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.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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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