Read Through The Word

A group of women and men from all over the world chose to become "wise in the Word" by reading through the Bible in 2009. We had so much fun in 2009, we decided to do it all over again in 2010. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart," therefore we are believing God for new revelations and living changing experiences next year.

The Bible we are reading is unique in design. This Bible is chronological. It is written in the order of which the events occurred. For example, in the middle of the book of Acts, you will find Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. It is not the Bible you grab on your way out the door on the way to church, this Bible is made for study. We are reading the easy to understand, New Living Translation. Click here to see the One Year Chronological Bible.

The daily readings can be completed in 15 minutes. Monday-Friday I will do my best to post something on my blog to start the "conversation." All comments, thoughts, and insights are welcome. You don't have to have blog to post a comment. You don't have to post a comment at all. No pressure here. Read each day, visit my site, and glean from others.

Notice I said my very best. I am a mother of two and a wife to Scott. They are my top priority. They know of this commitment and are praying for us but I put them first in my life, after my Heavenly Father.

Here are few helpful hints to help you get started

Be Creative
The first time I read through the Bible, I intentionally went to sit in carline 20 minutes early each day so that I could complete my reading. You may not have a carline to go to but maybe your have a lunch hour. Perhaps you don't work outside the home, turn off Dr. Phil or one of your other favorite shows to complete your daily reading. You can make up missed reading waiting at the doctor's office or ballet class.

Set Boundaries for Yourself
Determine a time and place that your will do your reading and do your best to stick to it. Protect your reading time and place within reason. It is important to be flexible in order to accommodate your responsibilities. The daily reading should take you 15-20 minutes, depending on how fast or how slow you read. Me? I read slow.

Give Yourself Grace, Grace, Grace
I am really hard on myself when it comes to goals. If I seem to be "slacking off" or not quite as excited about the goal as I once was, I am likely to quit. Start this goal with this in mind, "I am going to do this and quitting is NOT an option." There will be times that you miss, life happens, so expect to and extend yourself grace. "There is not condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Either on the inside cover or an index keep track of the date you miss and make up the reading when you have the opportunity. If you don't get the opportunity, don't sweat it. God is looking at your heart's desire not a checklist. He will not stop working through His Word just because you miss a day or two.

Support
As I have already made plans to read through the Bible for 2009 I have invited some people to pray for me as I strive to meet the goal. These individuals will also be my accountability during the journey. Ask God who He would have you invite. We will also pray for each other. I will NOT forget to pray for you.

Take Notes and Highlight
You will need spiral notebook, highlighter, pen, and sticky notes. God speaks through His Word and He will speak to you so be ready to write down what He says. I mark up my Bibles with pen and highlighters. I write prayers and praises in the margin. I use the sticky notes if I discover something that I want to research further at another time. The little yellow sticky notes come in handy when a distracting thought comes to mind while I am reading, i.e. grocery items and to-dos.

Beware
There is an enemy, a real enemy who is very happy with a believer's status quo relationship with the Living God. This enemy does not want you to become wise in the Word because then he will lose any power he may have over you. When you committed to read the Bible you added fuel to the fire of Hell and upset the enemy's plan. I have read the end of this book and you win, he loses. Don't let the enemy distract you.

What Can I expect from this blog?

The number one thing you will receive from this blog is accountability and support. It is comforting to know that others are on the journey with you. It is also comforting to know that others are struggling to get all the reading done. (And it will happen. Life happens.) As far as my role in the journey, I am an vessel that is willing to be used by the Holy Spirit who will set the stage of our hearts to be written upon and changed by the power of the ancient words of scripture. I too am a student with a desire to be enlightened, inspired, transformed, and surprised by what I will learn on the new journey I am taking.

Disclaimer
You have read all the above and now for the "fine print.": I am not an expert in anything." I am not a Biblical scholar or person with a seminary degree who knows the Bible inside and out. Honestly, I still have to sing the books of the Bible song sometimes to remember Micah comes after Jonah. I give the stage over to the Holy Spirit who is our Counselor and Teacher. (John 14:27) The stage has been set for Him to do a work in our lives.

Who am I then? I am a little i in the story of the great I AM. I am a woman who loves Jesus and His Word and wants you too also.

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