This year my Priest (I’m Episcopal. Don’t ask my opinion on the Bru-ha-ha please, I try to keep this blog non-political and non-controversial when possible) is encouraging everyone in our church to read the Bible. As one of the newest members of the Vestry I really feel that I should try to support that by actually DOING it. After all, I’m an avid reader who manages to read on average 2 novels a week while raising small children. Its pretty pitiful that I haven’t managed to read what I personally profess to believe is one of the most important books ever written. (Please-if you personally disagree with that statement, just ignore it. That is not the point of the comment or the blog. The point is if I personally believe it is important than I should make the time to read it. I am not trying to convert anyone else to my viewpoint)
Photo Uploaded to Flickr on May 2, 2006by GeoWombats Some rights reserved.
I’ve tried reading the Bible before, with all good intentions. I even bought one of those “Read the Bible in a Year” Bibles, with the reading, and the built in study guide and devotional–then I got to Leviticus, with all those “begats”. And so-and-so begat so-and-so, and so-and-so begat so-and-so. Quite frankly, my eyes glazed over. I’m sure it was a very important genological record and all, but they lost me. I got behind, and then I felt guilty, and then I dropped it.
So I’ve been meaning to start back up, for uh, over 8 years now, because despite having sat in church for a large percentage of the Sundays of my life and listening to the readings, I’m sure that there are large portions of the Bible that I haven’t heard/read. And out of those I have heard/read there are probably a bunch that I don’t remember or didn’t really absorb. Add to that the fact that Episcopalians use that extra set of books in the center of some Bibles called the Apocrypha (gee thanks, I’ve got an extra 15 books or so. . . ). Well, lets just say I feel a need to actually read the thing.
So I decided to take a look around the Internet and see what I could find, and stumbled across this really neat site: Bible in a Year.Org
You can sign up to have daily readings from the Bible sent to your email account. There are even 8 different versions of the Bible to pick from, and three different formats for you to choose your readings in (chronological, start to finish, alternating scripture).
They have other options to, like keeping track of your progress online there, and message boards etc. But for me, having the readings sitting there in my inbox seems like a better incentive than having the Bible sitting on my bedside table. Honestly, at the start of the day I’ve got kids clamoring for breakfast (and being herded through their morning routines etc) and by the end of the day I’m pretty tired.
In contrast, I spend probably too large of a chunk during the day on the computer, and I can see where I would probably spend a few minutes while checking my email to open and read. I’m going to give it a shot.
After all, it’s good for the mind, the soul and the pocketbook. Who could ask for anything more?
Thanks for the link! I think I’ll try the email subscription. Looks good. I hope you are successful reading through the Bible.
Yah, when I was first a Christian, I tried reading the Bible, starting at Genesis. It was…interesting. But man, once I got into Numbers, it was agonizing. I found out later that one of the best places to begin is in the New Testament, reading about the life of Jesus. Also, Galatians is TERRIFIC. So is Ephesians and Philippians! Oh, they’re all so good, lol!
I’ve read the Bible countless times now– once you get going, it is really wonderful!!! I know you will have fun, especially since you like to read.
Going to a church is great, but the Bible says that the most important thing is repenting of your sins and living a life in fellowship with God, and doing what He tells you. Being a Christian is a living kind of faith, and ya need the Holy Spirit to do this.
It’s also funny that you mention spending too large a chunk of the day on the computer. Ugh! I have struggled with that, but I have told God that I will not turn the thing on until I have read some of the Bible. Boy, I am happier!
Have fun and thanks for sharing. By the way, your blog is looking good. I see you’ve managed to add color to the background!
For a minute I thought I was on the wrong blog. LOL. I love your new template.
BTW, Episcopalians are A+ in my book, my grandfather was an Episcopal minister. 🙂
Not so frugal, or free, but I use the Life Application Study Bible. It is gives lots of little footnotes with background and synopsis. I got mine from Amazon quite bit cheaper than the Christian bookstore.
If you need to get the big picture first before you plunge into The Word, this study Bible is great!
I used the plan for reading through in a year. Now I’m using a plan for reading through in 90 days. I’m not going to make it in 90 days, but it is good to read larger chunks at a time. I find it helps me see the flow of events better. I can remember better what I’ve read when I come to it the next time.
I’m with you — if this is God’s instruction manual, I can surely fit in the time since I do manage to read blogs and books!
Ragamuffin
I have signed up to get the daily Bible readings and did the first this morning. I too am one of those folks who jumps on the computer first thing in the morning before work. Many imes I have attempted to read the Bible all the way thru but never succeeded. This time I may do it! Who would have thought a blog entry would prove to be a ministry? Thank you. And God bless
And tell Princess Happy Birthday from a faithful follower of your family.