Art, and I can’t finish a Bible plan”).
Honestly, that’s the only thing that has kept me at it. I am actually a day ahead right now. We are reading through it Chronologically (I’m using YouVersion). Having the accountability keeps me moving forward with it on days when I’d rather read the USAToday, or the inside of my eyelids as I go back to sleep for 10 more minutes.
I hate that fact that it is such a struggle – It’s the BIBLE for Pete’s sake! We are in Job right now, and the truth is much of it is DULL. Job should have just told Bildad and the others to SHUT IT and SUCK IT. That would have made for some interesting reading.
Oh geez I know this is bad but am I the only human who laughed hysterically at the “BRA Support” group?
*repents before the Lord*
Love the comment about Job. LOL I am also using you version to read chronologically (math teacher not spelling and no spell check) I would like to have friends on there to encourage me, but I don’t know how to invite or to get to friends. Maby you can help me. any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks
I have tried the reading plans, but I just get behind and get discouraged. I have found that the best for me is not to try to do a plan. Instead I carry a small Bible in my briefcase that I read when I get to work early. I go at my own pace. Feels better that way!
Bible in 90 Days is the only reading plan I’ve ever stuck to every single day. I love the idea of it on an RSS feed and plan to do it when my 90 days are up!
I used to read the Bible daily … now I’ve given up. Too much guilt when I don’t do it, too much anxiety to even approach it.
Don’t let the eneny win. This is your first step to success. So what if you miss a day here or there, the point is to never give up. That’s exactly what the devil want you to do. I encourage you my sister, keep trying. I have been trying for about the last 3 or 4 year to read the bible in a year and last year (2010) was my year of success and you would think it would get easier after such a victory, but it is not. I am still struggling to keep up. I am actually behind right now about a month, but I am staying in there, I plan to work this weekend and prayfully catch up. I encourage you to try, try again. God love you and He wants to commune with you through the word.
Amen!!!
I get up early and reach for my Bible, My Utmost for His Highest, and a book I’m reading Sun Stand Still. I usually read about a chapter from the Bible (currently reading in Genesis about Abraham), the reading for the day in My Utmost for His Highest, and just a small portion of my book. I read it and try and let God speak to me. I also go over it with God on my way to work because sometimes I’m a little groggy when I originally read it. A lot of times God explains what He was trying to tell me when I’m on my way to work reviewing what I read rather than right then and there when I’m reading it. It’s a little different…but it seems to work for me.
When I’m on my game, I do the daily universal readings found here: http://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/frames/readings.html
You can get them published in a monthly volume along with excerpts from sermons, essays, poems etc. from Magnificat: http://www.magnificat.com/
It’s great because the readings selected are thematically connected and connected to the season/day being celebrated (Christmas, Easter, All Hallows Eve, you name it).
I had to watch that VHS too (thank you school teacher mom)!
The thing that’s helped me the most is having YouVersion on my Blackberry. I work 12 hr shifts as a pharmacist and the company I work for (mostly the managers directly over me) would see it as “promoting my religion” if a patient walked up and saw me reading passages out of my Parallel Bible. I guess if they see me on my Blackberry, they think I’m looking up medical info on Lexi-Comp or something, and don’t question it. So, with YouVersion, I can read when business gets slow (aka after dark – people in the mountains of Northeast Ga don’t go out after dark). And it’s useful for when I have to pack light or being a “Bible toter” isn’t good for the whole “attracting non-Christians” thing.
I’m in Northwest Georgia and we areWILD on this side of the state…we stay out til at least 8:49pm…lol.
This is a discussion that is near and dear to my heart. The skin is still fresh on the wound of this splinter I had to go deep to dig out. Bible reading/quiet time/or whatever the Christian sect calls it has been a splinter in my faith for years. For a time I had to stop reading the Bible all together to detox from the legalism it personified for me. Then I read Galatians for a year off and on, trying to grasp the idea of no condemnation and no need to work for grace. Finally I’m inching my way back into reading the Bible, but it is solely on a “I want to do this” basis. If there is even a twinge of “I’m reading this out of guilt or because I’m trying to live up to the proper Christian standard,” my Bible does not get opened. I refuse to read such life-giving words in that context of legalism. And the strangest thing and scariest thing to say is I really believe God is okay with my choice to engage with the Bible in this way. I am healing. These things take time and lots of space. I may never read the Bible consistently again, who knows. What I do know is I have peace and joy in my life again, and I feel closer to God than ever before. My faith feels adventurous and alive. A great trade off for the years of guilt-induced Bible reading plans and dutiful quiet times.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. Thanks for sharing.
I like your thoughts here. Even though I do have a time with God every morning, it is because I want to. I honestly couldn’t survive in my life without it
People forget it’s an ongoing relationship not a time you schedule because you have to. So God glad is freeing you from the chains of legalism and condemnation.
That’s supposed to read *so glad God* not *God glad*. Good grief
I can relate to this for sure.
Thank you for this wonderful insight. I have never thought of reading the bible in a year as a duty, but as a privilege and an honor, at times even a challenge (as in being victorious in my christian life) I hope that others also see this as a great opportunity and not a long draw out duty. Thanks again and I am looking forward to re-reading Galatians with new eyes.
I struggle like you do with the very thing you mention about not running for my Bible first thing in the morning. What grabs my attention first thing? These things…in this order:
-My child
-Breakfast
-Kissing my hubby good-bye for the day as he leaves the house
-Housework and blog posting and reading
Around noon is when I get to my Bible reading, and so far the YouVersion Life Application Bible Yearly Devotional on my Android is helping me stay on track. What helps me out further is when I am in my classes right now – I am a Religion Major going for Christian Counseling. So thankfully my classes dive deep into scripture – but this only happens when class is in session! haha
So, yeah – you’re totally not the only one who has a hang-up with this. I feel like a slacker for sure, but I am always working to find that balance for me without comparing myself with everyone else (which only makes me feel more like a loser).
Just wanted to say that I am a huge fan of your blog & your wife’s blog
Reading the Word is something that my Hubs & I struggle with every day. Its so dumb that we cant bring ourselves to dive into it but I can blog or spend time tweeting or on FB every single, stinking day! I’m definitely going to add The One Year Bible to my computer & hope that it encourages us to try harder.
p.s. we really enjoyed hearing you speak on the Disturb & Disrupt video that you shared yesterday!
I wake up, make my coffe and settle in at the dining table for some Bible time. It just works that way for me, if I don’t the rest of the day comes and goes and I find myself sitting on the bed pissed that night cause I didn’t spend time in the Word and in no mood to do so. Now I am fortunate to have a job that is only p/t and starts at 10:30am, so morning time is pretty open and free.
On the days I sleep in: I listen to some praise and worship on the way to work, lately it’s been “My Own Prison” by Creed followed by “We Will Dance” by Los- then the “Something More” album by Ginny Owens and maybe a little old school Bush mixed in- weird I know but it gets my head focused on things above.
So that’s my plan, that’s my flow.
Lists, plans, guilt, obligation…those are the words I have read as I scrolled the responses to this question. I can relate because I often used them when discussing Bible reading. Christians often use it as a badge of honor…”Dude, I read the whole book of Numbers without stopping or yawning! What you got?”
Here is the thing…I quit making lists and following plans. I began focusing on Jesus and spending time with him. The Bible is the most passionate love letter ever written. It is the greatest action adventure story around…and we have starring roles. However, we view it as something we have to read, something we should check off our to do list. I sugguest sitting back, asking Jesus for the desire for his word, and then just enjoy his presence. The hunger will come when we have a righ view of his word.
Much Love Ragamuffins.
I follow what you’re saying. I would encourage you to at least keep track of what you’ve read. What I’ve found is that when I don’t plan it out, I tend to heavily favor some passages of scripture (Psalms, Proverbs, Epistles & Gospels) over some other ones that I forget are even in there (Ezekiel, Lamentations, Numbers).
Plans aren’t bad. It’s pride that causes us to use them for the wrong reason. Just like not using them can be used for the wrong reason.
agreed. Balance is important. I am simply sugguesting to let the Spirit lead.
amymay, I get what you are saying. I love that these people are on Bible plans. Me, I’m not so much of a planner, that’s the way God made me. So, I tend to ask God what He wants me to read and He always shows me. I think it sometimes just depends on the personality of the person.
I think you are totally right about the “personal-ness” of the Bible. We so need Jesus, and the Holy Spirit alive in us, to move in us as we approach God free of condemnation.
Why is this so dang hard sometimes?
Pre-kids, my Bible reading was glorious. I would get up and spend an hour in the Word and in prayer.
As a parent? Forget it. I have to get up EARLY to read (before the kid wakes up and starts the day – usually he’s up by 6 or 6:30a). It took me a long time to not be frustrated by the change in “my time” – but now I’ve just learned to concentrate in spite of the morning cartoons, etc.
That said, the thing that keeps me going more than anything is just having a plan & accountability. My wife and I read the same one-year-plan (this year: ESV Study Bible. last year: OT & NT on YouVersion), so we’re consistently ask each other how we’re doing and encourage one another to catch up if we fall behind. And we use everything we can to make it convenient: YouVersion, ESV’s site, RSS feeds, print it out and put it in our Bibles, etc. We just try to remove as many hurdles as possible.
It’s working so far – this will be our 3rd year reading through the BIble together!
1. Don’t allow yourself to read anything (on a computer, television, or on a piece of paper) until you read IT (The Bible)
2. Use YouVersion’s reading plans. It remains God’s greatest tool in keeping me in the Word every day.
3. If you don’t read it all, give yourself grace, just a verse or two can transform.
4. It’s a competition with yourself and with Satan so don’t feel bad because Johnny reads through the Bible three times every year. Instead rejoice with him. You may only be supposed to read Philemon or Jude every day for a year.
This is really good advice. #1 is a must for me since I get distracted so easily. And #4 is a really good reminder. Thank you!
I use the Logos Bible app on my iPhone, and follow a read through the Bible plan that I created as well reading “My Utmost…”
I don’t have a bible reading plan. I read, study and exegete the text. I can’t move on until it sinks in.
Reading the Bible in a year is way too fast for me.
I do the chronological reading plan and rock the SOAP method:
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
It’s super simple, but it has worked for me for a long time…
Please tell me more about the SOAP method and where can I find it.
My wife and I ended doing http://www.OWNit365.com to read the bible through this year. It is on Youversion.com as a plan. The fun thing is when we do not finish early in the day, we both are in bed with lighted iPhones finishing or on the sofa. So cool to do this with my wife.
Kindle read-through-Bible-in-a-year plan. 15 mins per day w/morning coffee. Bam.
I used YouVersion last year to read through the bible in a year. Not gonna lie, it was not easy at first. I chose the Historical Plan. I started a little slack, mainly because I lacked discipline and had several “catch up days”. Then I was convicted of not giving God my best effort. I decided to do my reading time before anything else – before eating, cleaning, shower, email, Twitter, FaceBook, etc. The only 2 things I would allow myself was potty and starting the coffee pot! Then it was pick up the iPhone to read my bible using the YouVersion app. Made a world of difference. I literally would open my eyes and think, “Yay, it’s time to read God’s Word now!”
This year I am using the same app but chose a different plan. I’m doing a chronological plan. Several good points to using YouVersion include: A wide range of different versions at your fingertips, ability to make notes and highlights, access from your smart phone or computer 24/7, see what other people are learning and share your thoughts with the community.
Loving this right now. However, it may not be for everyone. Lots of people need or want the paper and leather cover. Who knows, I may be lead back to that one day, but for now technology is my friend!
I have discovered that having the bible at my fingers on my droid x has been such a blessing. I’ve been much more apt to read during the day.
I felt a little “dirty” at first pulling out my phone during church to highlight text, but then I noticed I wasn’t the only one.
SK
Shame. That’s what I’ve always felt when I’ve listened to others talk about committing to read the Bible every day. Especially NEW Christians who succeeded at reading the Bible through.
I’ve been a Christian much longer. I read the Bible, but have I ever managed to read it ALL? I don’t know.
So, why didn’t I let others inspire me to make a plan and stick to it? I was afraid of failure. I would not sick to it and therefore feel like a failure in God’s eyes.
What lies the devil gets us to believe! And SHAME on me for letting him!!!!
This year I am using Youversion on my iPod touch. I started January 1 and I AM excited every day to see what it says. I’ve actually had to hold myself back from reading ahead!!!!
Will this desire last all year? I pray that it does, but just in case it doesn’t I’ve found an accountability partner. I can’t stand to fail…I’d be mortified to have to tell her I quit or just didn’t have time. I have time for God’s Word. I will do this!!!
My mind does not function in the mornings, so I have to do my reading later on. Now, I’ve done one daily devotional from Lloyd Ogilvie and am doing another one of his. Great stuff. His daily readings cover just a few verses, so I’m trying to also read more “big chunks” of the Bible. There’s just so much to the Bible that it gets overwhelming, so I end up back with the Psalms even though I know I need to move on. Now, I’ve gotten Beth Moore’s book on Paul, so that should help me read through his letters.
I’m not a morning person, either, but using the Bible reading planner at http://www.bible.logos.com really has helped me keep up a plan that I can access from anywhere.
YouVersion app for iPhone. 1 Year Reading Plan using the NLT (thought I’d try something new). Used Google Calendar to set a recurring daily 8am appointment (with SMS reminder to go off while I’m driving my kids to school so that I remember to drive straight to the park to read before work. WORKING WELL SO FAR.
I recently came back from a youth retreat that I was serving at where the theme was “STAND” based off of Ephesians 6:10-18. One of the other churches made this video called “TWO”, and it was kind of funny to the youth at first, but I was scared inside and really saw that the enemy is there watching us and trying to pull us further away from God. Anyway, I’m not that good at explaining myself, but here’s the link to the video!! I promise, it’s really not scary, I just felt the message behind it really convicted me to push myself to read my Bible everyday.
http://randcho.com/41%20TWO%20720p24.mp4
Youversion – love it. Wife and I are doing the same plan, so I have a sense of accountability as well.
well, i’m pretty sure we all fail in this type of stuff at some point. Discipline doesn’t really come easily, so I just tell myself the truth – I need God’s Word, it’s what I live by! Like any other discipline, you sometimes just have to DO IT.
Our church does a Bible Read Through, so it’s nice to feel accountable to others. There are lots of opportunities to talk about the Word, since we’re all reading through the same stuff. Of course we use technology, but I still prefer the book and paper version at times. ALthough, being a new mommy, I have used Apps to get my reading in during the middle of the night!
This is encouraging…we’re all pursuing God, and the best way to know Him is to read His Word and listen of course. Thanks!
I use you version. I picked a plan from there.. Yes is it a sturggle to read it. They have a lot to look at. One will work for you.
I glanced through the comments and I didn’t see anyone mention the Grant Horner’s 10 chapters/day study…I just started it and its sweet.
You can read about my experience here: http://nathanbhughes.com/2011/01/09/10aday/
You can read the original here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/12349985/Professor-Grant-Horners-Bible-Reading-System
Hope this helps!
I just started Professor Horner’s plan this year and love it! Prof. Horner is from Master’s College.
My pastor’s been promoting the heck out of it. He really got a lot out of it last year, so I figured I should give it a try. What I like best is that you don’t have the guilt of missing a day. If you miss one, you just pick up where you left off the next day.
My husband’s reading a YouVersion plan and is really digging having it come to his Android every day.
I am on day 57 of this reading plan and still going strong! lol. I was about to comment about Dr. Grant Horner’s plan if someone hadn’t already. I got my whole family, my boyfriend, and a bunch of other people hooked on it too. I am learning so much from it!
I stopped trying to read the Bible as part of my job description as a pastor. I started reading the Bible for what it is and not for what I need or need to do as a “good” Christian. So I remind myself that…
God’s Word: GENERATES LIFE – CREATES FAITH – PRODUCES CHANGE – FRIGHTENS SATAN – CAUSES MIRACLES – HEALS HURTS – BUILDS CHARACTER – TRANSFORMS CIRCUMSTANCES – IMPARTS JOY – OVERCOMES ADVERSITY – DEFEATS TEMPTATION – INFUSES HOPE – RELEASES POWER – CLEANSES MINDS – BRINGS INTO BEING – GUARUNTEES OUR FUTURE FOREVER (I wrote this stuff in my Bible and I read it to continue to encourage myself)
So I don’t aimlessly flop the Bible open I do a Life Journal. Pastor Wayne Cordeiro’s church has these available at http://www.LifeJournal.cc
I feel the same on the Bible reading challenge…one that many face today but some are not willing to admit to. I am finding that since I use my cell phone all the time that the You Version Bible on my phone does the trick andworks well for me. There are many bible plans for reading that are very practical, trey it out if you haven’t already.
Peace,
D.
I’m currently reading through various Bible verse related to Disciples and Discipleship. Working on a study on that topic so decided to make it easy for myself..study that and you will know what you’re reading each morning instead of the I have no idea approach that I’ve done most of my life.
I confessed yesterday via twitter that one of my “resolutions” was to read the Bible this year. Like the whole thing. But the thing was it was January 11 and I hadn’t even started yet. I finally did last night. (So don’t you judge me
But the thing is that I really do believe that the Bible is the word of God. And I believe reading the Bible would make me more connected to Him.
But still I find excuses, I procrastinate, and I think of it as a chore. What is wrong with me???
Hopefully the discipline of reading it will open my eyes and my heart. Hopefully.
Mine is simple, Right now I just pick my bible up sometime late evening befroe I get ready for bed. Then I go ahead and start reading. I begin with Genesis 1:1 and I read straight. when I am too tired to go on, I put the book mark in and pick up from there tomorrow.
Then of course I study as well, but that is done at different times, usually going through a book that helps me work through issues from the bible. Bill Johnson is good for this.
When I was really motivated, I would read 66 pages every day. this ensured that it took 30 days to read the bible cover to cover. Also, I used to do the Proverb a day. for many years where you read one proverbs chapter per day, so on the 1st of each month you read proverbs 1, etc…
I have been reading the daily devotional “My Utmost…” from Oswald Chambers for several Years now, as well as “Declaring God’s Word” By Derek Prince.
I don’t know if its a hustle, sometimes it feels like a fat kid on a sprint, but Its all God.
My husband and I committed to read through the Bible this year and so far we’re doing it! We try to do it in the morning, but if not we’ve agreed to not go to bed til it’s done.
One thing that’s really helped us is buying a Bible that is organized by the date. Everyday we read a portion of old testament, new testament, psalms, and proverbs.
First, I remind myself of a few things:
1. Jesus isn’t interested in my religion, my fleshly striving to measure up—even if I’m striving for something noble, like regular “devotions.”
2. This is a relationship with God. Every day can be different, will be different, should be different. A healthy relationship is defined more by rhythm than by routine. It’s not about devotions, but devotion.
3. Devotion begins with the heart but always makes it out into living daylight. Devotion isn’t intention, but actual attachment.
4. Following Jesus is about responding to him, not initiating stuff. Every day Jesus calls me, and I must answer—heart, mind, soul, strength.
5. This is Christianity, not Zen Buddhism. Jesus wants my passion more than my balance. One day that might mean intense worship in song. ANother day, deep in the word. The next, intercession. Or silence. Or meditation. Or serving. The point is walking passionately with Jesus.
Ay?
I didn’t grow up in a church/with faith, so this prompts a different question for me. Why is it that we read the Bible? Asked another way, is the Bible something we are supposed to slog through in 30, 60 or 90 days or a living text that we reference at the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Where did you (Los/others) derive your sense of what Bible reading is all about? Are you confident it was a trusted source or might all of these strategies be off? Since there’s nothing about reading the Bible in the Bible, how do you know that what you were taught was correct?
Me and my bestie back in Cali web chat it every other week to discuss what we read. We’re reading chronologically to spice things up. lol.
I am currently using youversion to read thru the bible in a year. The one hint I would give is make sure The way you use works for you. I know I will always have my phone around when I want to read. So using youversion on my phone for works for me. It also does away with one excuse I can’t say I did not have my bible
NLT One Year Chronological Bible. Already behind 7 days. Trying to play catch up. Trying to figure out the extremely messed up people in Genesis…
I read one psalm and two chapters almost daily. I keep track of 5 things:
1. Date
2. Start/Ending time
3. Passage
4. Verse (write one out that impacted me).
5. Prayer (one – two sentences, usually about the day or about the passage I read).
I keep this in an extra large cahier moleskine because I am hip like that. But, having a place I write it down and track it helps keep me accountable. I don’t do this first thing in the morning, but I try to do it at least sometime shortly after breakfast.
If I’m actively in a study group, then I find it easier to read my Bible because I have something to refer to. If not, I have devotionals that I crack open. But sometimes it feels good to open it at random to see what God has to say for the day.
get up
walk pugs
drink coffee
shower
drink more coffee
drive into work
sing songs in my head
pray on the way to work
drink coffee
talk to myself on the way into work
grab my journal/bible/devo book and head for the ladies lounge {seating area, stay with me here…}
hide in the corner in the comfy chair
prayer journal furiously
drink coffee
prayer journal
drink more coffee
wait…
wait some more…
drink coffee
read devo
…
pray
think
wait for God to inspire on a scripture
or continue reading up on where I was the day before
start my day.
the best pieces of advice on reading the Bible I heard from Buddy Owens from Saddleback when I had a class with him.
Read for depth not distance.
Ask God what HE wants me to read.
and I’ve learned to be ok with staying in one place for as long as I need to.
I’m also trying to challenge myself with a bit more, as it’s not time I lack, but focus to get into the zone out of our ADD multitasking lives. If there was no music, I’d be lost, music gets through to the deepest places in me and God uses it to speak so I am thankful for music!
One more thing…my school had an exhibit this summer with several manuscripts and documents including a few pieces of the Dead Sea scrolls. The exhibit was like walking through the centuries, seeing how God kept the word alive by using so many people in translation and everything. My favorite part was seeing one of the first Bibles in English which lay open to my life verse, John 4:23-24. And it was underlined. That made my heart feel so connected to the person who read that because it made me realize that they didn’t just read it religiously, it spoke to them too. That totally convicted me, remembering all the persecution and people who stood up for faith, so we could have an understandable translation of the Bible. And how simple and accessible it is to us these days. There’s no excuse. It doesn’t make it easier to do the hustle, but it’s a reminder to me at least.
I also love using this website: examen.me for guided reading and digital journaling. I highly recommend it!
something I think is important to remember is that it’s not in the quantity of reading but in the life change that occurs after what’s read.
it is far better for a person to live out fully one full chapter of the Bible than for one to read the entire thing and then miss it’s message.
I’m not following a plan, but maybe rather a purpose. My wife and I are reading through the bible to discover what it has to say about parenting. We have a 3-year-old son so we’re really having to step up our game.
But what’s keeping me going is blogging about what I feel God is telling me. I’d love for other fathers (and moms too) to join the conversation. http://fatherfanman.blogspot.com
Men, it is very satisfying to read God’s word with your wife. Either together or at least be reading the same thing individually.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to do this for a couple of months. Since 1 Jan, I’ve been reading “Crazy Love” by Francis Chen. Very powerful for me right now – add to that I watched your preso at Calibrate and I think I have a plan. Christianity is a cause and effect process. My life crashed back in Oct ’10 and it caused me to fall to my knees. The time on my knees caused me to want to spend time reading about God’s love. The book caused me to want more and your preso caused a click . . . so I am going to spend the next couple of months in Acts . . . Our Christianity is nothing if we aren’t Act-ing! Where better to go than the first dudes who got the connection between the head/heart and the hands/feet.
Now I have to get back on my knees and ask for guidance as I read.
for me it comes down to the fear of the Lord. I preached on this recently and really if you fear the Lord then your eyes open to the fact that the same God that spoke the world into existence is the same God that speaks to you through the Holy Spirit that lives in us. So when He tells you to pray (no matter what time or where) you pray. When He tells you to read your Bible, you read your bible.
Hi everyone
I just read through some of these posts and it got me thinking a bit. Much of what I observed seems like most everyone feels more of an obligation to spend time reading the Bible because thats what we SHOULD do. It frustrates me much, because i know for most of my walk w/ Jesus i’ve approached God and thought like this and i must continually remind myself otherwise. We dont have to do anything to be accepted by God, which is a miracle in itself. If i dont read my bible for a year, a month, or miss a few days, He loves me just the same. For me I read the bible because it is the truth, the truth that truly sets us free. it is alive. When we declare the promises of God over our lives, it really DOES something. God loves us. There is no condemnation for us that are in Him. And if you believe He is our Saviour, then you can claim this over your life, and choose to believe it. I’m tired of allowing satan reign in my life by believing lies about things like not being worthy because i didnt do this and that. God loves me regardless. If i never shared Christ with someone else, If I never served again, Jesus still loves me. Not any less. I dont have to do anything. He just wants me to know Him, for who He really is. And the best way to begin to see Him for who He really is, is by reading is Word and the truth from His word will wash over our minds and renew them. He isnt something i just hope is there, He is alive and ready to come to our side at all moments all day and night long. Dont get me wrong, of course we want to spread the good news to those around us, but that should come from an outpouring from within us, naturally. not because thats what good christians do. I honestly dont care about being a good christian. It does not matter to God if I’m a good christian or not. He cares that I know Him. There is freedom in this. But the best place to start is by knowing him, all the other stuff comes after that, but the foundation must be who He is and who He is to us first.
John 4:10
i want to see Him and know him personally. These rivers that Jesus talks about that are everlasting and fulfilling are real and are available to all of us.