March and Plodding

I wrote my last post on Leviticus, a book that many people find a game ender when they are trying to read through the Bible. I was reminded again at church this past Sunday that Leviticus is a difficult book to read through. If you are stuck and can't seem to get started again, I encourage you to read that post, but more importantly post here or on the Facebook page for help and encouragement. Don't give up!

Leviticus

Generally when we begin the plan I'll hear from folks about why they failed in the past. Last month's readings are often mentioned: Leviticus and then Numbers, starting this new month. I certainly understand why they can be game enders. Leviticus begins with a series of sacrifices described in detail, and while each sacrifice is slightly different they are mostly the same. Numbers begins with counting things, mostly people, but again while the numbers themselves slightly vary they format remains the same.

So I write today to encourage anyone who's found themselves stalled in this part of the Bible. You can do it! For some ideas on how to get unstuck:

First, both books do carry more variety than their beginnings convey to the reader.

Next, once you finish these two books, you'll find Deuteronomy which is a recap of the law and prepares the people for their entry into the promised land. I think you'll find it interesting as its focus is the relationship of the people with God.  After that the books of history begin, which make for good story and lots of excitement. So continue on and you will make it through.

Third, if need be, skip forward, skim passages until you find something that catches your eye and start there. At the end of  the year you can come back and fill in OR . . .

Just skip on and don't worry about it. There is still lots more to read.

Reading on a Device

Before the year of reading began I wrote a short post on Bible reading apps available. At the time I thought that I would probably not use such an app except on vacation. After all, I've done this before and I've always used a real Bible and a check sheet of some type.

What I didn't count on was that I was on vacation at the beginning of the new year and I started reading on the Bible app from LifeChurch.tv. And I liked it! Maybe more than the physical Bible itself.

One of the cool things is that as I pushed the next button to read the next item as read each day, the item I had just finished reading would show as checked off on the list showing me what to read. Somehow that tiny action was enormously satisfying. Since I also like to read about organizing projects, I couldn't help but reflect that often checklists are used not only to keep projects on track but to motivate you.

Then the apps creators got me even more excited about their 21 day challenge. Did I win a prize? No. Still it was fun to try to keep reading during that short time period.

So let me remind you that if you find yourself getting tired doing your reading, that you can consider changing up how you do your reading and see if that will help you. Sometimes when you think the way you've always done something is what you like best, it turns out you are wrong.

Building a Cushion

I'm home from church today with a bug. Yesterday I slept most of day away.

Since I skipped last week's post I thought I better post this week, illness or not. My main message today is to read through the extra days at the end of the month if you have a few. This will put you a few days ahead each month, and give you a cushion for days like my day yesterday and maybe today.

Read the Bible, Get Motivated, and Win

You Bible is sponsoring a 21 day reading challenge.

If you've gotten behind this is the time to turn that around and get back on track.

And as a bonus, they will draw some names to win prizes from those who complete the challenge.

Wow! Is that in there?

I was struck several times this week by verses. Since I'm reading on an electronic device, I've been trying to capture those as notes so I can keep a record of them. Whether this is the first time you've read through the Bible in an organized fashion or you've done before, you are sure to come across those moments. Each time I do it, there are new ones.

I thought I'd share one from this week.

Now as Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. [Genesis 32:1 (NASB)]

That's from when Jacob is returning to see his father and Esau after having been with Laban for twenty years. I was well aware of the later encounter of Jacob with the man who wrestles with him, but I had never noticed these angels who met him prior to that.

If you can easily capture these verses, I encourage you to do so (although I would discourage anything that makes you less likely to read).

Slow Start

This is my second post and I wanted to ask how everyone is doing and in particular ask if anyone has had trouble starting or keeping up.

Photo of a Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri). Taken in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last week's post drew one comment on that problem. I'd like to encourage all of you to take a look at those comments. If you have more ideas please post them. While I've done this before, I am not an expert and can use all the help I can get.

I'm of two minds about a slow start. First you might need to rethink your plan or at least put a back up time to read into effect, or think of a way to remind yourself daily to do your reading (if you use a electronic calendar either on your phone or computer that would be simple to do).

However, I would not rule out the fact that it is hard to establish a habit and you need to push through some of the slow start and continue on until doing your reading is routine.

I can't tell you which is the case, but I can encourage you to think and pray about both.