Problem with Daily Bible Reading (Tell me I am not the only one!), But Reading Anyway

PROBLEM WITH DAILY BIBLE READING AND DAILY BIBLE STUDY

I have a major problem with Daily Bible Reading. I rarely can finish my daily reading so on day 7, I have to read ten chapters or so.

The problem I have is the same problem I have with personal Bible study. The reason is not what you might think. 

It's rather funny because both my Bible reading and my studying suffered yesterday, and today so far, for the same reason. It's because I get stuck. But, again, it's probably not why would might think. 

I get stuck because I get so blown away and awestruck by the verse that I have to stop and allow it to settle in my mind. It sweeps me away and I can ponder the verse, or a few words from the verse, for a week. So, if I want to do Daily Bible reading and finish reading the Bible in a year, it gets tricky. I need to be realistic here. I can be swept away by most of what I read in the Bible and can pray that Word, meditate, and ponder it for days, weeks, months, and in a few cases...years. 

CHECKLIST FAITH IS WRONG

Boy am I glad a checklist faith is actually wrong. It has the wrong motives at heart and actually turns faith into a requirement rather than into a relationship. 

HOW?

That being said... I really want to finish reading the Bible in less than a year for 2012. So... How do I go about doing it?

TIP

I make sure to read some Old Testament AND some New Testament readings each week. It's typically the New Testament I could ponder the longest. It's hard to ponder all the family lineages and numbers of tribes and thou shall not's of the Old Testament.

(Photo is Microsoft Clipart)

Stacy Duplease
Prayer Warrior and Faithful Writer
USAGC 2026

Email: usagc2026@gmail.com
Blog for USAGC 2026: http://usagc2026.blogspot.com
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

A MONTH OF PRAYING THE WORD: Day 12: Part 3 of 3

Now, we will continue our topical study of Praying the Word, which is meditating on the Bible.

Please grab your Bibles and journals at this time. 

GENESIS 24:63

The verse we will study is Genesis 24:63. However, we need to get the context of what is happening here. Let's read all of Genesis 24 and see if we can figure out what Genesis 24:63 means. 

~*~ However, let's first read the verse, Genesis 24:63 and write a summary of the verse. 

~*~ Now, let's see if we can answer who, what, where, when, why, and how regarding Genesis 24:63 when we get the context of Genesis 24. Read Genesis 24 now.

~*~ Why was Issac meditating? 

I hate it when the author of a book asks a question and then answers it, but I need to right now in order to make a point. Isaac was about to marry. He was waiting for her to walk into his life. What a time to meditate! It was absolutely necessary. How could he be the best mate he could be for her unless he was with the Lord in every way possible? 

~*~ What can we, and do we, learn from this? 

Any time we are dealing with a struggle, a question, doubt, grief... and I mean anything... Praying the Word is the answer. Getting in the Bible is the answer. After all, HE is the ANSWER. 

~*~ So, why will you Pray the Word in the future?

When you Pray the Word regarding something you, or someone close to you, is dealing with, look up verses in a concordance regarding that issue/struggle/question. Then, Pray the Word. Pray those verses. Journal what God says to you, what you say to God, and what you are going to do, think, or say in return. 

24-HOUR HOMEWORK

What are you dealing with right now? Struggling with? Have questions about? 

~*~ Journal what they are.

~*~ Look up at least 5 verses about that--preferably as many as you can find. Write them in your journal. Start to pray them back to God over the next 24 hours. 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

A MONTH OF PRAYING THE WORD: Day 12: Part 2 of 3

READ THE WORD BECAUSE YOU WANT TO AND NOT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO DO SO

I cannot stress that enough. Read the Bible because you have a desire to know God, to hear what he has to say, to develop an intimate relationship with him, and to receive his counsel. We read the Word of God to talk to him and to hear him. We read the Word to draw forever nearer to him and be close with him. We read the Word because we desire him. 

Never, ever, ever pick up the Bible because you want to check off today's reading in your little To Do List. That is sacrilegious and misses the entire point. We are to read the Word because we desire him and not because we want to be recognized for our good deeds.

I hope that wasn't too harsh or pointed. But, sometimes truth hurts. It's not always pretty or kind. Sometimes, it's in your face. And I hope you know the only reason why I can say all of these things is because I've struggled with this. It's the same about what I am about to say as well. So, here's some truth. Do you know why I write what I write? Because I have experience with these things. I never write what I do not know. I do not want to lead anyone astray. I write because this is what I need and struggle with. So know if any of this hits you square between the eyes, it's done the same for me--repeatedly. 

FEELING LIKE IT

Now, that's not to say only to read the Bible when we 'feel like it.' Feelings are fickle and will lead you astray most of the time. Feelings lie and are not based in truth. Feelings are not fact. Feelings make us act out of passion, or dispassion for that matter, and then we do things we regret. 

I never feel like getting on the treadmill. I never feel like getting sweaty and stinky from it. I never feel like eating vegetables over cheesecake. I never feel like doing laundry or dishes. 

I do not know about you, but there are times I really do not want to read the Word, go to Bible study, or go to church. Nope. Not at all. I can think of a million things, if not a trillion, I would rather feel like doing. However, that is when I know I need to do it the most. If I force myself to do it, then I realize how desperately I really needed it. Those are the times I get the most out of the lessons. Those are the times I ended up knowing God more and drawing closer to him. Those are the times I hear him more clearly than usual. So, when I do not feel like it, I make note. I realize that is when I must. My spirit and intimacy with God is at stake. 

If I fail to do it this one time, the next will be easier to justify not doing. Then, it becomes a slippery slope. But, more to the point, if I allow my feelings to dictate where I go and what I do, they will most likely lead me to do the wrong thing and consequently I will sin. The feelings lead me to temptation. My actions follow through and then I sin. 

Read the Bible becuase it helps you to Pray the Word because you will know the Word and the Lord. 

So, ignore your feelings if they are telling you you don't feel like it or not to do it. Do it anyway. But, make sure your heart and mind are in the right place. Make sure you desire God--to know him and draw close to him. But, don't do it because you have to check it off the list. 

Does this make sense?

OBSTACLES
There will also be obstacles and life challenges which will try to get in the way of you Praying the word, reading the bible, doing Bible study, going to church, etc. (Never mind that feelings are obstacles as well.) This is inevitable.

Do you know the four sources of these obstacles?
A Self/pride
B The enemy
C Fellow man
D Circumstances
E God will test you.

Three of those will tempt you and have the potential lead you to sin. One of those (E) will allow the other four.

One of those can be caused by the other three or the last one (D).

So... Pray against the obstacles. Be watchful and aware of these pitfalls. Do not allow yourself to fall prey to them. 

Our next lesson will be Part 3 for today and will be on the next verse of our study of Praying the Word.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

A MONTH OF PRAYING THE WORD: Day 12: Part 1

BIBLE READING COMMITMENT

So, what did you and God decide you would commit to as far as daily Bible reading? 

HOW MANY CHAPTERS TO READ IN A DAY?

Check out this resource:

http://aloyalfaith.blogspot.com/2011/11/bible-in-year-2-years-6-months-or-91.html 

But, here's a hint. There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. Now, you can do the math--or check out the resource I just listed before this paragraph. 

NOW, WHAT PLAN SHOULD YOU USE?

There are several Bible reading plans you can use. 

You can read the Bible cover to cover--Genesis to Revelation. 

You can also read Old Testament and New Testament readings.

You also can read Old Testament, New Testament, and a Psalm.

But, wait! There's a million more. Check out the resources below.

A COUPLE OF BIBLE READING PLAN RESOURCES:

http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=31606&columnid=3801 

Also: http://thetransformedman.net/BibleReadingPlans.aspx

OR, KEEP IT SIMPLE

Go to a Christian Bookstore and buy a Bible in a Year. They are in the bIble section and there are mroe choices than you could imagine. This year, I'm doing this one: 

http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/readthebible/

I am starting it tonight. 

YOUR TURN

Please journal your responses:

~*~ A How fast are you going to read the Bible through cover to cover?

~*~ Which plan or which Yearly Bible?

~*~ What do you hope to get out of your reading?

~*~ What do you think it will do for your Praying the Word?

Whew! Enough of that! There will be a Part 2 for today.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

A MONTH OF PRAYING THE WORD: Day 11: Part 3

PRAYING THE WORD EFFECTIVELY

In Part 2 today, I stressed that reading the Bible daily gives you yet another opportunity to Pray the Word. It helps you to get to the point that you pray without ceasing and to meditate on the Word of God morning, noon, and night. However, with Bible reading comes a couple of issues...

Let's be real. None of us read the Bible or know it like we could or should. Yes. even Bible scholars would agree with what I just said. The Bible is the Living Word. Every single time we read it, we go to the text with a new and different perspective. Therefore, every time we read it, we see it differently and learn new things about the Word of God. (Yes. Every time--even if you read the bible every 90 days.) 

Now, I hope you see why it is even more critical for you to be in the Word of God. Not only does that give you the opportunity to pray as you read it, but it will help you know the story of each verse, its context, and how to pray more effectively because of that knowledge. If you read a verse, but haven't read the Bible recently (if at all) from cover to cover, you could take it out of context and you could be disobeying God in the process. Let me drive this point home. 

WARNING! DANGER! DO NOT PULL FORWARD! HALT!

Read Matthew 5:30 at this time. 

Matthew 5:30 says to cut off your right hand and throw it away if it causes you to stumble. 

If you never read anything else from the Bible, you might take that literally! When it isn't literal. It's a figure of speech being used to make a point. You might think that this is an extreme example. But, it really isn't. If you haven't been in the Bible from cover to cover recently, you could be taking each and every verse you read out of context. Do you here the danger here? I wish I could flash neon signs in front of you and scream, "WARNING! WARNING! You are about to get hurt!" But, alas, I cannot. So, you need to do the same for yourself... as I am being with myself as I type this. 

BIBLE IN A YEAR 

So, this is where reading the Bible in a year comes in to the equation. 

Will you commit with me to read the Bible through this year? Please pray on it. See where God leads you with this endeavor. Keep in mind, you will NOT get as much out of Praying the Word unless you do--sometime. 

Commit to something at least. Whether it's the Bible in 90 days, 6 months, a year, 2 years, or 3 years... Commit. That will help your prayer life in ways I cannot even begin to express. 

PRAYING THE WORD

~*~ Read Psalm 119:9-32. Linger on 5 verses from there which speak to you the most. Pray these verses the next 24 hours. Make sure to journal everything you think, pray, and talk with God about. Also, journal what he says to you.

As you do that, make sure to ask God what HE wants you to commit to. Do not choose what you want. Also, do not commit to what you feel comfortable with. Make it a challenge, but a doable one. Go a little beyond your comfort zone. But, again  Commit. It will help you continue praying the Word and will bless your socks off! I promise. 

~*~ Journal what happens as you pray about what Bible reading plan you want to commit to and what happens between you and God the next 24 hours as you pray about that and pray the 5 verses from Psalm 119:9-32. 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

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A MONTH OF PRAYING THE WORD: DAY 11 PART 2: Other tips for Praying the Word

SERIOUSLY?

At this point, you might wonder how to pray without stopping and how exactly to meditate on the Bible morning, noon, and night--while you carry on with life as normal. You have demands in your life. You either are going to school, have a job, raising children, fill in the blank, or doing a variety of all of the above. So, how is this really feasible? Is it? Seriously.

IT'S POSSIBLE

It is realistic. It's actually quite realistic. God would not give us those commands in Psalm 1:2,1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 2:5, and Ephesians 4:6-8 if it wasn't possible. That's not how God works. 

SO, HOW EXACTLY? (TIPS):

So, how else can you get to the point of praying and being in the word 24/7/365 (16+ hours a day)?

Here are a few tips:

A Be in Adult Sunday School.

B Be in a small group Bible study.

C Do individual Bible study.

D Go to church Sundays and Wednesday nights (even if it's two different churches).

E But most importantly, read the Bible EVERY day. As a matter of fact, I recommend ideally reading the Bible cover to cover (in whatever order you choose) every year. Every two years might be more feasible for you. Or, worst case scenario, every three years. After all, our minds are easily distracted and our memories are not what they could be or should be. Therefore, we will forget the in's and out's of everything we read. Journaling as we read helps diminish this, but we still forget. Therefore, in order to be able to keep the bible in context, and not pray the Word incorrectly because we do, it's important to have the Bible fresh in and on your mind. Reading the Bible all the way through helps with that endeavor. There will be more to follow in Part 3 of Day 11.

JOURNAL:

~*~ Lord, reveal to me new ways, even with the things I do already, to help me to pray 24/7/365. Journal what he tells you. 

~*~ How else can you steal time for God?

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

A MONTH OF PRAYING THE WORD: Day 11

Today, we are going to start to do a daily topical study about meditating on the Word of God... which is Praying the Word. That reminds me. I want to give you all sorts of synonyms of 'Praying the Word' so you can find other resources if you ever want them. Other words for Praying the Word are:

A Meditating on the Word

B Pondering the Word

C Contemplative Prayer (or the Prayer of Contemplation)

D The Prayer of the Heart

E Praying the Word back to God (is a phrase you might here)

F Lectio Divina

TOPICAL STUDY

There are 18 verses with 'meditate' in them and I have this additional verse for today. So, that's 19 verses and we have 19 days left in this study. That's perfect. It's also God's plan. I added a lesson to this book (Day 10) I hadn't anticipated--without even realizing I had 19 verses for us to study. I love how God works. 

PSALM 63:6

Look up this verse in your favorite translation of the Bible and read it. 

~*~ Journal your summary of Psalm 63:6 at this time.

Here is my paraphrased, personalized prayer of this verse: 

When on my couch or in my bed and think of or remember you, Lord, I will meditate on you throughout the night.

This verse describes the importance of nighttime prayer. However, we also know we are to do this morning, noon, and night. 

You have got to love the Psalms and David. The Book of Psalms is one big book o use for Praying the Word--and so is Proverbs. But, Psalms is David's prayer book. We learn how he rpayed through the Psalms. What a special book.

Did you know your journal is your Book of Psalms? It's your prayer book you are writing. 

So, here are a couple of questions for your journal:

~*~ How can you write more of your own Psalms? 

~*~ What are you doing to remember and think of God and his Word? 

~*~ What do you need to do in order to increase your time of Praying the Word to 16+ hours a day (continually)?

~*~ What is working for you already?

~*~ What verses have spoken to you most since day 1 of this study?

~*~ What verses do you want to repeat?

~*~ What has God said to you?

~*~ What have you said to God?

~*~ How has your life been changed through Praying the Word?

THE NEXT 24-HOURS

As usual, your Praying the Word goal is a 3-fold choice for the next 24-hours:

A Pick your own verses.

B Use Appendix A.

C Use 365 Days book. 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Bible in a year, 2 years, 6 months, or 91 days: How many chapters to read per day?

There are 1189 chapters in the Bible.

Bible in a year = 23 chapters per week = 3.25 chapters per day

Bible in 2 years = 11.5 chapters per week = 1.63 per day

Bible in 6 months = 26 weeks = 45.75 chapters per week = 6.532 per day

Bible in 91 days = 13 weeks = 91.5 chapters per week = 13.066 chapters per day

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Daily Quiet Time Prayer: More Information

Our Daily Quiet Time Prayer consists of:

~ 1. WRITE and write (see other blog posts from today)

~ 2. Different types of prayer

~ 3. Bible reading

~ 4. Memory verses

~ 5. Bible study

~ 6. Devotional reading

Just a reminder about WRITE and write:

WRITE is:

Write (prayer journal and notebook) and:

Word-Based

Review

Ignite

Time

Examine

~ Stacy Duplease

Remembering Your Present, LLC,

Daily Quiet Time Prayer: More Information

Our Daily Quiet Time Prayer consists of:

~ 1. WRITE and write (see other blog posts from today)

~ 2. Different types of prayer

~ 3. Bible reading

~ 4. Memory verses

~ 5. Bible study

~ 6. Devotional reading

Just a reminder about WRITE and write:

WRITE is:

Write (prayer journal and notebook) and:

Word-Based

Review

Ignite

Time

Examine

~ Stacy Duplease

Remembering Your Present, LLC, Prayer Guard USA, and pj4life (Prayer Journaling for Life)

Author of Biblical Fiction, Bible Studies, and Devotionals

Email: Pj4life1@gmail.com

Blogs:

http://pj4life1.blogspot.com/

http://alifeofseasons.blogspot.com/

http://prayerguardusa.blogspot.com/