What I'm Reading Now

1. Mom and I decided we didn't like the Gnostic Gospels and gave up on them. Since then, I've re-read Romans and Isaiah and just started re-reading Galatians.

2. I'm in chapter four of Mosaic. I like it, its just hard for me to find time to read.

3. Our current bible study is Nehemiah by Kelly Minter. We're almost done with it. Next is Simply Jesus by NT Wright.

4. And I did finally finish Let the Nations Be Glad.

I plan to start re-reading the entire bible on January 1st.

Just some Daily Devotional Bible Verses that I've been Squirreling Away...

He said to Him, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”
Judges 6:15 (NASB)

Anyone else feel like Gideon? Because I do. Asked to do something by the Lord that I think is totally beyond me. But just like Gideon, I know that the Lord is with me so even if I feel inadequate, obviously He thinks otherwise.

"On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul." 
Psalm 138:3 (NASB)

  This one feels like it kinda goes with the Judges verse. Strength thru God.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NASB)

I need to just take this verse and tuck it into my heart. Because I feel oh so very weary from my busy life right now. I definitely need to be given rest. 

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:19 (NASB)

This may have just been proven true in my life. It is definitely not necessary to take revenge when someone does you wrong, because God has righteous anger on your behalf.

 But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.   
Ephesians 4:20-24 (NASB)

I'm attracted to verses that speak of laying aside your former life and your old self for the new life and your new self in Christ.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
Daniel 3:17-18 (NASB)

I love this message. If our God exists, then He will save us. If he does not, we still will not worship your gods. I love the absolute devotion that Daniel teaches.

 

Daily Devotional July 30 2013

I'm just gonna link this here. With no comments.

Psalm 51:7

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

        Psalm 51:7

That's today devotional verse. And the devotion is about a friend that was abused and didn't know if she could come back to God after all that's happened.

As I know, you can always come back to God. He welcomed me home, and I'm sure he welcomed this friend home. You can always be purified and cleansed of your sins.

I really love Psalm 51, so go give it a read. If I remember correctly, it was our focus on Ash Wednesday. 

Depending on God

In my email this morning, was a message from my dear friend Anne (the leader of my Bible study group). She pointed me towards Proverbs 31 Ministries devotional from July 26th. I'm assuming because she knows that I was having a bad week last week (a fact which looks to be continuing this week so far). 

The verse that day was:

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

                                Matthew 14:29-30 (NASB)

and the devotional was about not losing our focus on God and leaning on Jesus instead of worrying about everything. Something that I try to do, but looking back on last week and its troubles, I don't think I was doing that. So this morning, I'm taking a deep breath and putting all my troubles (work computer is still broken and our mail delivery is screwy) on God.

And here's the devotional post if you'd like to read it for yourself. It was also amusing to me that if you follow the link to the writer's personal blog, she has a post about how to take God on vacation with you, and I have vacation coming up next week. The Lord certainly knows how to get us to listen sometimes, doesn't He? 

What I'm Reading - Quick and Dirty Update

We finished the New Testament!

And working on the Gnostic Gospels, we're maybe about halfway through.

I'm still not done with Let the Nations Be Glad, but only 20 pages or so are left.

I started reading Mosaic last night, just for a change from what I have been reading.

And a friend is letting me borrow a book called Love Wins, so that just got added to the reading list.

Daily Devotional

I'm linking my daily devotional again, because it talks about the importance of touch and physical affection. I'm very affectionate with my nuclear family and with several of my extended family members, as well as a lot of my friends. I honestly think that people who don't like to be touched much are weird.

What I'm Reading Now --

A little update on what I'm reading:

1. We are almost DONE with the New Testament. Two little chapters of Revelation remain!
2. Next up is the Gnostic Gospels and then the Gospel of Judas. Mom needs to acquire a copy of the version I already own. And I need to make a reading schedule for us.
3. In bible study, we are doing a study of Nehemiah right now by Kelly Minter. It's a lot more work than our usual reading, but I'm loving that its an actual bible study and not just a Christian living book.
4. My personal God reading right now is a book on missions, Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper. Its really good, its just rather heavy. And so a little hard to get through. After that, I have two more mission books lined up: The Missionary Call: Find Your Place in God's Plan for the World by M David Sills and Mosaic by Patrick Nachtigall who is the regional coordinator of the CHOG missions in Europe / Middle East. I think Mosaic is going to be next, I'm hoping it may be a little easier of a read than my current choice.
5. And I have a new devotional that I'm working through, Voices of the Faithful: Inspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World by Beth Moore.
6. Almost forgot - I also have a printed out PDF copy of Tullian Tchividjian's new book Glorious Ruin that I downloaded when someone was offering it for free.

Daily Bible Verses

From my daily devotional emails (through Proverbs 31 Ministries) -

First of all, I just really love this verse:

 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

        2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

And this one, because last weekend at Global Gathering, there was a lot of talk about the Holy Spirit

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

          John 14:26 (NASB)

Global Gathering Reaction

I have to say that I think my time at the Global Gathering was the best four days that I have had in a really long time. I attended TEN worship services in four days (we skipped yesterday morning's service or it would have been eleven) and worshiped God by singing in multiple languages with CHOG members from over 60 countries. We took communion as a global church, commissioned missionaries and had an annointing for healing or other problems. The French-English bilingual service was especially awesome. The music was amazing every single day. The sermons were so inspiring that I don't even think I can pick a favorite! I also attended Brother Neville Tan's session on evangelism and discipleship, which was particularly interesting. And I went to the newly opened Interpretive Center and took a little walking tour around campus (it was held on the Anderson University grounds) to explore the history of the Church of God Reformation movement. I made some connections regarding going on mission trips (right now Paraguay is the front runner!), picked up a bunch of brochures and spoke to a few people about job opportunities because I've decided that I want to work for the church. God can use me somewhere! And my mom bought me a book by Patrick Nachtigall, the regional coordinator for CHOG missions work in Europe / Middle East. Can't wait to read it!

Videos off all the services and plenary sessions are available online. Please go watch the video from June 25's afternoon service, starting around minute 44. A boy got up and gave a better sermon than I think any preacher I've seen ever has! And it was MEMORIZED!

Highlights of the music: Singing heritage hymns. Singing the official worship song of the event. If You can use anything Lord You can use me If You can use anything Lord You can use me Take my hands, Lord And my feet Touch my heart, Lord And speak through me If You can use anything Lord You can use me. And they'll know we are Christians by our love. That was a fun one to sing.

The Isaiah passage that states "Here I am, Lord, send me!" was also very inspirational.

Global Gathering Through Pictures - The Instagram Edition

My bags all ready to go on Friday night!

This is where I get off of I 70 west to head north up to Anderson, at exit 115! I know the drive so well, I think I could do it in my sleep lol

First thing you see when you walked into the Wellness Center

First service of day two of the Global Gathering!

The entrance to Kardatzke Wellness Center, the main location for the Gathering

Day 2, service 2. Two down, two to go!

Miller Chapel during the bilingual French English service, which was service three of the day. I really need to work on my French skills.

Worship service number four for day two of Global Gathering. Wow, that's a lot of people!

The process of taking global communion. Awesome experience. I love the CHOG!

First worship of day three of the Global Gathering, from the other side of the sanctuary from where I had been sitting.

Listening to a singer from the Cayman Islands during the second service of day number three.

The Global Expo!

Mama and I are ready for round three of worship on the third day of the CHOG Global Gathering!

Singing after commissioning our missionaries during service three of day three!

The newly opened Church of God Interpretive Center. Amazing, especially for this little history nut!

Filing in for the 1:30 pm service on day four. We decided to skip the morning service.

Last service of this amazing experience known as the Global Gathering for the CHOG Anderson!

My Weekend Plans

I will be attending the Global Gathering, the Church of God (Anderson)'s world conference!

I'm really excited. My grandmother took me in 1999 (it was in Birmingham England that year) but I was 17 and in my rebellious phase so I don't feel like I took that much from it. Honestly, I don't remember attending more than one or two worship services. So when they announced that it was going to be in Anderson, where our church's headquarters are, this year, I practically registered on the spot.

I'll be leaving early Saturday morning to get there around noon or 1 pm and I'll return late Tuesday night. Four days of worship and fellowship with fellow CHOGers from around the world. There's going to be music, and a Global Expo of all the ministries we have all over the world (which I'm especially interested in), and of course several worship services and plenary sessions every day with speakers from around the world. There's going to be regional receptions and speakers from Christians Broadcasting Hope (radio ministry that has stations all over the world!) Sunday night, we'll participate in a global communion, and there's also a French-English worship service (which I'm really looking forward to!) They've also got a few 'connectors' planned where we can participate in service projects.

Told you I was excited. :) My bag's mostly packed and I've got directions, schedules, and lodgings all figured out.

Just have to get through two more days of work and then I get a vacation with my church family!

Titus 3:1-11

So in my reading of the New Testament (currently in Hebrews!), I came across a passage in Titus that I have found myself reading and re-reading. So I figured it deserved a post :)

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

                  Titus 3:1-11 (NASB, bold added)

Today's Bible Verse

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

In other words, my recent mantra -- Worry less. Pray more.

5-22-2013 Daily Devotional

I'm just gonna post this here.

Good lesson this morning, don't you think?

I'm damaged. But God can still use me.

Phillippians 4:11

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Update on My Reading

The New Testament is...going slowly to be honest. With my mom and my's schedule's its a little hard for us to stay on point. To be at the same place at the same time. And life has been interferring too much as well. We're through the Gospels and should've finished Acts early this week, but that didn't happen. I really need to just focus and make sure I read every day. Or if I don't, I need to make sure I read six chapters the next day to  make up for missing instead of just doing three.

Acts has also been a little bit of a tough read. The chapters are long, and word heavy. But I'm pushing through!

Mom is not enjoying it, because she doesn't like Paul. After repeated mentionings of that fact, I told her that she needed to let it go and let me form my own opinions because I've never read most of the New Testament.

Letting Go of Perfect, our Bible study book, is not going very well. It is more of a memoir than a self help book, and focuses on being a wife and mother. So it's been very hard to relate to for many of us, even those that are married and have children! I think we're all looking forward to the next book. (which I need to go buy soon...)

I enjoyed Unfashionable. I actually want to give it a second read, this time with the study questions. So that's on my summer to do list.

Morning Bible Verse

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27a (NIV)

This just really spoke to me this morning. Cuz I have a habit of losing my cool over the dumbest things, justifiable or not. This is a good reminder NOT to do that.

What I'm Reading

First of all, we finished the Apocrypha and have started the New Testament. We're doing a plan to read it in 90 days by reading three chapters a day. Right now we are about halfway through Matthew, I think we'll finish it up on Sunday.

This past Monday, my Bible study group met to pick out our next book. We ended up choosing the next three that we're going to read -- (1) Letting Go of Perfect by Amy E Speigel (2) a study of the book Nehemiah by Kelly Minter and (3) Simply Jesus by N. T. Wright. I have a feeling that I'll take a lot from Speigel's book, I'm really looking forward to the Nehemiah study, and the N.T. Wright book sounds interesting. It was also suggested by my friend L.J. that I brought to group with me. So thankful that she's joining us!

I also picked up a CD by Kutless.

A book I selected was not chosen for group, but I bought it anyways because I really wanted to read it. Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian. It's about living as a counterculture instead of trying to blend in with the dominant culture of today's world. Considering the effect that a sermon on Romans 12:2 had on me last year, I just had to pick it up. I'm four chapters in and am completely fascinated. Plus there's 'discussion' questions for each chapter! I try to at least think through each one after reading, but I haven't started writing any answers down yet.

Matthew 8:26

 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

I just had this one tattooed on the inside of my right wrist, do go with the Proverbs 31:30 on my left (which is going to be redone at some point, ink faded really bad). 

Today's Devotional Verse

"'You don't have enough faith,' Jesus told them. 'I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.'" Matthew 17:20 (NLV)

Bible Verses

Time for another post full of random verses that I keep marking in my emails but not posting.

I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:9-10 (NASB) 

Because this is where I am in life, waiting for the Lord:

Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)

 
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1 (NASB)

This one probably falls into that whole God's plans / don't worry category:

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NASB) 

More God's plans!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

Although, I think I like the NLT version better: For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)

I usually post the NASB version because that's the bible I have and read, but this verse is definitely better in the NLT:

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine. 

The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

Psalm 15:5-6 (NLT)

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

This one reminds me of the bumper sticker I have on my back window which says "He died for me, so I live for him" (or something to that effect):

 

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Galatians 2:20 (NASB) 

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB)

The greatest commandment is "Fear Not", it appears in the Bible more than anything else:

 

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26 (NLT) 

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.

Psalm 50:14 (NLT)

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  

Psalm 55:22 (NASB)

“And the Lord will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. 

Isaiah 58:11 (NASB) 

 

Alive by Natalie Grant

Who but You
Could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies
And dream of me?

What kind of love
Is writing my story till the end
With Mercy's Pen?
Only You.

What kind of King
Would choose to wear a crown
that bleeds and scars
To win my heart.

What kind of Love
Tells me I'm the reson He can't stay
Inside the grave

You.
Is it You?
Standing here before my eyes
Every part of my heart cries.

Alive, Alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!

Alive, Alive
Halleujah, Risen Lord
the only one i fall before

I am His
because He is
Alive.

Who could speak
and send the demons back from where they came
with just one name?

what other heart
would let itself be broken every time
until he healed mine?

you. only you
could turn my darkness into dawn
running right into your arms

alive, alive
Look what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!

alive, alive!
Halleujah, Risen Lord
the only one i fall before

i am His
because He is

emmanuel, the promised king
the baby who made angels sing
son of man who walked with us
healing, breathing in our dust

the author of all history
the answer to all mysteries
the lamb of God who rolled away
the stone in front of every grave.


alive, alive
lLook what Mercy's overcome
Death has lost and Love has won!

Halleujah

i am His
because He is
alive

alive

Lent - Monday February 18 Day #6

I collect crosses. And I wear one almost 24/7, in fact its rare to see me without one. I change them out depending on my mood and what I'm wearing. This is one of my favorites, turquoise which is my birthstone. It seemed appropriate for me to wear during Lent.

Speaking of Lent, it's going well. I'm praying every day, working on that sin and still haven't had a soda. I won't lie, I do miss my Dr Pepper, but honestly it's going pretty well. I've only had one instance of withdrawal, and I just had some strong tea to give me the boost I needed instead.

Jesus Freak - DC Talk

Separated, I cut myself clean
From a past that comes back in my darkest of dreams
Been apprehended by a spiritual force
And a grace that replaced all the me I've divorced

I saw a man with tat on his big fat belly
It wiggled around like marmalade jelly
It took me a while to catch what it said
Cause I had to match the rhythm of his belly with my head
'Jesus Saves' is what it raved in a typical tattoo green
He stood on a box in the middle of the city
And claimed he had a dream

What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no disguising the truth
[There ain't no disguising the truth]
[I don't need to hide it... The truth]

Kamikaze, my death is gain
I've been marked by my Maker
A peculiar display
The high and lofty, they see me as weak
Cause I won't live and die for the power they seek

There was a man from the desert with naps in his head
The sand that he walked was also his bed
The words that he spoke made the people assume
There wasn't too much left in the upper room
With skins on his back and hair on his face
They thought he was strange by the locusts he ate
The Pharisees tripped when they heard him speak
Until the king took the head of this Jesus freak

What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no disguising the truth

People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger

What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no disguising the truth

What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that it's true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no disguising the truth

What will people think [What will people think]
What will people do [What will people do]
I don't really care [What else can I say]
There ain't no disguising the truth [Jesus is the way]

Lent Day One - Ash Wednesday

Last year on Easter, I came back to God in tears and on my knees after the end of an abusive relationship. That's why this year is so important to me, why I'm making such a big deal about Lent, because I want to truly celebrate Easter in remembrance of what last year meant to me, and to do that I feel the need to practice Lent and focus on God for the next 40 days.

Yesterday, I attended my very first Ash Wednesday service. These services are not the norm in my church, so even though I grew up in the First Church of God (Anderson), I've never attended one.

It was amazing. A time for reflection and prayer, mainly. I found it meaningful. We took our ashes, got our communion and went to the altar to pray and take the communion as we felt moved to. Perfect.

Ash Wednesday.

And seeing my church friends in the middle of the week was also nice. :)

As for giving up soda and working on that sin, so far so good. I honestly don't really miss soda that much yet, but I did have a coworker lock up my last Dr Pepper in her filing cabinet. And I'm not missing that sin either. Both do cross my mind, but I just take a deep breath and say no and move on.

“I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”

Job 42:2-6 (NASB)

Fasting

And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.” And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.”

                Luke 5:33-35 (NASB)

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

               Matthew 6:16-18 (NASB) 

I added the bolded letters. This sounds like a pretty definite when statement to me. When you fast, not if.

On the Eve of Lent

Happy Mardi Gras!

Of course, that only means that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

My church encourages 'giving something up' for Lent, but we're not strict about it and we don't fast or anything like that.

However...I personally am FASCINATED by the idea of penance, fasting and abstinence. So I'm going to (planning to, hoping to):

• Give up soda. It's minor, but trust me, I really love Dr Pepper. Giving up my beloved soda is definitely a sacrifice.
• Work on a sin that's been bothering me. 
• I've been meaning to start working out, now seems like a perfect time to focus on it. And I just got a couple of friends together who are also working out so now I have a support group!
• And get closer to God. Work on our relationship. Because that is really want Lent is about, focusing on God.
• I have the Lenten booklet my church put out
• As well as a Focus 40 prayer schedule that I'm going to follow, also from my church
• And a Sunday bible study that I found through another denomination online
• I'm going to pray, daily, which I already try to do but it's going to be a definite focus for me. One thing I liked was the idea of giving up your lunch (fasting) to take a walk and pray.
• I'd like to go to church more, but since my church only has weekend services I don't know how that'll work. 

Since I'm focusing on my relationship with God, my daily Bible verse amused me today:  
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 (NASB) 

PS I just volunteered for a Christian music festival this summer. I really feel that God needs me there, so I just bit the bullet and filled out the form. I've been agonizing over volunteering for a few days so it was a big step! and partially inspired by my Bible study group last night, we talked about doing what God calls you to do even if it's a step out of your comfort zone. 

Reading the Bible in a Year(ish) #4

We finished the Old Testament!

Actually, we finished it a little while ago, but I forgot to post about it. Oops.

Now, we're working our way through the Apocrypha that I own and bought Mama a copy of. It is this one, and I like it, but it is definitely tough going.

I think I'm ready to move on to the New Testament now. Which my mom is actually dreading a little, because she doesn't like Paul. But I'm honestly interested in reading his writings.

Reading the Bible in a Year #3

We finished 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. We read Isaiah, Amos, Micah, Hosea, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Lamentations and only have a few chapters left to go of Ezekiel. That's twenty nine books of the Old Testament read! Ten to go or at least finish: finish Ezekiel and Psalms, read Joel, Daniel, Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, Esther, Nehemiah and Malachi. I think we'll be done with the OT in about three weeks or so.

Then we start in on the Apocrypha. I went through and made a reading schedule of about ten pages per day. It will take around a month to read.

After that, we'll go to the New Testament. We're both tired of the chronological jumping around reading schedule, so we're going to switch. I found a 90 day reading plan for the NT that I think we're going to use. It's three chapters a day, so it should be pretty doable. But I think we'll be reading the Gnostic Gospels in between John and Acts.

Out of this batch of reading, Isaiah was my favorite, but that took some time. I started picturing him as a television evangelist prophesying to the masses. And I read a lot of it out loud.

Reading aloud is the only way to get through a lot of the Old Testament.