My video blog today talks about falling behind in our reading. Well, I regret to inform you that that was me this weekend. I sure didn't plan to fall behind, but Saturday morning right after I got up, my husband and I changed our routine. That caused me to not read my Bible like I usually do in the morning. I was ok with that because my plan was to read that evening. Sounds logical, but as the day went on and I got busy, it never happened. The worst part is I didn't even realize it until my head hit the pillow late Saturday night. At that point, I was tired and I caved. So how did I handle it Sunday?
Well first off, I was feeling like a loser because I didn't meet with God on Saturday. And, there was even a little temptation to not read again Sunday morning because, after all, I was a loser yesterday so maybe I still am today (you know that old mind game, right?). But I didn't give in. I pulled out my Bible and read first thing in the morning. It was so refreshing and I felt great afterwards. Sure glad I didn't give in to Satan trying to convince me about that loser thing. :) So I messed up but didn't lose sight of the fact that every day is a new day. So if I stumble or completely fall down, I can start fresh anytime. How freeing.
So how are doing? Have you been able to stick with your plan? Whatever the case, remember there's still time to read today and the whole week is ahead of you. You can do it. Make this your best week yet. Tami W.
You asked how we are doing and I thought I'd let you know that I am doing great! I have had a few days to myself (finally) and have been able to spend some great time reading through some of the books of the bible I haven't in awhile. And then I noticed you guys have a new series and I am totally stoked about that. It's nice to know you are our bible reading coach though :) I guess that beats a bible reading couch.
Hey...it's early! :)
I used to feel I was OBLIGATED to read every day, like it was a duty that if I didn't perform I was letting God down. I'm not saying I advocate a hit and miss routine. But when I finally realized that reading my Bible is how I get spiritual nourishment, and how I get to know God better, I could see it is no longer an obligation or duty to perform but a necessity for MY growth and to empower me. I still have days where I neglect to come to the table, sometimes because that old message of obligation repeats and I unfortunately rebel against it, instead of confronting it for the lie that it is. But God is faithful and just and forgives me that and welcomes me back to his table every time!
Tami I can certainly relate to you. I have missed reading for a few days, and condemnation came flooding in like a broken dam. Then I had an illness flare where it made it impossible for me to read. So the last few days have been really tough.
What a blessing to read your blog. The Lord is good. He knew exactly what I needed to get me back on track. Thank you for your encouraging words and willingness to share.
God's Blessings be upon all of us!!
Hi...
This is the first time I read with the P4 program. I will try to read it during my lunch breaks at work.
I guess (without wanting to boast or something) I would not really need another reading program. I already read the Bible in various ways every day. If I did not do that, it would go downhill with me sooner rather than late. The Word of God is spiritual food and drink that all of us need as badly as we do normal food and drink. Or maybe even as air we breath.
We can do without food for some time and without drink for a shorter time, but still about 2 days. But we cannot do without breathing for more than a couple of minutes. And that is if you are really good at holding your breath.
Well, that is how it is for me with God's Word. I need it as much as I can get it, :).
I have to be very honest, that I personally haven't missed reading the Bible for a very long time (Daily). But reading the Bible to our Kids, that is a different story. There is where my weakness comes in. I know NO excuse here. I have read the Kids Bible, 4 times through, 374 pages Bible, to our Kids, but still, I'm now on my 5th time, now I realize that I hardly find the time to do 'it. Usually we read before breakfest, but now when there is no School, they are still sleeping, when I'm going to work. So I have to make a change there.
Keep it up everyone, Love you all
Everytime I read these commands, I feel like a Family.
Wow! Anita said just what I was thinking but so much more eloquently! We, as humankind need to discipline ourselves to do almost everything that is good for us, but when we learn what a delight and not a drudgery it is to come to our Lord and to read what He has to say to us, realizing that the Holy Spirit is within us to guide, it makes a great difference in our attitudes. Hit and miss, "hurry-through-this-chore" thinking does us no good at all...and leaves us empty. God gave us pastor/teachers for a reason...to help us understand the history and background of what we are reading.... so having a study guide or audio teaching :-) to go along with what we read is invaluable.
This is not a comment specifically about this blog, but just an observation/question to ponder. I admit I have never read much in Exodus, but I am struck as I am reading these last couple weeks, about how SPECIFIC God's instructions to Moses are. It seems to me remarkable that God specified everything so exactly. Why would have have such a specific design in mind for the tabernacle, the oil and incense, etc.? What came to mind for me is how God is the original architect of the universe, and also how it must be pleasing to him when we design something beautiful like a building, or a piece of art, or perform something amazingly intricate like the olympic gymnasts, or a symphony - although we can never get it perfect like God can, still he made us in his image, and he clearly appreciates detail.
Just some random thoughts. Would be happy to hear your views!
Hi Tami
I too missed reading for a few days. I must say I got sidetracked and each time I said I would do it later in the day I just never got around to doing it. I must say for those days everything just went downhill. I have now gotten back on track thanks to your encouraging words.