- Read Your Bible Everyday
- Grow a Garden
- Serve People Outside Your Circle
Nine-ish years ago I attended a homeschool co-op in service/enrichment day for the parents. I remember two things from that day.
- My hair still smelt of last night’s campfire and several people asked if I had been smoking a brisket–I wished. I love some smoked Texas brisket!
- I learned about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his daily Bible reading recommendation of reading 2 chapters of the Old Testament and 1 chapter of the New Testament in order each day, along with a psalm and proverb.
When I returned home that afternoon and shared with my husband, John, this simple, but deep Bible reading plan, he absolutely loved it! John was all in, full steam ahead. Started the very next morning. He just used the Audio Bible App on his phone. First, he listened to NIV. When he finished the entire Bible he started over with the Message translation, then the King James translation. There may have been another translation I’m forgetting.
Me–well, I did not jump on the daily Bonhoeffer reading plan. I made excuses. I justified. I have to get up and make everyone breakfast. These kids keep me from sleeping (that is totally true and could be its own book). I read Bible stories to the kids. I help them memorize 24 verses in a school year. I follow very godly blogs. I have my go-to scriptures. God knows my heart. I don’t have time to read 3 whole chapters every day. Hello, devotionals. Someone else can read and give me notes. John, you do you and I’ll do me.
(Of course, none of these things are wrong. They are all good things to do. The wrong was my heart and attitude!)
Years went by and John finally landed on the Daily Audio Bible App, DAB for short. It’s an awesome resource that goes through the entire Bible in a year and gives historical context. It has a community and people pray for one another. I’d hear bits and pieces, or sometimes I’d relisten to something that John wanted to share or discuss. But I still sat on the sidelines for another three years, until life circumstances broke me down to a position of humility. A place where God’s word sprinkled in wasn’t enough to sustain me. I was either going to wilt and die, or I’d need to get deeper roots to hold me upright.
I’m thankful I chose to plant myself deep into the soil of God’s word. (And for a husband that puts apps on my phone saving me time). John knowing I’m a black and white, all or none, messy perfectionist that gets stuck when I can’t do it right–gave me the best advice he’s ever given me.
He said, “Don’t worry about the few days you’ve missed this year. Just jump in. And If you miss a day, don’t worry about it. You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just jump on the one for today.”
Those were the “rules” my heart needed to be free. My husband is pretty awesome.
It’s crazy! I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but I just started my third time going through the Bible with DAB. I have no regrets. There isn’t a day that goes by and I think I wasted 30min listening to the Bible. I can’t say that about all my choices.
But let me be clear. It’s not a cakewalk. I still have to fight all the other temptations on my phone in the morning and make a choice to listen to two chapters from the Old Testament, one chapter from the New Testament, Psalms, and a Proverb. I have to NOT be distracted by chores, daydreams, and to-do lists, and believe me there are some very boring parts of the bible. There are things I don’t understand. (I’m still growing). I definitely don’t retain everything. And there have been days that it didn’t get done, although fewer skipped days than I would have predicted.
It’s all a journey. Nothing is lost or won in a day. I just keep plugging along. And I promise reading/listening to large portions of the bible each day will grow you closer to God. If a year seems too big a commitment, just start with January and see how you feel in February.
There are lots of yearly plans out there, both written and audio. There are Facebook groups if you desire to do this with a team. By doing the Old and New Testaments together I’m surprised at how many days have a common theme. They aren’t as separate as I’ve believed. But I also think its possible to gain a lot by just reading one chapter of the New Testament in order each day.
I encourage you to stop settling for a verse or two and jump in deeper. If it doesn’t draw you closer to God, come tell me. I’ll make you a cup of coffee and you can tell me I’m wrong. I won’t even argue.
So that is number 1 in my 3 ways to Grow Your Relationship with God series!
I’ll meet you back here to go over the number 2 way you can grow with God this year—Growing a Garden!!!
Growing With God 