What difference does it make? (Read with Me)
At this point in our Read with Me journey we’ve read a lot of the Bible. Almost half! Some parts are incredibly interesting. Other parts are … well, the catalyst for skimming and the reason many people never make it through a challenge like this.
And So-and-so begat this person who begat that person who begat someone who was killed after he broke a seemingly innocuous law of God, but only after he begat another name I can’t pronounce who only had daughters (the poor wretch) and they all made up this tribe that numbered blah-de-blah thousand people who inherited a land I’ve never heard of.
You all know I hold the Bible in utmost esteem. You also know I’m honest. I am not mocking or making light of it at all. Quite to the contrary! All of Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching and edification. So, why is some of it so boring?
I admit there are days I complete my readings with glossy eyes. I walk away wondering what difference it makes. Since Jesus freed us from the necessity of animal sacrifices, why should I care how many bulls or rams or goats were murdered by which tribes thousands of years ago? What application can I find for my life within the census of an ancient nation?
We’re all reading a lot and I don’t want to burden you with more, but if you struggle with these same thoughts, let me recommend something.
The Power of Praying Through the Bible
by Stormie Omartian
(Harvest House Publishers, 2008; Available in paperback or Kindle)
This title by a familiar author presents a devotional organized in biblical order (Genesis to Revelation). Each incorporates a personal application and a prayer prompt based on the specific Scripture highlighted. Now, not every piece of the Bible is given a devotional. This morning I looked for something on Luke 5 and found nothing. In fact, she skips the whole first ten chapters of Luke. The majority of the book (about four-fifths) is devoted to the Old Testament, which is where most people have trouble finding application anyway.
So, how are you doing? Are you still with us?
Has anyone blogged about their journey? I would love to link up, if you have. Just let me know and I’ll insert a Mr. Linky so everyone can share.
Posted on June 18, 2010, in Bible Reading, Bible study resources, books, Read with Me. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Love Stormie!
What a great idea to add something more to those parts that just seem so unimportant. I feel awful saying unimportant, because if it’s there it has to be there for a reason…..
Thanks for keeping us so on track and encouraging us, I think I would have completely thrown in the towel by now if it weren’t for you!
I found delving into the historical settings and past makes so much of the Old Testament come alive. There are wonderful historiacl DVD’ s done by Biblical historians that are real gems.
See if you can find some on the old cities and the TELLS.
Herman, you’re absolutely right! I actually LOVE the Old Testament and have taught many classes on specific times, cultures and characters. I’m thankful for resources (like videos, commentaries and devotionals Omartian’s book) that help with the less-than-exciting parts, though — like Leviticus and Numbers!
Still here…the end of school treachery has me behind, though I’ve decided to not get too upset and throw in the towel. In 2 weeks I’ll be able to start a whole new schedule for 2 months and reading is one of the things I’m going to do more of…beyond the devos even. So, I am confident I’ll catch up in no time! I’m about 1/2 behind for June, nothing awful, but you know how easy it is to get discouraged! Perhaps I’ll read one of the Stormie books…though I think it will be the power of a praying WIFE! And I agree with everyone who says thank goodness for this accountability, Tanya, and you for all your work you do to get it going each week! I hope your move goes super smooth! (as super smooth as a move can go with kids!)