I won't guarantee that it is going to get "better" very quickly. The last half of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers are challenging. You'll likely be asking, "What relevance does this have for me?" We believe that the entire Bible is God's Word for us, while acknowledging that not all of Scripture carries equal meaning. Don't give up the read! If you find yourself frustrated with some of the genealogies, Levitical laws, instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, give yourself permission to skim or skip, rather than throwing in the towel. And yet, by the Spirit's wisdom, you may find yourself finding some helpful "buried nuggets" for your faith along the way.
Jim, We say that God's Word is a living Word in that it speaks to us anew throughout life. God's Word does not change, but as humans, we change. Therefore, the Bible says new things to us. I am amazed at things that I have missed in previous readings of the Bible, or that the Bible might have just the comforting Word that I need to hear in a specific situation. So, yes, I believe it is worth reading the Bible over and over again in a devotional way, not like "race car" reading.
There are many "programs" to read the Bible. In the invitation that I offered on my blog, I'm suggesting reading sequentially from Genesis to Revelation. In this way, we are all (seven people have accepted the invitation/challenge thus far) reading relatively together. I acknowledged that there are some "hazards" in the Old Testament; long genealogies, detailed priestly laws, lengthy instructions on how to construct the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting. Find grace to skip over them if they are going to hang you up.
I asked readers to share with me (and the group if they are open to it) questions, revelations, and experiences of how the Word is speaking to you. I have already begun to get some feedback. Such dialogue can be helpful to all of us, kind a like an informal, mini Bible study. The Bible is a difficult book to read in many places. Having help along the way can make the experience more meaningful.
If you are really dedicated and have ample time, I would suggest having a Study Bible alongside. Study Bibles offer lots of helps in explaining the text. I would recommend the NIV Study Bible. Of course, you can just choose to read that Bible to begin with. That way, every time you have a question of the text, there will likely be "help footnotes" along the way.
Let me know if you decide to take up the invitation. I'll encourage you along the way!
Blessings on your reading, Kim! If you are participating in our SS class, you will get a second "encouraging word" tomorrow as I plan to extend this to the members of Trinity. That does not infer that you have to read the Bible twice!
The Message translation is only my suggestion on the version, and not a necessity. I suspect that we will proceed at different "paces," so I am not anticipating conversation based on us being at a certain place in the Bible at the same time. Rather, I'll be posting my thoughts periodically as they occur to me. As for subscribers, you can post your thoughts publicly on the blog, or privately with me via email, as they occur to you. I would advise beginning in Genesis and reading the entire Bible sequentially. As noted, when you get bogged down in genealogies, et. al., feel free to skip them rather than giving up your read in frustration. This might be particularly true in some of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, I and II Chronicles.
I’d like to try it, but 7 chapters a day is a lot! I can read it but to comprehend is a different issue. When are we starting? I am stuck in Cincinnati as East TN has flooded and our town evacuated and I can’t go home! I am safe at my daughters and Jim is ok in TN!
Henry I completed reading the Bible five years ago. The outline was to complete the reading in a year. The outline was a chronicle listing so I did not go sequentially from page one to the last page. I found myself at times reading just to stay on track but not absorbing what I was reading even though I was not in a group. It is worth reading again and again. Do you have an outline to share?
I don’t have that particular Bible so I will order it today. When you say we begin Oct. 1, do you post some discussion elements then or do we each post comments on our own and did you mean for us to begin in Genesis?
Blessings on your reading, Cindi! Stay in touch.
We'll begin on October 1, but again, this is not legalistic. If you want to begin a bit later, that is fine.
Like I said, if seven chapters is too much, go at a slower pace that feels devotional to you.
Ugh! on the Hurricane! I hope you don't have any damage to your home or community!
I won't guarantee that it is going to get "better" very quickly. The last half of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers are challenging. You'll likely be asking, "What relevance does this have for me?" We believe that the entire Bible is God's Word for us, while acknowledging that not all of Scripture carries equal meaning. Don't give up the read! If you find yourself frustrated with some of the genealogies, Levitical laws, instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, give yourself permission to skim or skip, rather than throwing in the towel. And yet, by the Spirit's wisdom, you may find yourself finding some helpful "buried nuggets" for your faith along the way.
Jim, We say that God's Word is a living Word in that it speaks to us anew throughout life. God's Word does not change, but as humans, we change. Therefore, the Bible says new things to us. I am amazed at things that I have missed in previous readings of the Bible, or that the Bible might have just the comforting Word that I need to hear in a specific situation. So, yes, I believe it is worth reading the Bible over and over again in a devotional way, not like "race car" reading.
There are many "programs" to read the Bible. In the invitation that I offered on my blog, I'm suggesting reading sequentially from Genesis to Revelation. In this way, we are all (seven people have accepted the invitation/challenge thus far) reading relatively together. I acknowledged that there are some "hazards" in the Old Testament; long genealogies, detailed priestly laws, lengthy instructions on how to construct the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting. Find grace to skip over them if they are going to hang you up.
I asked readers to share with me (and the group if they are open to it) questions, revelations, and experiences of how the Word is speaking to you. I have already begun to get some feedback. Such dialogue can be helpful to all of us, kind a like an informal, mini Bible study. The Bible is a difficult book to read in many places. Having help along the way can make the experience more meaningful.
If you are really dedicated and have ample time, I would suggest having a Study Bible alongside. Study Bibles offer lots of helps in explaining the text. I would recommend the NIV Study Bible. Of course, you can just choose to read that Bible to begin with. That way, every time you have a question of the text, there will likely be "help footnotes" along the way.
Let me know if you decide to take up the invitation. I'll encourage you along the way!
Blessings on your reading, Kim! If you are participating in our SS class, you will get a second "encouraging word" tomorrow as I plan to extend this to the members of Trinity. That does not infer that you have to read the Bible twice!
The Message translation is only my suggestion on the version, and not a necessity. I suspect that we will proceed at different "paces," so I am not anticipating conversation based on us being at a certain place in the Bible at the same time. Rather, I'll be posting my thoughts periodically as they occur to me. As for subscribers, you can post your thoughts publicly on the blog, or privately with me via email, as they occur to you. I would advise beginning in Genesis and reading the entire Bible sequentially. As noted, when you get bogged down in genealogies, et. al., feel free to skip them rather than giving up your read in frustration. This might be particularly true in some of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, I and II Chronicles.
Ok so far in Genesis God is not the God in my mind He is a little mean A lot of questions.....
I would like to do this. Thanks! Mary Ann
I’d like to try it, but 7 chapters a day is a lot! I can read it but to comprehend is a different issue. When are we starting? I am stuck in Cincinnati as East TN has flooded and our town evacuated and I can’t go home! I am safe at my daughters and Jim is ok in TN!
Just started Exodus this morning. Hope it gets better is all I can say. We definately need Jesus to change our outlook on Christianity.
Henry I completed reading the Bible five years ago. The outline was to complete the reading in a year. The outline was a chronicle listing so I did not go sequentially from page one to the last page. I found myself at times reading just to stay on track but not absorbing what I was reading even though I was not in a group. It is worth reading again and again. Do you have an outline to share?
Let the adventure begin !
I’m in! Happy reading all!
I don’t have that particular Bible so I will order it today. When you say we begin Oct. 1, do you post some discussion elements then or do we each post comments on our own and did you mean for us to begin in Genesis?