Eat This Book 1

(OK, let's get this out of the way: it's been a month since my last post, forgive me. Also, credit for my titles this week goes to Eugene Peterson's wonderful book of the same title taken from the passage in Revelation 10.)

“The important thing is to begin”

These words came from a website designed to help people get moving, to get exercising. It was designed to help those who had not been active at all in their lives (because of weight or other health issues) and now they wanted to start. I got thinking…

This could apply to those of us that need a jump start in the discipline of Bible reading or Bible study. I am going to use this blog this week to offer help in getting started, recommitting to, or digging deeper in our studying of the Bible. This comes from my sermon from two weeks ago. Eastside readers you have a head-start on where I am coming from and where I’m headed with all of this.

Part one, today, is designed for those of us who are “getting started” (see bottom of this post). I am going to get us into the habit. Experts in the field of time management seem to agree (for the most part) that it takes 20-30 days to create a habit. One resource I found answered questions about forming a habit. The best question was the one that asked, “Why does it take 21 days to create a habit and only one to fall back into old patterns?” Unfortunately, there is some truth to that when it comes to the Spiritual disciplines. So, let’s get started; begin; read Scripture for all it’s worth (and more).

In tomorrow’s Part two, I am going to flood you with Bible reading plans from all over, plus a story from my life with scripture. Actually it’s my mother’s story but really her story with the Bible is my story.

On Wednesday, Part Three emphasizes reading with purpose. Take notes; ask questions.

In Part Four on Thursday I will list some helpful resources to have while studying and we’ll look at the discernment needed to use them. Remember, God has given scholarly gifts to other people too (and a lot of them are a whole lot smarter than you or I).

Finally, Part Five on Friday will deal with this question, “What kind of glasses are you wearing?” Don’t know what I mean? Well, you’ll have to wait until Friday!

Here’s something today to get us into (or back into) the Bible reading habit. It's called 20/20. It’s not original with me; I just can’t remember where I picked it up along the way (I think it was Reg Cox – seems like a good reference even if it wasn’t him). 20/20 basically means reading 20 minutes per day for 20 days, thus creating a habit. I’m even going to give you the bible verses to read. Some days it might not last the full 20 minutes. My recommendation here is to pray for the rest of your time about what you just read. Here goes, read on friends:

Day 1: Genesis 1 – 3
Day 2: Gen. 12:1-3, Exodus 20:1-21, Deut. 6:4-9
Day 3: Ruth
Day 4: Psalms 23, 51, 148
Day 5: Psalm 78:1-7, 86:1-13, 139
Day 6: Proverbs 3 & 4
Day 7: Isaiah 40 & 53
Day 8: Matthew 5 & 6
Day 9: Matthew 7 & 13
Day 10: John 14 & 15
Day 11: John 16 & 17
Day 12: Luke 22-24
Day 13: Acts 1-4
Day 14: Romans 1-3
Day 15: Romans 4-6
Day 16: Romans 7 & 8
Day 17: Philippians
Day 18: Hebrews 11
Day 19: James
Day 20: 1 Peter