This blog started off as a homework assignment. I was taking an Old Testament Survey class and the professor wanted us to journal along, in a manner of our liking, throughout the term. My time in that classroom, under the teaching of AJ Swoboda, changed my perspective of who God is and vastly shaped the way I read my Bible. After the term ended, this blog became a space to sort out my thoughts, sharpen my writing skills and receive compliments from my parents, who are perhaps the only ones that read it.
I've always had a God-given appetite for Scripture. When I obtained a Bible in a decent translation with a reasonable commentary, I was hooked. I carried my Bible in my purse and pulled it out at any free moment (flip phone era). I consumed Paul's letters on my lunch break at work, I scanned the Psalms waiting in line for my latte, I poured over the gospels on my couch in my apartment. I don't think this habit is worth bragging about, or worth you feeling bad about if you don't do this. I consider it a gift. Some people discipline themselves into regularly reading the Bible, and some people naturally do it. I struggle greatly with eating clean and exercising regularly. I dislike running and I really like packaged chips and chocolate milk. I'm thankful for friends in my life who extend their healthy lifestyle to me. Friends who invite me along to a yoga class or a long walk, and who share vegetable-filled recipes with me. I feel so much better when I make healthy choices, but it's work for me. Hard work. This comparison got me thinking that perhaps my love of reading the Bible is something to be shared.
I've been reading the Bible on a daily basis for the past five years and it has changed my life. My marriage. My relationships. My attitude. My choices. It anchors me to who God is and pulls me out of the dark, lonely place my anxiety-ridden self circles. I've been in plenty of conversations over the years with people who feel distant or unloved by God. At some point, it comes out that they haven't been reading their Bible and an excuse is offered.
"I don't understand it." (That's fine. It's confusing. Dive in anyway.)
"I don't have time." (You do, actually.)
"I don't get anything out of it."
That's fair. It's hard to know where to start, it's hard to follow (get a chronological Bible, it's great!), and it's especially hard in culture today to read anything longer than a status update or news heading.
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I started reading through the Bible chronologically with my friend Bethany a few years ago. I struck gold on that one. Not only is she habitual about her daily quiet time, she is wise beyond her years with a wealth of knowledge about Scripture, a humble wit and forgiving nature. In the name of accountability, we started reading the same books and sending quick emails to each other every day about what we read. I was always richly encouraged by what she shared and hopefully, she was encouraged by what I shared.
So, not that the world needed another blog: but we started one! Biblewithus.com is up and running as of today. We will be sharing daily reading prompts as we read through the Bible. Our first book is 1 Samuel and we'll cover two chapters a day. Daily application, direction and snarky anecdotes will all be included. We're also giving people the opportunity to share what they're reading and guest blog. I don't think I'm the only one who experiences insight while reading the Bible, so I'm looking forward to reading what you have to say!
Follow along at here. We kick off on Monday!
