The Bible....how can I write a succinct blog post about The Bible? A book that's both deeply dividing and immensely unifying. A book that has more books written about it than probably any other book. A book that anchors the Christian and my personal faith.
Well, I'm not sure I'll even know by the end of this post, but I'll try.
The impetus for this list item was simple. I couldn't without a doubt say that I had read every word. And as I viewed what were major milestones before my 30th, making sure I could definitively say this was both important and discouraging. Why have I waited so long?
Setting out in a hunt for a reading plan, I knew there were a variety of options. You mostly come across The Bible in a Year versions. And while I support any plan that you can commit to when it comes to scripture, I knew that was too long for me. I went with a 13 week/3 month reading plan that of course I cannot find the link to anymore to share with you :/ I printed it off and now it's somewhat unrecognizable because of all my markings but here you go:
I really enjoyed this plan because it skipped around a bit and always included a Psalms at the end of your reading because let's face it, there are lots of heavy topics and stories in The Bible. It was nice to end your reading in praise. Also, there was back and forth between the Old Testament and the New Testament which again helped break up the reading.
Sharing the positives from the 13 week reading plan, the biggest downside is it's a quantitative approach to reading scripture. There's not the opportunity to dive in and really research or study what you're reading. If you're wanting to have a dual approach (reading through the bible but also having time for study), I would invest in a devotional plan over a longer time frame.
General insights into my reading:
Update on other list items: I begin my half marathon training tomorrow. I scheduled a ceramics class for February. I can do a 5 minute of a plank but have to take a few breaks; hoping to get this knocked out in March. And I've started my website building learning via Treehouse.
Update (February 2): A sweet friend did some better digging than I did and found the plan I used. Here it is - http://mbcc.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Through-the-Bible-in-90-Days.pdf
The impetus for this list item was simple. I couldn't without a doubt say that I had read every word. And as I viewed what were major milestones before my 30th, making sure I could definitively say this was both important and discouraging. Why have I waited so long?
Setting out in a hunt for a reading plan, I knew there were a variety of options. You mostly come across The Bible in a Year versions. And while I support any plan that you can commit to when it comes to scripture, I knew that was too long for me. I went with a 13 week/3 month reading plan that of course I cannot find the link to anymore to share with you :/ I printed it off and now it's somewhat unrecognizable because of all my markings but here you go:
I really enjoyed this plan because it skipped around a bit and always included a Psalms at the end of your reading because let's face it, there are lots of heavy topics and stories in The Bible. It was nice to end your reading in praise. Also, there was back and forth between the Old Testament and the New Testament which again helped break up the reading.
Sharing the positives from the 13 week reading plan, the biggest downside is it's a quantitative approach to reading scripture. There's not the opportunity to dive in and really research or study what you're reading. If you're wanting to have a dual approach (reading through the bible but also having time for study), I would invest in a devotional plan over a longer time frame.
General insights into my reading:
- The amount of detail is incredible. From genealogies to temple measurements, the amount of detail in this book is sometimes daunting but incredible in the minutia.
- It was great to revisit what I would term as the more classic lessons and stories that as a child I found intriguing but now viewed these stories with an adult lens. Noah, Joseph, Adam and Eve - all lessons that I had not truthfully studied as an adult. It's easy for contemporary Christians to focus on the New Testament. While in good reason, that dive back into the Old Testament was full of news lessons.
- Reading the entire Bible in a condensed time frame is a great way to see the entire human condition. From individuals with great faith to immeasurable strife to the greatest mercy and sacrifice imaginable, this book showcases humanity. With all the warts and dark spots to redeeming grace, you will ride a pendulum from great happiness to overwhelming sadness and lots of moments of frustration in the middle. But the journey along the way is worth it.
Update on other list items: I begin my half marathon training tomorrow. I scheduled a ceramics class for February. I can do a 5 minute of a plank but have to take a few breaks; hoping to get this knocked out in March. And I've started my website building learning via Treehouse.
Update (February 2): A sweet friend did some better digging than I did and found the plan I used. Here it is - http://mbcc.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Through-the-Bible-in-90-Days.pdf
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