Monday: Genesis 1
Tuesday: 2 Chronicles 33
Wednesday: Psalm 26
Thursday: Isaiah 30
Friday: Jonah 3
Saturday: John 14
Sunday: Philippians 4
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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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21 comments:
you did it! You made it through the Books of the Law and are now back at "THE BEGINNING" :) This time around I am going to read a different version (amplified) and I am going to seek out the attributes of God that are directly or indirectly referenced in each chapter. I want it to be a year of recognizing Him and worshipping Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He is yet to do.
So today I see God as Sustainer. The source and sustainer of all life. Wow.
I also had a thought, how the theories of atheist scientists still do support the bible in so many ways. I mean, how would the bible writers have known that the earth was originally covered in water which science now supports and teaches as well, also that the earth "hangs from space" and that there are invisible ocean currents and so many things like that.
Thanks Nichole for sharing your insight into the scripture with us all. I wish I could say "I did it", but hopefully this time around I'll be more faithful.
I love Evan's bible... it repeats "and that's exactly what happened" after each command that God gives.
Interesting to see that animals were created initially just to coexist with and be cared for by man- they were not made to put next to the mashed potatoes on our plates until Genesis 9!
I see the Sustainer- I also am floored by Him as the source of all creativity... just thinking about the diversity on earth and in the skies floors me... from sunsets to bugs' legs to the painted lilies to our skin colors... absolutely dumbfounding how creative He is. Glad to begin this year new and keep meeting together. Thank you for your ministry and your heart, Nichole.
2 Chronicles 33. God is Holy and judges sin. He is also faithful to forgive when we repent but it is sobering how the consequences for our sin (despite repentance and forgiveness) are lifelong. Not the punishment aspect, as God did return Manasseh to Jerusalem, but his life long rebellion contributed to the character of a rebellious son... who set the tone for a rebellious nation. Like someone said recently in the comments, our actions do affect so many. What kind of tone am I setting and character am I exemplifying to those that are watching me?
PC, that is a wonderful accomplishment! You are truly an inspiration! Today as I wiped the dust off of my Bible it felt also like wiping cobwebs from my brain.
2 Chronicles 33: “In a list of corrupt kings, Manasseh would rank near the top. His life was a catalogue of evil deeds including idol worship, sacrificing his own children, and Temple desecration. Eventually, however, he realized his sins and cried out to God for forgiveness. And God listened. If God can forgive Manasseh, surely he can forgive anyone.”
I read this one last week by mistake (I don't think I can call it a mistake though). I love what you both wrote about chapter 33. In conversations about choices, we must always look to the future of what consequences or blessings will result- for myself, for my boys, for the teens I meet with- all good to remember.
Genesis 1:It is amazing how God can take nothing and make it into something so amazing it blows our minds. From creating a world and solar system that we still can't comprehend, to forming a baby in it's mother's womb & even making something beautiful out of our messed up lives. Anything He touches is instantly beautiful...
2 Chronicles 33: Our actions have consequences,we better respond in obedience when God talks to us.
Denise, looking forward to seeing you put this "exercise" (of dusting off your bible and tackling the word) under your belt this year as triumphantly as you have taken on the world of running and bettering your health. When you put your mind to something there is no stopping you!
>>It is amazing how God can take nothing and make it into something so amazing it blows our minds. From creating a world and solar system that we still can't comprehend, to forming a baby in it's mother's womb & even making something beautiful out of our messed up lives.<<
love this, my friend. So glad to have you here.
Psalm 6:9 The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord receives my prayer.
God always hears, and always cares. He may not always step in to relieve us of hurt or trials and turn our lives into seaside picnics because He knows that champions are formed in the press, not on the beach.
Psalm 26:12. ...and I will publicly praise the Lord. LAB says "too often we complain about our problems to anyone who will listen and we praise God only in private. Instead, we ought to complain privately and praise God publicly."
Psalm 26
Joan, that comment in the LAB also jumped out at me ("Too often we complain about our problems to anyone who will listen and we praise God only in private. Instead, we ought to complain privately and praise God publicly"). The theme of this Psalm is declaring our loyalty to God. I do not do this often enough where it matters (e.g., my family).
And thanks for your encouragement PC! I was running the other day trying to figure out how I could fit my running into my schedule that week. I thought, how ridiculous - I should be planning how to fit reading my Bible into my schedule!
What a chapter!!! Isaiah 30:2 Who set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked Me-
I think it is not so much that God has one plan for us and we need to find it out and go that way, but that God wants to be the central part of each of our choices, decisions, He wants us to seek His will and guidance and approval. Not to put our own will on the pedestal and just turn our heads like stubborn mules in the direction that we want to go without truly showing that God is Lord by seeking His delight and approval and blessing in what we pursue. We should pursue it all for His glory, not for our own.
Isaiah 30: 15In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not, And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses!
18And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
I think this has to be me my all new favorite bible verse! Wow. It just floored me this morning, God, there are no words to describe your greatness. You are worthy of all of our praise and all of our passion.
First chance I get I am going to sit down with this chapter and write down all the attributes of God that show up directly or indirectly in this chapter. There are so many!! I challenge you to do the same.
Isaiah 30
“The Lord gave his people adversity for food and suffering for drink, but he promised to be with them, teach them, and guide them during hard times. God expects a lot from us, and many times following him can be painful; but he always acts out of his love for us. Next time you go through a difficult time, try to appreciate the experience and grow from it, learning what God wants to teach you. God may be showing you his love by patiently walking with you through adversity.”
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of these conversations!
God never wastes anything when he wants to teach us. Reading through the short book of Jonah in this reading schedule is timed with God using that book in my life through another wise friend. I have been challenged to not be a "Jonah" towards those who God wants to heal. Jonah did not want to see change and repentance in the bad guys, yet God had mercy. I know that I am wrestling with this. Do I want to see someone who has done wrong be changed and forgiven?? At times, I just want God's wrath on them, not mercy!
Jonah3
"Jonah had run away from God but was given a second chance to participate in God's work. You may feel as though you are disqualified from serving God because of past mistakes. But serving God is not an earned position. No one qualifies for God's service, but God still asks us to carry out his work. You may yet have another chance.
God's word is for everyone. Despite the wickedness of the Ninevite people, they were open to God's message and repented immediately. If we simply proclaim God's message of salvation, we may be surprised at how many people will listen."
So glad to have you here, Heather. and thanks for sharing what you did, I can relate to your feelings and struggle here.
I was off and running early this morning and didn't have a chance to read this till now, but it's interesting because while we spent the day cutting and wrapping pork and making italian sausage with some friends of ours we had a discussion that really relates to the theme of this chapter.
The basic premise was that we can do nothing to make God love us more, and we can do nothing to make God love us less. Because God is love. But... God is also Just. He is loving. And just. What that means is that He can't bypass His justness because of His love, but when justice is met (through faith in the atoning work of Christ) nothing can separate us from the Love of God. It doesn't mean that his love is no loner there when we are separated from it. And receiving the just punishment for our sins doesn't mean he doesn't love us either. His love never changes.
God loved the people of Nineveh, but it was not His love that held back His punishment, it was their heart change.
There are so many things in my own heart that need to change, just like there were in Jonah's.
John 14- I get goosebumps. For Jesus to speak so plainly to Philip and Thomas (and the others) was so thrilling. Revealing His identity AS God must have been as boggling for them as it is for us now. Jesus' compassion for His friends really shows through here, and I can see Him speaking with a twinkle in his eye as He tries to get through to them exactly who He is and seeing it not quite sink in.
I know I really doubt that God would do greater things through me than through the disciples if I have faith- that can be really frustrating- to be a believer for so long and have not tapped into exactly what God has for me... my doubts take over, and I don't see with His eyes. Lord forgive me and increase my faith!
I like how Christ refers in verse 17 to the Spirit- how the Spirit lives with them and will (future tense) be IN them. Then He talks about Himself (in the third person- get it? Trinity? Third? Ha ha ha)
His compassion and caring here make me wonder if the disciples were really unsettled, or whether He knew they would need specific things to recall and remember and hold to tightly when they faced trials and persecutions.
Leanne- Heather- awesome to have you here. I really enjoyed ALL of the comments this week. Thanks.
:) great thoughts, Chris. Wish I would have had time to hook up with you this week, going to make it happen next week!
John 14 In keeping with my theme of looking for the attributes of God, I see God as so many things in this chapter! Especially since we are dealing with so many references to His triunity and the aspects of each of those personages. I am not sure exactly what to settle on, but I guess I will go with Comforter. That's what Jesus was doing here, and that is what He called the Holy Spirit as well, the comforter who would come. What a comfort, to be comforted by the God of the universe.
This verse is a favorite of mine;
27Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
phil 3. REDEEMER. Redeemer who came (v12)and Redeemer who is coming again (v 20-21)
I was so moved and challenged by the amplified Bible's rendering of Paul's words here;
8Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly].
9And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.
10[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly],
My determined purpose.... I love that. I want this to be my determined purpose. To know and love and understand the wonders of His person more clearly. Amen!!!!
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