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In pastures green He leadeth me. Join me on the journey.
What's Going on Here?
We are reading our way through the bible one chapter per day. The idea behind my personal reading plan is to read through books chronologically, but not solely one book at a time. Thus on Monday we read from the books of the law, Tuesday the books of kings and judges, Wednesday the books of Jewish History, Thursday Books of Wisdom, Friday the Prophets, Saturday the Gospels and Sunday the Epistles. The next Monday we pick up at the chapter we left off in ancient history. You may think that this would be disjointed and would cause you to "lose your groove" but I have found the contrary to be true, the threads of promise, redemption and grace show up more clearly as I make my way slowly through these books in a parrallel fashion and when I pick up where I left off a week before I am reminded of things that stood out to me from last week's reading. Journaling is a big part of my processing scripture and fixing particular tidbits in my mind for the purpose of life application. I would love to have you join me!
Basic Reading Plan
Mon (Law): Genesis-Joshua
Tues (Rulers): Judges-Chronicles
Wed (History): Ezra-Psalms
Thurs (Wisdom): Prov-Jer
Fri (Prophets): Lam-Malachi
Sat (Gospels): Matthew-Acts
Sun (Epistles) Romans-Revelation.
The theme I have given each section is general. Joshua is not a book of the law and Psalms is not a book of history. The main chunk of reading in each section is, however, suitably classified as the theme it is under. In order to make the sections even out to have the same general number of books/chapters, this was the closest I could come. Otherwise one would be reading through certain sections (like the Law) for instance, much more often than the wisdom books, etc.
Posts
A Place of Fellowship....
(Fellowship is) an expression of both love and humility. [It] springs from a desire to bring benefit to others, coupled with a sense of personal weakness and need. It has a double motive – the wish to help, and to be helped; to edify, and to be edified. It has a double aim – to do, and to receive, good. It is a seeking by Christian people to know God better through sharing with each other what, individually, they have learned of Him already. J.I. Packer.
A few introductory words of encouragement....
Think of your time feeding on God's Word as a vital aspect of your health and wellness. You wouldn't go a week without brushing your teeth, or eating physical food, don't treat the nourishing of your soul by the Word of God with any less care.
Don't cram multiple chapters if you fall behind of plan, but *do* "back-read" if you have the passion and earnest desire to do so. My habit if I miss a chapter is usually to leave it until that book comes up again the next week (based on my own reading plan) and then read two consecutive chapters rather than the one I am scheduled to read.
Don't be legalistic about the when and how. If you don't get a quiet time in the morning, THAT'S OKAY. Find a moment in the afternoon to grab a drink, sit down and put your feet up, and soak up a chapter. And if that doesn't happen, THAT'S OKAY. Take 15-20 minutes at the end of the day to plump some pillows up in your bed and soak it up before you go to sleep. And if that doesn't happen, IT'S OKAY. Tomorrow is a new day. Don't let the enemy discourage you from spending time in the word TODAY because you didn't YESTERDAY. That's just dumb. Did you get that? DUMB.
If you don't have time to read, meditate. Allow God to bring a passage of scripture to mind and allow yourself to listen. Take time to be quiet in your spirit. While you are washing dishes, folding laundry, vacuuming... cleaning bathrooms.
Spruce things up. Get yourself a PRETTY journal and jot down little things that stand out to you. Use your favourite mug or a pretty glass to pour your favourite drink. Sit in your favourite spot (this could change from day to day and depending on the time of day you read. A sunny spot on the porch in the morning, a wing back chair and a blanket if it's chilly, a garden swing in the shade on a hot afternoon, or plumped up in bed with soft lamplight in the evening. Again, don't be legalistic about the location, pick a happy spot that fits the moment/opportunity.) Oh, and DON'T wait for the pretty journal. Plain lined notepaper or even a crumpled scrap paper will work just FINE until you get one....
Remember while you read, God's word is FOR YOU. yes, it was written to a particular audience in a particular time in history and for a particular reason. But it was also written with YOU in mind, TODAY in mind, and is designed to give you strength and wisdom for the journey.
Claim ONE part of the passage and take it to heart. Read through the chapter without too much introspection at first and see what part most stands out to you. Go back and look at that part more specifically and ask yourself what is in there for YOU?
Ask relevant questions. I usually look at a passage with 2 questions in mind. 1. What does this passage tell me about God's character? 2. What does this passage tell me about humanity (ie, ME, in relation to God? a final and very important question to ask is "What does this passage require of me on a practical level?" Write down one attitude, practice or truth you want you live out TODAY in light of what God has just revealed to you. This is how we take ownership of the Word of God and allow it to relate to us and shape us on a personal level.
Build yourself a monument. As I ponder a passages relevance to me I journal the thoughts that arise. Jotting them down somehow cements my convictions in my mind, almost like laying out stones in a monument so I can go back to that place later and be reminded. I also use those notes to come here and share my thoughts later with others.
Keep your actual quiet time concise. This will help make it more likely the habit will continue to happen on a regular basis. Better to spend 15 minutes in the word daily, than 1 hour once a week.
Don't require absolute "alone" and uninterrupted time (without kids around). If they are around, they can learn to not interrupt you for 15 minutes, just like you spend time with other people when they are around, you can spend time with the Lord with them around too.
Think of God’s Word as a love letter to you. When you read stories of God’s wrath in the Old Testament, think about WHAT love paid the price for all that wrath and how a hand that once smote anyone who dared touch the ark of His covenant now beckons YOU to draw near to the throne of grace. Read everything in light of who God is and how much He loves mankind that in spite of our being so deprived, His love story reaches out, encompasses us, washes us clean, and seeks to draw us near.
May you seek Him, may He be found by you, and may you be blessed on the journey.
Don't cram multiple chapters if you fall behind of plan, but *do* "back-read" if you have the passion and earnest desire to do so. My habit if I miss a chapter is usually to leave it until that book comes up again the next week (based on my own reading plan) and then read two consecutive chapters rather than the one I am scheduled to read.
Don't be legalistic about the when and how. If you don't get a quiet time in the morning, THAT'S OKAY. Find a moment in the afternoon to grab a drink, sit down and put your feet up, and soak up a chapter. And if that doesn't happen, THAT'S OKAY. Take 15-20 minutes at the end of the day to plump some pillows up in your bed and soak it up before you go to sleep. And if that doesn't happen, IT'S OKAY. Tomorrow is a new day. Don't let the enemy discourage you from spending time in the word TODAY because you didn't YESTERDAY. That's just dumb. Did you get that? DUMB.
If you don't have time to read, meditate. Allow God to bring a passage of scripture to mind and allow yourself to listen. Take time to be quiet in your spirit. While you are washing dishes, folding laundry, vacuuming... cleaning bathrooms.
Spruce things up. Get yourself a PRETTY journal and jot down little things that stand out to you. Use your favourite mug or a pretty glass to pour your favourite drink. Sit in your favourite spot (this could change from day to day and depending on the time of day you read. A sunny spot on the porch in the morning, a wing back chair and a blanket if it's chilly, a garden swing in the shade on a hot afternoon, or plumped up in bed with soft lamplight in the evening. Again, don't be legalistic about the location, pick a happy spot that fits the moment/opportunity.) Oh, and DON'T wait for the pretty journal. Plain lined notepaper or even a crumpled scrap paper will work just FINE until you get one....
Remember while you read, God's word is FOR YOU. yes, it was written to a particular audience in a particular time in history and for a particular reason. But it was also written with YOU in mind, TODAY in mind, and is designed to give you strength and wisdom for the journey.
Claim ONE part of the passage and take it to heart. Read through the chapter without too much introspection at first and see what part most stands out to you. Go back and look at that part more specifically and ask yourself what is in there for YOU?
Ask relevant questions. I usually look at a passage with 2 questions in mind. 1. What does this passage tell me about God's character? 2. What does this passage tell me about humanity (ie, ME, in relation to God? a final and very important question to ask is "What does this passage require of me on a practical level?" Write down one attitude, practice or truth you want you live out TODAY in light of what God has just revealed to you. This is how we take ownership of the Word of God and allow it to relate to us and shape us on a personal level.
Build yourself a monument. As I ponder a passages relevance to me I journal the thoughts that arise. Jotting them down somehow cements my convictions in my mind, almost like laying out stones in a monument so I can go back to that place later and be reminded. I also use those notes to come here and share my thoughts later with others.
Keep your actual quiet time concise. This will help make it more likely the habit will continue to happen on a regular basis. Better to spend 15 minutes in the word daily, than 1 hour once a week.
Don't require absolute "alone" and uninterrupted time (without kids around). If they are around, they can learn to not interrupt you for 15 minutes, just like you spend time with other people when they are around, you can spend time with the Lord with them around too.
Think of God’s Word as a love letter to you. When you read stories of God’s wrath in the Old Testament, think about WHAT love paid the price for all that wrath and how a hand that once smote anyone who dared touch the ark of His covenant now beckons YOU to draw near to the throne of grace. Read everything in light of who God is and how much He loves mankind that in spite of our being so deprived, His love story reaches out, encompasses us, washes us clean, and seeks to draw us near.
May you seek Him, may He be found by you, and may you be blessed on the journey.
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9 comments:
My bible says "but divorce was not allowed in the beginning". in verse 8. That kind of got my attention and I had to go and look it up in the greek. The literal meaning of houto is "in this manner" or "this way". It brought to mind a conversation we had at small group, how our "customs" and culture dictate what is acceptable and what isn't to a large degree. What is considered "modest" for instance, or grounds for divorce.
I think people will justify their decision to look out for their own best interests but then take it too far. I do think that abuse is cause to inform the authorities and separate one from their spouse. But divorce? A bad temper? An ultimatum for a spouse who doesn't change a character flaw or pursue counselling? I think we completely downplay the sanctity of the marriage covenant despite the sinfulness of the sopuse. Rather than seeking separation and reconciliation the way the Bible endorses, people divorce on a whim and remarry in pursuit of happiness.
I can't help but think the Bible is even more emphasizing against remarriage than it is against divorce. It permits divorce, but I don't see remarriage permitted ANYWHERE unless the spouse has broken the marital covenant through uniting themself sexually to another, or unless of course the spouse is deceased.
It's just sad how little value we place on the sanctity of the marital covenant and how much emphasis we place on our own comfort and happiness. "God would want me to be happy." I have heard that from a number of friends who have sought to justify their divorce. God wants us to be happy yes. Despite our circumstances. And walking in complete submission to HIS divine plan.
also struck by how riches corrupt. At least that's my take on why it is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. I think it is very hard to be rich and not get caught up in the idolatry of this world. Things, homes, possesions, building a kingdom down here and not focusing on the eternal. This is not true for all of course, but the other is truly the exception.
Our society (and even our churches) have overstepped judgement here by changing what we think should be acceptable to God. (did I say that right?) I fear that we have strayed pretty far.
As far as marriage goes, I think too many people don't take the time and accept the counsel and wisdom of godly people before entering in to this covenant.
It's interesting that Jesus makes special point of saying that not marrying is favorable... He knows that while marriage brings so much joy, it also opens the door to many challenges and temptations along the way.
With the rich man, I think of the book I just read, which says there's three lines of Christianity. One where Jesus does everything, and we offer none of ourselves. The second is where we offer the best of what we have to please God. The third is giving EVERYTHING over, even our very breath, to be entrusted to Jesus. I want to be across the third line.
it's easy to forget in our society how MUCH emphasis God places on the sanctity of marriage. It's holy, and it's not to be trifled with. And the only reason He gave an "escape clause" was because we are so hard of heart.
That breaks my heart.
Mostly because sometimes I myself find it easy to lose sight of how sacred marriage is - it's easy to become slack in the way we treat each other, and often our spouse gets the *worst* of us when they should be receiving the best. I find that Randy often get the brunt of my bad mood or crabby day.
Something I need to be mindful of.
wow, girlfriends. I got the biggest warm fuzzy to read your comments and see you had "sought the Lord early" on a Saturday morning. Seriously love it. B-girl, I'm so glad you are back sharing your thoughts here, I seriously missed you.
Since comments have been made on divorce and re-marriage I'll ask you all a question on being single.
vs. 12 - "some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven". "A good reason to remain single is to use the time and freedom to serve God" says the Life Application bible. Does God or the church place more responsibility on a single person to serve God then a person with a spouse and/or children? My daughter who is single has told me of sermons she heard in a BC church on this topic and so I'm wondering what you all think.
I too am impressed with the comments and dedication to read the scripture especially on a Sat. morning from you young Moms. God will Bless you for it.
I think I just needed a break, but now it's time to get back. I've been reading, sporadically, but I need to get back into fellowshipping.
That's an interesting question Joan. I have a friend who is single and content with that - she works as the dean of women at a bible college. She would feel that she has more time and energy to "serve" since she doesn't have those other responsibilities - she can pour herself out into the students and their problems, guide and mentor to her heart's content.
I've never heard of sermons being preached though telling people that if they're single then they *should* serve more...
questions, questions. Chris, can you help me out with the "Jesus makes a special point of pointing out that not marrying is favorable"? I'm missing that.
I see the disciples saying, "if this is the case (that adultery is the only grounds for divorce and a divorced person who remarries becomes guilty of adultery) then it makes a pretty kettle of fish and it would be better not to marry at all.... and Jesus saying, yes, it is a hard teaching, but if you are not called to celibacy, buck up and face the fact that this is God's design for the marital covenant.
Basically what I see it saying is that if you can't take the heat, (commit to the sanctity of marriage even when the going gets tough) stay out of the fire (don't get married), but if you can't take the heat of temptation, you better get married (that from Paul, though).
Joan, I think it's a matter of perception. What does it mean to invest in the kingdom? I think married women can invest in the kingdom from a home focus, there ministry is centred in the home because she is called as a wife and mother to serve her husband and children and manage their home wisely to the glory of God. The unmarried woman is "freer" to serve others than I am but I don't think there is any greater duty or responsibility tied to that. I think I have just as much responsibility to advance the kingdom as Andrea would, only she will not have as "complicated" a time of fitting that in as I will... it is easier for her in a way to serve others without the complications of the schedules and needs of (in my case) 6 other people who are dependent on me.
I think some men (like Billy Graham for instance) were blessed in marriage and ministry. I think other people (some missionaries who abandoned their wives and children for YEARS on end to advance the kingdom) should have rather remained single. I think God gifts and calls people differently and we all must advance the kingdom in whatever state we are in, and noone has more responsibility to do so than another, but it just all looks different and has different levels of conflict and complication.
Favorable isn't the word I should have chosen to use. (was it the lack of coffee this morning?) Maybe acceptable is the word I was looking for... I didn't mean it to compare one against the other (single vs. married); just that is okay to stay single, especially if you are not serious about the commitment that is before you.
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