April 8, Reading Bible
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Every time I open the pages of scripture I have the awesome opportunity of hanging out with God. The scriptures allow me to be in the very presence of God. Can I be brutally honest? I can't imagine a born again believer never having a desire to read God's Holy Word. But that is just my opinion.
Several people have asked me how I read through the Bible. Please understand this is how I do it. Its not as if I have the perfect method. I am currently reading the Chronological Bible. This Bible allows you to see how scripture developed in a chronological order. In other words, it doesn't jump around on the time line. This is great for someone as ADD as myself. It breaks the Bible down in 365 days. Very easy to follow. I usually read my day and then another day in the New Testament. This gets me way ahead. I'm a couple weeks ahead of schedule right now.
I usually read 30 minutes. This prepares my mind and heart to enter the Holy of Holies through prayer. My prayer time fluctuates. usually 30 - 60 minutes. It takes me longer to pray because I journal. I write out my prayers. I love doing this. Allows me to look back in my life and see how God has answered sooooo many prayers.
Some other thoughts on reading the Bible:
1. My Bible preparation does not count as my devotion time. I have been called and paid to teach God's Word. As I study for Sundays or any other teaching opportunities I do not consider that my devotion. If other pastors do, that is between them and God. I'm not saying it is wrong, just my thoughts.
2. I know what some people are thinking, "if I could sit in the office all day I would read more myself." That is the very reason I get up around 5:30 each morning. This allows me a time alone with God. No one knocking on my door, no text messages, no phone calls, no one just showing up to see me.
3. I believe as our walk with Christ grows our hunger for His Word should grow. A 5 minute devotion doesn't satisfy my huger anymore. I want more and more.
4. I try and read through the entire Bible every year.
5. Every time I open God's Word I find another gold nugget. It always amazes me how God reveals something new to me no matter how many times I've read that portion of scripture.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Every time I open the pages of scripture I have the awesome opportunity of hanging out with God. The scriptures allow me to be in the very presence of God. Can I be brutally honest? I can't imagine a born again believer never having a desire to read God's Holy Word. But that is just my opinion.
Several people have asked me how I read through the Bible. Please understand this is how I do it. Its not as if I have the perfect method. I am currently reading the Chronological Bible. This Bible allows you to see how scripture developed in a chronological order. In other words, it doesn't jump around on the time line. This is great for someone as ADD as myself. It breaks the Bible down in 365 days. Very easy to follow. I usually read my day and then another day in the New Testament. This gets me way ahead. I'm a couple weeks ahead of schedule right now.
I usually read 30 minutes. This prepares my mind and heart to enter the Holy of Holies through prayer. My prayer time fluctuates. usually 30 - 60 minutes. It takes me longer to pray because I journal. I write out my prayers. I love doing this. Allows me to look back in my life and see how God has answered sooooo many prayers.
Some other thoughts on reading the Bible:
1. My Bible preparation does not count as my devotion time. I have been called and paid to teach God's Word. As I study for Sundays or any other teaching opportunities I do not consider that my devotion. If other pastors do, that is between them and God. I'm not saying it is wrong, just my thoughts.
2. I know what some people are thinking, "if I could sit in the office all day I would read more myself." That is the very reason I get up around 5:30 each morning. This allows me a time alone with God. No one knocking on my door, no text messages, no phone calls, no one just showing up to see me.
3. I believe as our walk with Christ grows our hunger for His Word should grow. A 5 minute devotion doesn't satisfy my huger anymore. I want more and more.
4. I try and read through the entire Bible every year.
5. Every time I open God's Word I find another gold nugget. It always amazes me how God reveals something new to me no matter how many times I've read that portion of scripture.
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