Reading Through the Word

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, 

That I might not sin against You."

~ Psalm 119:11

Photo Copyright 2010 Alycia W. Morales

 

Are you new to reading the Word, wondering about starting a reading plan to get through your Bible in a year, or just love immersing yourself in the Word of God?

 

I remember the advice several immersed people gave me when I first picked up my Bible after dedicating my life to Jesus Christ. It went like this:

 

- Start in the New Testament. Once you've read through the NT several times and are starting to know Jesus, then you can read the Old Testament and see Him throughout it.

 

- Read the gospels over and over and over again. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Get to know Jesus first.

 

- Read a Psalm a day.

 

- There are 31 Proverbs. There are 30-31 days in most months. That makes a Proverb a day. This keeps the _____________ (fill in the blank) away. Note: The Proverbs contain practical, everyday wisdom that can easily be applied to life. Wisdom's voice can be heard in these.

 

- Read a chapter of the epistles every day until you've made it through them. Skip Revelation until you've matured from the milk to the meat of the Word. You'll have a better understanding of what John's talking about once you've gotten to know Jesus intimately.

 

- When you go back to the Old Testament, read from Genesis straight through.

 

I followed this advice, and I fell in love with the Word of God. I didn't get confused as much, and the scriptures came alive to me. I began to see the patterns God has woven throughout the tapestry of His Word. It applied more and more to my life than I'd ever imagined it could. And God spoke to me throughout the Bible.

 

My favorite part of getting to know Jesus has been the hours I've spent immersing myself in His Word. My favorite parts? Matthew and John. Psalms and Proverbs. James. 1 John. Genesis. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. My favorite stories? John's Revelations. The woman with the issue of blood. Esther. Hannah. Ruth. Women who gained God's attention by their heroic acts. Rahab. Men who didn't doubt God's promises. Caleb. Joshua. Gideon. And, of course, the accounts of Jesus' time here on earth. 

 

I've considered doing a new thing here at A. Morales Thinks. I've considered starting in April with devotions based on Proverbs and their application in my life. I'm considering doing one a day for the month, choosing one Proverb from that day's reading. I'd love to share with you what God has shown me throughout life and how His Word still applies to today's trials and triumphs. What do you think?

 

Your Thoughtful Spot: What's your favorite book of the Bible and story from the Word of God? I can't wait to hear your thoughts!