Particular verses -- Mark 5:21-29, Mark 6:5-6
It seems that God often fulfills the expectation of our faith, small and big. One man wants Jesus to come heal his child, another woman just wants to touch his garment and be healed. Both expectations are fulfilled. What kind of box have I put God into? Is there a particular way I believe He won't work or a particular person I think is beyond His reach?
Another example is in Matthew 8:5-13. It is one of my favorite stories. A centurion comes to Jesus asking healing for his servant.
'Jesus responds, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed (...). Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel" (...). And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very moment.' (Emphasis added).
What a wonderful thought, Jesus being surprised! How delightful would it be to know that I could trust Jesus so completely as to actually surprise Him.
I should probably wrap this up but there is one more verse I would like to share. It happens to be my current memory verse. John 15:7-8 (Jesus is speaking).
"If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples."
I'm sure we'll be coming back to this theme of expectations and how God fulfills them. It's one of my enduring fascinations with Scripture. What do you think? What experiences have you had that would seem to bear this concept out in reality?
Thanks for reading everyone.
AS:)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Exodus 1-2
1:8 -- We can be comfortable, happy, and in a position of power when suddenly something changes that is totally outside our control. The economy crashes, a new boss takes over or an in-law joins the family, getting laid-off or maybe the opposite, getting a massive workload dumped on us when we don't have a spare second in the day.
However, as James suggests, rejoice in these times because...
1:12 -- The more they were afflicted, the more they grew. As that trite saying goes...nothing grows on the mountaintop.
1:17 -- An interesting side-note. The midwives lied and God prospered them. Not exactly what we learned in Sunday school, right? Maybe God has some grey areas that we mere mortals are not aware of in our black and white worlds. Just a thought.
However, as James suggests, rejoice in these times because...
1:12 -- The more they were afflicted, the more they grew. As that trite saying goes...nothing grows on the mountaintop.
1:17 -- An interesting side-note. The midwives lied and God prospered them. Not exactly what we learned in Sunday school, right? Maybe God has some grey areas that we mere mortals are not aware of in our black and white worlds. Just a thought.
You may have noticed...
Given my last post, it is fitting that I have been LAZY for the past....X number of months and not read or posted as consistently as I originally intended. However, I refuse to bow to my outer-self; that lazy, self-centered, whiny, inconsistent, perfectionist spirit that attempts to rule my life. As totally tempting as it is for me to say, "well I've really messed this up, might as well give up right now since it can't be perfect"...I WILL NOT. I refuse to bow to that ridiculous perfectionism. How far am I behind? Not really sure. And I'm not going to go back and try to figure out where I need to be and by when or any of that. I am simply going to start reading and posting and later, when I'm being consistent again, I will review where I am and where I need to be.
You will notice that this post is filled with a lot of I and me. Isn't that typical? The further we get from our true, core, God-directed selves, the more focus is in the wrong place.
Well here you have it folks, and I hope that this might be encouraging for those of you like me; whose perfectionist spirit, the "Resistance" as Steven Pressfield calls it, tends to stop us in our tracks. I've got news for that part of me. SHUT UP.
You will notice that this post is filled with a lot of I and me. Isn't that typical? The further we get from our true, core, God-directed selves, the more focus is in the wrong place.
Well here you have it folks, and I hope that this might be encouraging for those of you like me; whose perfectionist spirit, the "Resistance" as Steven Pressfield calls it, tends to stop us in our tracks. I've got news for that part of me. SHUT UP.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Day 29 -- Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Read: Genesis 27-30, Job 25-29, Matthew 25
As many chapters as I read today, there was nothing in particular that really jumped out at me. This being the Bible and all, you would think I would gain at least one insight from all that reading! But that's okay...this time I am not going to let it discourage me. In the past when I've reached this point, (i.e., a day that I don't seem to glean an emotional satisfaction from reading) it's been the point I've given up. However, something I read recently said to not attach too much importance to the emotional aspect of reading your Bible because it's not always going to happen. That's very freeing. So I will continue and see what is to come!
As many chapters as I read today, there was nothing in particular that really jumped out at me. This being the Bible and all, you would think I would gain at least one insight from all that reading! But that's okay...this time I am not going to let it discourage me. In the past when I've reached this point, (i.e., a day that I don't seem to glean an emotional satisfaction from reading) it's been the point I've given up. However, something I read recently said to not attach too much importance to the emotional aspect of reading your Bible because it's not always going to happen. That's very freeing. So I will continue and see what is to come!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 28 -- Monday, April 18th, 2011
I have fallen behind in the last few days and am now catching up. The following is a hodgepodge (how is that for an ol' fashioned word? :) of thoughts I had this morning.
Matthew 21: 21-22 -- What am I believing for today? Again this concept of the level of your belief being fulfilled is so striking. It says also that the disciples were amazed...again. I wonder, if the disciples are still amazed at this point...does that mean they are still not expecting Jesus to work miracles? I would hope that if I had been walking with Jesus for...however long it had been at this point, that I would be delighted to be seeing Jesus perform miracles, but not amazed. Does that not imply some level of disbelief?
Matthew 21: 23-27 -- They did not have the courage to stand behind their question/conviction that Jesus was a fake and therefore were not rewarded with life-giving truth.
Genesis 25: 29-34 -- Proof again that we can make the dumbest decisions based on our momentary and immediate desires. Esau throws away his future and birthright based on his stomach. How easy it would be to judge that except for the fact that I know I have done variations on the same theme over and over again.
Genesis 26: 6-11 -- Isaac repeating the actions of his father in saying that Rebekah was his sister and not wife. Hmmmm....perhaps that actions of parents rub off on their children? Hence, the sins of the fathers are repeated upon their sons.
Matthew 21: 21-22 -- What am I believing for today? Again this concept of the level of your belief being fulfilled is so striking. It says also that the disciples were amazed...again. I wonder, if the disciples are still amazed at this point...does that mean they are still not expecting Jesus to work miracles? I would hope that if I had been walking with Jesus for...however long it had been at this point, that I would be delighted to be seeing Jesus perform miracles, but not amazed. Does that not imply some level of disbelief?
Matthew 21: 23-27 -- They did not have the courage to stand behind their question/conviction that Jesus was a fake and therefore were not rewarded with life-giving truth.
Genesis 25: 29-34 -- Proof again that we can make the dumbest decisions based on our momentary and immediate desires. Esau throws away his future and birthright based on his stomach. How easy it would be to judge that except for the fact that I know I have done variations on the same theme over and over again.
Genesis 26: 6-11 -- Isaac repeating the actions of his father in saying that Rebekah was his sister and not wife. Hmmmm....perhaps that actions of parents rub off on their children? Hence, the sins of the fathers are repeated upon their sons.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Day 17 -- Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Read: Genesis 20, Job 20, Matthew 20.
Meditated on: Genesis 20.
I have read 60 chapters as of today. I cannot remember a time before that I have read this amount of scripture. I am happy about this, though that means that my standard is low, which is not such a great thing...
Reading in Genesis certainly gives one some perspective...like a bird's-eye view of human stupidity and unfaithfulness. In chapter 20, Abraham again portrays Sarah as his sister instead of his wife, and again the ruler of the land takes her as his wife. It happened before in chapter 12, when Abraham travels to Egypt. He is making this decision based on the fear that, since Sarah is beautiful, the ruler will kill Abraham and take her anyway. I guess it's easier to give one's wife away voluntarily?
The stunning lack of faith in God's protection and provision, perpetrated twice in this particular fashion, at first leads me to judge Abraham's actions severely. But of course, that is not what reading the Bible is all about. I begin to think of my own, repeated lack of faith in certain areas of my life and can condemn myself even more severely than I can these old-testament patriarchs.
Most of all my Lord, I struggle with fear. I fear that I am not able enough, skilled enough, or smart enough to make good business decisions. Though time after time You have blessed my effort and brought me abundance, still I confess that I have a scarcity mentality.
I wish You would simply strike this fear from my character...yet I know this is rarely how You work. Instead, I trust that You will give me opportunities to grow through the fear. I trust that You will continue to bless my efforts and I praise You for allowing me to be satisfied in You as You glorify Yourself in me.
Meditated on: Genesis 20.
I have read 60 chapters as of today. I cannot remember a time before that I have read this amount of scripture. I am happy about this, though that means that my standard is low, which is not such a great thing...
Reading in Genesis certainly gives one some perspective...like a bird's-eye view of human stupidity and unfaithfulness. In chapter 20, Abraham again portrays Sarah as his sister instead of his wife, and again the ruler of the land takes her as his wife. It happened before in chapter 12, when Abraham travels to Egypt. He is making this decision based on the fear that, since Sarah is beautiful, the ruler will kill Abraham and take her anyway. I guess it's easier to give one's wife away voluntarily?
The stunning lack of faith in God's protection and provision, perpetrated twice in this particular fashion, at first leads me to judge Abraham's actions severely. But of course, that is not what reading the Bible is all about. I begin to think of my own, repeated lack of faith in certain areas of my life and can condemn myself even more severely than I can these old-testament patriarchs.
Most of all my Lord, I struggle with fear. I fear that I am not able enough, skilled enough, or smart enough to make good business decisions. Though time after time You have blessed my effort and brought me abundance, still I confess that I have a scarcity mentality.
I wish You would simply strike this fear from my character...yet I know this is rarely how You work. Instead, I trust that You will give me opportunities to grow through the fear. I trust that You will continue to bless my efforts and I praise You for allowing me to be satisfied in You as You glorify Yourself in me.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sidetracked
I have not posted for a week now. Last Thursday something happened concerning my small business that made me so angry I was hardly coherent. It took me nearly the whole week to be able to order my thoughts and get back on track. It makes me think of Proverbs 16:32, "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." I am not ashamed of how I handled my anger. I didn't lash out or say or do anything while I was angry, but I did allow myself to meditate on it; and it has consumed much of my mental energy. I am still on track as far as the reading goes, but have simply not posted anything. I regret this because there is so much wonderful material this week! But regardless, I'm back on track and ready to continue this journey!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 10 -- Wednesday, March 31st, 2011
Chapters read: Gen 9-11, Job 9-11, Matt 9-11
Meditated on: Job 10:11-12 and Matt 9:1-2.
I didn't do my reading on Monday and Tuesday so have caught up this morning by reading three chapters in each section. Since I didn't plan from the first to read every single day I don't feel guilty or anything. My only goal is to get through the Bible in a year, whether that means reading every day or reading the whole thing in 3 days :). Audio versions of the Bible proves that you can read the entire thing in 72 hours. However, having done it both ways, a little every day and a lot on a few days...I can see the pros in either approach. A little bit every day is a little more time-friendly, and it is easier to absorb the information. But doing a lot, (like today when I read three chapters in each section equaling nine chapters total), gives context for the reading. Especially in Job, when it's a conversational layout.
From my journal:
For some reason this morning I am totally struck by this beautiful passage in Job, "You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and Your care has preserved my spirit."
I cannot say exactly why this grabs me so tightly. Perhaps because I wonder how someone who lived before Jesus came, and before life and forgiveness through Jesus' death and resurrection were even possible, how someone like Job could grasp Your majesty and compassion and intimacy. This passage is so personal, it demonstrates how well Job understood the relational aspect of Your presence and power.
When Job says, "Your care has preserved my spirit", I think of You tending our hearts as someone would tend a garden. We can be so easily crushed and trampled, yet Your care preserves us. What a beautiful thought.
I also noticed in Matthew 9:1-2 that Jesus heals someone based on the faith of others. It gives me hope that my prayers for others may not go unanswered. Sometimes when I pray for someone who has a hard heart and stubborn spirit I think, "how can God work with someone who is not willing to change?" But perhaps this passage means that the strength of my faith could ultimately make a difference in that person's life.
Meditated on: Job 10:11-12 and Matt 9:1-2.
I didn't do my reading on Monday and Tuesday so have caught up this morning by reading three chapters in each section. Since I didn't plan from the first to read every single day I don't feel guilty or anything. My only goal is to get through the Bible in a year, whether that means reading every day or reading the whole thing in 3 days :). Audio versions of the Bible proves that you can read the entire thing in 72 hours. However, having done it both ways, a little every day and a lot on a few days...I can see the pros in either approach. A little bit every day is a little more time-friendly, and it is easier to absorb the information. But doing a lot, (like today when I read three chapters in each section equaling nine chapters total), gives context for the reading. Especially in Job, when it's a conversational layout.
From my journal:
For some reason this morning I am totally struck by this beautiful passage in Job, "You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and Your care has preserved my spirit."
I cannot say exactly why this grabs me so tightly. Perhaps because I wonder how someone who lived before Jesus came, and before life and forgiveness through Jesus' death and resurrection were even possible, how someone like Job could grasp Your majesty and compassion and intimacy. This passage is so personal, it demonstrates how well Job understood the relational aspect of Your presence and power.
When Job says, "Your care has preserved my spirit", I think of You tending our hearts as someone would tend a garden. We can be so easily crushed and trampled, yet Your care preserves us. What a beautiful thought.
I also noticed in Matthew 9:1-2 that Jesus heals someone based on the faith of others. It gives me hope that my prayers for others may not go unanswered. Sometimes when I pray for someone who has a hard heart and stubborn spirit I think, "how can God work with someone who is not willing to change?" But perhaps this passage means that the strength of my faith could ultimately make a difference in that person's life.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 7 -- Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Chapters read: Genesis 6-8, Job 6-8, Matthew 6-8
It feels great to be back! Took a couple of days off because of a weekend conference but read three chapters in each section today, and two chapters in each on Thursday so am still on track.
Meditated on: Matthew 8:5-13
Father, I am always overwhelmed with the implications of this passage. Vs 7 says that Jesus is fully prepared to follow this man to his home to heal his servant. But the centurion is so convinced of Jesus' power that he says, "No, I'm not worthy of that. Just say the word and I know he'll be healed". And Jesus is surprised! What a thought. I love thinking of Jesus' expression of delighted surprise. And He says, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." My feeling is that this centurion gets as close to anyone in the scriptures to attaining the 'childlike' faith that Jesus calls each of us to. Jesus is delighted to fulfill the measure of this person's belief. It was not the other way around. The centurion did not believe in Jesus' power after he saw His work, but before. I do not believe my Father, that you are confined to the level of my belief, but I do believe that You take immense joy in fulfilling our faith expectations. What liberty! What great satisfaction is laying at my fingertips! May Your wisdom be great upon me. May I know and discern those things You wish me to pray and ask. May You glorify Yourself in the fulfillment of my expectations!
It feels great to be back! Took a couple of days off because of a weekend conference but read three chapters in each section today, and two chapters in each on Thursday so am still on track.
Meditated on: Matthew 8:5-13
Father, I am always overwhelmed with the implications of this passage. Vs 7 says that Jesus is fully prepared to follow this man to his home to heal his servant. But the centurion is so convinced of Jesus' power that he says, "No, I'm not worthy of that. Just say the word and I know he'll be healed". And Jesus is surprised! What a thought. I love thinking of Jesus' expression of delighted surprise. And He says, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." My feeling is that this centurion gets as close to anyone in the scriptures to attaining the 'childlike' faith that Jesus calls each of us to. Jesus is delighted to fulfill the measure of this person's belief. It was not the other way around. The centurion did not believe in Jesus' power after he saw His work, but before. I do not believe my Father, that you are confined to the level of my belief, but I do believe that You take immense joy in fulfilling our faith expectations. What liberty! What great satisfaction is laying at my fingertips! May Your wisdom be great upon me. May I know and discern those things You wish me to pray and ask. May You glorify Yourself in the fulfillment of my expectations!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
If I can do it.........
For some reason I want to clarify again, as I tried to in my introduction to this blog, that I am sharing my journey through the Bible publicly primarily for my own accountability. Knowing that I have said I am going to share my thoughts means that I have to do it :)
I have always been so intimidated by the fact that there are a million different ways to go about studying and reading the Bible, and especially that there are so many other MUCH more qualified people than me that have already done so has stopped me in my perfectionist tracks. I really have no background that qualifies me to do anything but read, make observations based on my own limited knowledge, and then share my thoughts. I don't even have a study Bible!
I so, so appreciate the fact that some of you are touching base and encouraging this endeavor, thank you so much! I admit that this has been a LOT of fun! Is there some tenuous string tied from ego to keyboard? I think so.
I have always been so intimidated by the fact that there are a million different ways to go about studying and reading the Bible, and especially that there are so many other MUCH more qualified people than me that have already done so has stopped me in my perfectionist tracks. I really have no background that qualifies me to do anything but read, make observations based on my own limited knowledge, and then share my thoughts. I don't even have a study Bible!
I so, so appreciate the fact that some of you are touching base and encouraging this endeavor, thank you so much! I admit that this has been a LOT of fun! Is there some tenuous string tied from ego to keyboard? I think so.
Day 4 -- Thursday, March 24th, 2011
Chapters read: Genesis 4-5, Job 4-5, Matthew 4-5
Meditated on: Job chapters 4-5
If nothing else, Eliphaz's lecture to Job is an incentive to "know thyself," and especially to be in touch with one's spirituality and relationship with God. Job is innocent of wrongdoing, yet is struck for...what reason? We don't really know. And in chapter 3 he curses the day of his birth; obviously in pain and torment. Now his friend Eliphaz comes along and says, "Job, it MUST be something you did. God does not strike the innocent, therefore there must be something that you are missing, something you are guilty of!"
What if Job had been any less sure of his stance before God? What if his conscious was clouded? Yet he was sure of his faith, he was confident in his walk with God. Eliphaz's argument had no sway and Job did not fall down the rabbit hole of doubt and second guessing and self-recrimination.
I need friends for guidance, protection, and support, but the responsibility for truly knowing where I am in relation to God is completely my responsibility.
Father, may You never allow me to deceive myself. May my deepest heart of hearts be laid bare to Your cleansing presence. May my true nature never be hidden from myself, but always open for inspection, improvement, and by Your grace, Your purifying presence, Amen.
Meditated on: Job chapters 4-5
If nothing else, Eliphaz's lecture to Job is an incentive to "know thyself," and especially to be in touch with one's spirituality and relationship with God. Job is innocent of wrongdoing, yet is struck for...what reason? We don't really know. And in chapter 3 he curses the day of his birth; obviously in pain and torment. Now his friend Eliphaz comes along and says, "Job, it MUST be something you did. God does not strike the innocent, therefore there must be something that you are missing, something you are guilty of!"
What if Job had been any less sure of his stance before God? What if his conscious was clouded? Yet he was sure of his faith, he was confident in his walk with God. Eliphaz's argument had no sway and Job did not fall down the rabbit hole of doubt and second guessing and self-recrimination.
I need friends for guidance, protection, and support, but the responsibility for truly knowing where I am in relation to God is completely my responsibility.
Father, may You never allow me to deceive myself. May my deepest heart of hearts be laid bare to Your cleansing presence. May my true nature never be hidden from myself, but always open for inspection, improvement, and by Your grace, Your purifying presence, Amen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 3 -- Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Chapters read: Genesis 3, Job 3, Matthew 3
Meditated on: Matthew 3: 7-10
John the Baptist has such strong words for the Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that their gilded status and religious reputation stands for nothing in the sight of God. Vs. 10: "Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
So...appearance means nothing. The fact that I was raised in the church and don't even have memories of not knowing there was a God...it means absolutely nothing unless the roots of my faith are deep and healthy and strong. How many people have I known...and how often have I myself been guilty of putting on a good (fake) face. Pretending, or even believing that my faith was solid and grounded when really I just went to church every week, volunteered once in a while, and tried to be nice to people.
Of course this could be incredibly depressing except for the following few verses when Jesus asks John to baptize Him. Crazy! So we can be used as vessels for Christ's glory. But our roots must be true and strong.
Meditated on: Matthew 3: 7-10
John the Baptist has such strong words for the Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that their gilded status and religious reputation stands for nothing in the sight of God. Vs. 10: "Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
So...appearance means nothing. The fact that I was raised in the church and don't even have memories of not knowing there was a God...it means absolutely nothing unless the roots of my faith are deep and healthy and strong. How many people have I known...and how often have I myself been guilty of putting on a good (fake) face. Pretending, or even believing that my faith was solid and grounded when really I just went to church every week, volunteered once in a while, and tried to be nice to people.
Of course this could be incredibly depressing except for the following few verses when Jesus asks John to baptize Him. Crazy! So we can be used as vessels for Christ's glory. But our roots must be true and strong.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 2 -- Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
Read: Genesis 2, Job 2, Matthew 2
Meditated on: Genesis 2: 1-3
Thoughts: (generally these are taken straight out of my personal journal that I keep with me during my devotional).
I am so impressed with the concept of God resting. This is God we are talking about after all. After devoting an entire day to each of His amazing creations; Day and Night, Waters and Heavens, Earth, etc., He takes an equal portion of time to rest.
I wonder if He was resting not out of fatigue (what a ludicrous thought), but making an opportunity to enjoy what He had accomplished, to revel in the beauty of a finished product. What a stunning implication for those of us living in a culture that pride's itself on 10-hour workdays and prioritizing work over family, friends, and certainly rest.
I am so, so thankful my Father that You have given me work that helps me experience rest. Housekeeping is unglamorous and dirty and exhausting. But, at the end of the day, I can truly confess that I feel like I have done something worth while. May You bless my family and friends with this same sense of accomplishment, whatever You have called them to. For me, it is being independent, doing my own thing. For others it will be a desk or a truck or a playground. Help me do something I am proud of and can revel in, perhaps as You did when You saw Creation.
Monday, March 21, 2011
DAY 1 -- Monday, March 21st, 2011
Chapters read: Genesis 1, Job 1, Matthew 1.
Meditated on: Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
My initial thought is that, in the course of my every day life, it is horribly easy to forget how much raw, tangible, discernible power You have displayed to us. You created the very air I am currently breathing, the light that allows me to see, the ground I walk on every day. I will not call the power "untapped', because it implies that is is mine to use at any time. However, I will call it "un-accessed". You say in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." I have access to You, and You can use Your power to my satisfaction, and Your glory.
Meditated on: Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
My initial thought is that, in the course of my every day life, it is horribly easy to forget how much raw, tangible, discernible power You have displayed to us. You created the very air I am currently breathing, the light that allows me to see, the ground I walk on every day. I will not call the power "untapped', because it implies that is is mine to use at any time. However, I will call it "un-accessed". You say in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." I have access to You, and You can use Your power to my satisfaction, and Your glory.
Intro
Hello good people,
The two, very simple reasons I have started this is 1) to be more accountable in my new journey and 2) to help get others thinking about their own journey through scripture.
The thing is, I am a completely average person when it comes to anything spiritual. Granted, I grew up in church and haven't really known life without it; but that doesn't make me any different from many others that have had the same experience and yet know hardly anything more about leading a faith-filled life than any typical non church-goer/Christian/believer. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if many of you, like me, have experienced people with no 'traditional' faith that lead what seem to be beautiful, satisfying lives.
However, though I have lived this way for many years (26 to be exact), it doesn't mean that it's right, or acceptable. So today I began a new journey of reading through the Bible in a year. According to Donald Whitney in his book, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life", "A survey taken...by the Barna Research Group among those claiming to be "born-again Christians" disclosed these disheartening numbers: Only 18 percent -- less than two of every ten -- read the Bible every day," and, "23 percent --almost one in four professing Christians -- say they never read the Word of God." (pg. 32).
Whitney says that if you read three chapters six days a week, and five chapters one day a week, you will get through the Bible in a year. I haven't done the math but I'll take his word for it. So I am going to start with one chapter in Genesis, Job, and Matthew; and read from those three points. According to Whitney, these three sections are roughly the same length so you get through them in about the same amount of time. When I feel like reading a bit more, I'll throw in an extra chapter or two.
Of course, reading the Bible doesn't do squat unless you actually meditate on it, throw some prayer in there, and then begin applying it to your life. So every day I will find a particular verse or passage that sparks a thought and meditate on it for a while and then share some of my thoughts here.
Here's the deal, I have no training for biblical extrapolation or teaching or anything like that; just a desire to read and get what I can out of it. I've always been so intimidated by the sheer length and complexity of God's Word, and the fact that so many others know SO MUCH more than I do, that I've stopped before starting. So for my own, personal accountability, I'll be documenting the chapters I read every day, and sharing some of my thoughts, in all their ignorant simplicity.
By the way, this is the first time I have ever published anything online so forgive any dumb mistakes or rough edges.
Thanks everyone, and I look forward to your thoughts.
AS.
The two, very simple reasons I have started this is 1) to be more accountable in my new journey and 2) to help get others thinking about their own journey through scripture.
The thing is, I am a completely average person when it comes to anything spiritual. Granted, I grew up in church and haven't really known life without it; but that doesn't make me any different from many others that have had the same experience and yet know hardly anything more about leading a faith-filled life than any typical non church-goer/Christian/believer. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if many of you, like me, have experienced people with no 'traditional' faith that lead what seem to be beautiful, satisfying lives.
However, though I have lived this way for many years (26 to be exact), it doesn't mean that it's right, or acceptable. So today I began a new journey of reading through the Bible in a year. According to Donald Whitney in his book, "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life", "A survey taken...by the Barna Research Group among those claiming to be "born-again Christians" disclosed these disheartening numbers: Only 18 percent -- less than two of every ten -- read the Bible every day," and, "23 percent --almost one in four professing Christians -- say they never read the Word of God." (pg. 32).
Whitney says that if you read three chapters six days a week, and five chapters one day a week, you will get through the Bible in a year. I haven't done the math but I'll take his word for it. So I am going to start with one chapter in Genesis, Job, and Matthew; and read from those three points. According to Whitney, these three sections are roughly the same length so you get through them in about the same amount of time. When I feel like reading a bit more, I'll throw in an extra chapter or two.
Of course, reading the Bible doesn't do squat unless you actually meditate on it, throw some prayer in there, and then begin applying it to your life. So every day I will find a particular verse or passage that sparks a thought and meditate on it for a while and then share some of my thoughts here.
Here's the deal, I have no training for biblical extrapolation or teaching or anything like that; just a desire to read and get what I can out of it. I've always been so intimidated by the sheer length and complexity of God's Word, and the fact that so many others know SO MUCH more than I do, that I've stopped before starting. So for my own, personal accountability, I'll be documenting the chapters I read every day, and sharing some of my thoughts, in all their ignorant simplicity.
By the way, this is the first time I have ever published anything online so forgive any dumb mistakes or rough edges.
Thanks everyone, and I look forward to your thoughts.
AS.
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