Yesterday I was chatting with an older and wiser friend, further down the ministry track than I am. We were discussing how often we think we can get more done than we really do. In particular I was lamenting how little I read last year, compared to my sedate goal of six books. The one thing I was glad of though, was my commitment to read my Bible more often and more regularly, even if it meant at the expense of other reading. It is probably obvious to you that reading the Bible is more important than any other book, but I certainly find it tempting to read other things before it.
So, next time you see me, if you ask me how my reading is going, check to see that I’m still regularly reading my Bible. (Right now I’m going through Isaiah. Hopefully a chapter a day and plan to be done by the 18th February.)
And, having said all that, if you’ve got suggestions on what should make my list of must read books for 2010, please let me know.
I’m not really into new year’s resolutions, but if you are, and one was to read through the whole Bible in 2010, or even read through the Old Testament, then check out some reading plans. Go to www.bibleplan.org where you can see the schedule for the year and/or you can even be emailed the readings for each day. The famous reading plan was developed by Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a Scottish minister who died at 29.
Though I’m not into resolutions, I’m into Bible reading and would strongly encourage you to, if you haven’t already, read through the whole Bible.
Yesterday I wrote about my highlight from Engage conference, namely the preaching and teaching of William Taylor from John’s gospel.
I want to reflect on getting and reading the Sydney Morning Herald. This could be my old age, it could be my ignorance and/or I could be plain wrong. Most of all, I’m sure this will sound blatantly hypocritical. After spending the week being reminded of the importance of God’s word taught and spoken, it struck me that all our delegates were offered a copy of the SMH on Saturday morning. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading it. I check out the website most days. In fact I didn’t make enough of the opportunity to read it on a weekend without our children.
A slow start to a Saturday morning with a coffee and the paper is still my ideal Saturday morning. And yet I couldn’t help feeling a little unnerved inside. Part of me wanted to challenge the group from my church, in fact all of us there, who read their Bible before reading the paper? Or, if you’re not a morning person, which is to be expected in the target demographic, did you spend more time over the weekend reading the paper or your Bible?
What do you think? Is it fair to assess our attitudes by our reading habits? Is it fair to expect Christians to spend more time in God’s word than the daily newspaper?
I wanted to give an update and reflect on the reading list I mentioned earlier.
I’ve almost finished the first book on my list, Green & Jackman, When God’s Voice is Heard. It’s been great to read Chappo’s chapter on preparing and giving evangelistic talks. If you’ve never read Setting Hearts on Fire, can I encourage you to do so. This chapter is similar in a lot of what it covers. Not surprisingly however, he covers in more detail the reasons for and the how to of what he proposes in the fuller book. One particularly nice thing about reading it is every now and then hearing Chappo’s voice in your head because he writes like he speaks.
I’m still struggling to get out of bed to read in the morning, but it’s worth it. By really struggling, I think it only happened once last week. Yet, whether foolishly or not, I set my alarm again and was up at 6am yesterday and today. I’m reading through Proverbs, which is a very different experience to most other Bible reading I do. Also, I’m reading through Ephesians and then reading some of the corresponding parts of Peter O’Brien’s commentary. After a recent conversation with a mate from college days, I decided to give up reading through the introductory chapter and got stuck into the commentary on the text itself. Two days in and it’s going well, as in, I’m up to Eph 1.3.
One other thing I’m endeavouring to do is to keep up with Con Campbell’s blog posts about Galatians. These have been really helpful for me to learn more about Galatians and also to watch his method as he starts with the Greek and moves to how to preach. Thankfully they are in bite sized chunks.
Another five books to go and a 6am start tomorrow beckons.
I remember when I was in primary school we used to get silent reading time. It seems hard to find time to read these days. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by four years as a full time student. Maybe life with two little kids is just going to be like this. However, I think it’s important for me to read.
Firstly, to read my Bible on a regular basis. To this end, I’m trying to wake up (and get out of bed) before the kids do. I’m in the process of reading through Proverbs, in chunks and reading Ephesians with Peter O’Brien’s commentary.
Secondly, I want to keep pushing my brain and have set myself the target of reading six books by this time next year. In case you’re wondering, they are: