On Mother's Day 2010, Graham gave me a hardback copy of the ESV Study Bible. Although I have been committed for years to daily Bible study, I was so excited to dive into God's Word afresh. In the past, I had Graham recommend books of the Bible and I would read through them. That's a fine method, but for me, I began to lose sight of the whole picture. In January of 2011, I committed to reading through the entire Bible in two years. Graham has Logos Bible Software and he printed off a daily reading schedule that helped me as I worked toward my goal.
Why two years?
*I didn't want to set myself up for failure. This was going to be the first time I had ever read the Bible through completely. To my knowledge, I had never even tried to read books like Leviticus, Amos, and although I was familiar with Revelation--the different views/interpretations, analogies, and such intimidated me.
*At the time, I was leading a women's Bible study through James and then followed that up by attending weekly Bible study. I wanted to be able to commit to studying the book of the Bible we were going through in our study plus get my daily Bible reading in as well.
*I didn't want legalism to drive me. Even so, there were times when I would get behind and had to play catch up. Some of those times I was catching up for the wrong reasons--to check off my reading (I'm a list-maker, checker, planner, etc.) and quenching the Holy Spirit in the process.
*I had several books that I read for leisure and spiritual growth on top of my personal Bible study, Ladies Bible study, etc.
So....I MADE IT! My hardback ESV Study Bible didn't make it all the way, though! :) The binding broke. Thankfully, my mom gave me her leather copy so I could finish.
I'm thankful--not just because I accomplished my goal, but because of the work God did in me through the process, how He revealed more of Himself to me, how the big picture came together like never before.
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
What's on the agenda for 2013?
I am going through a Chronological Bible Study. I haven't decided if I am going the two-year route again or if I am going to try for a year. Whatever the case, I'm excited to learn more, to grow more, to love more, to be more like Him.
So...what are your Bible reading goals? Any good books to recommend?
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I started in 2012 doing the chronological reading plan. I. Have. Loved. IT!!!! There's something about reading through it chronologically that is just awesome to me. I do it on my phone with the YouVersion app. That way when I get behind I can just hit the "catch me up" button and I'm back on track. I also have several devotionals I read on that app as well. I didn't start at the beginning of 2012 so I won't finish my plan for a few months. But I plan to start it all over again! My brother also posts on Facebook every week the verse of the week and the daily reading to read thru the Bible in a year. It has inspired a lot of people!
ReplyDeleteMoving on...I bought one of my favorite author's new books today. Julie Klassen's The Tutor's Daughter. Christian fiction. I highly recommend her other books!!! So I'm ready to read this one, too. I also bought the Kindle version of Shepherding a Child's Heart...we talked about that before...but I also bought Instructing a Child's Heart. Haven't read that one! Miss you!!!
THANKS, Amy. I use YOUVERSION as well, but I've never used the reading plan part. I will certainly check that out. I'm excited!!!!
DeleteI will look into those books. I am always looking for some good reads. Do you have a KINDLE? I have been thinking about getting one. Wondering what people think about them.
LOVE my Kindle. I use the app on my phone and I have an old Kindle. Ben just got the new Kindle Fire...oh my we love it! He's glued to it, which is nice since it's cold out. It was a random Christmas gift we got for him, but it has been awesome. We all love it. I just have an old Kindle, which I think was the first one they made. But it's awesome for just reading on. Fun. I'm hoping to read more in 2013...but once I start a book I get engrossed. I need to get some decorating projects and cleaning done!!!
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