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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

New Year, New Bible Study


In just a few days it will be Christmas, yes. But in just a few more days after that, it will be the new year. And with a new year come new commitments. New resolutions. New whispered promises between you and God, you and hubby, you and yourself.

Is one of your promises this year to spend more time with God?

I was there just a few years ago-- inundated with life and wondering how in the world to make time with God a priority... yet knowing that I needed to desperately. And so, I prayed and asked God to show me how. And I didn't have to wait long to hear my answer. He responded back, "You don't seem to need guidance in how to make time for that computer."

Ouch! And boy, was He right. My computer is my lifeline-- my writing, most of my communication, and my hobby (reading blogs and writing my own) are all tied up in this one machine. So I go to it often. And I don't struggle with finding the time to do so, either.

And so, I made God a promise. I wouldn't get on the computer unless I have spent time with Him first. Since then I have spent a year reading "The Daily Message Bible," finally fulfilling my desire to read through the entire Bible. And this year I have spent time going through "Streams In The Desert," a devotion I kept seeing quoted everywhere. And now I know why. It was rich, and deep, and perfect for me this year.

And so, I am looking towards this coming year, praying through what I will read. Many, many women have signed up to go through the Daily Chronological Bible with Wendy Pope at Proverbs 31. We were overwhelmed by the response! Perhaps that's something you want to sign up to do. You can order your Bible from P31 for just $20 (ask for it for Christmas from your husband or mom or sister or friend).

I am taking a risk this year and instead of going through a planned daily reading type book, I am going to read some books that have been sitting on my shelf for awhile, waiting patiently for their turn. Books that I bought intending to study, but never got around to it. Books that are too heavy for my "I'm-too-tired-at-night-for-heavy-reading-I-just-need-something-light" self. Books that begged to be read, yet I can't find the time (here we go again!). And so, I am going to use them for my morning time with God, hopefully reading through a chapter each morning. Most of these have some sort of study questions and an opportunity to dig deeper into God's word, which is what I am looking for.

And so, I am going to share with you a list I have made so far, in no certain order:

  • Self Talk, Soul Talk: What To Say When You Talk To Yourself by Jennifer Rothschild
  • Holy Habits: A Woman's Guide To Intentional Living by Mimi Wilson and Shelly Cook Volkhardt
  • Facedown by Matt Redman (Worship is something I want to learn more about.)
  • Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback
  • Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion: How Praising God A to Z Will Transform Your Life by Debbie Williams (Prayer is something I want to learn more about.)
  • Meet Me At The Well: Take A Month To Water Your Soul by Virelle Kidder
  • Strong Women, Soft Hearts: A Woman's Guide to Cultivating a Wise Heart and a Passionate Life by Paula Rinehart
  • The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd (I know, I have never read it!)
  • Beginning With The End In Mind: Simplifying Life With God's Supreme Priorities by Lori Lane
  • The Ministry Of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

I would love for you all to leave a comment with any others you think I should add! Though admittedly, this list alone might take me alllll year!
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13 comments:

Deanna said...

Thank you Marybeth for your devotional today. It reminded me that I need to start making time for God. I have good intentions that never come to fruition. I, too, work at home on my computer and first thing in the morning turn it on, and turn on the radio to my classical music station, and thus am instantly filling my head and leaving no room for God. I need to find another spot in my house to start my day at, with my Bible. I plan on reading through the chronological Bible this year.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you even more this coming year.

Deanna

Unknown said...

Marybeth,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts today! Through the homeschool "friends" network we are friends on FB and I am familiar with you through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, but this is my first time to visit you blog. And, what timing! Your note today hit the spot!

I have also heard the computer message from God, but guess I haven't really fleshed out what to do with it.

Thank you for inspiring me. I think I shall browse you blog and return often!

Many blessings to you!
Christi

Anonymous said...

Great devo today girl! How we all need reminded to do the first things first.

I am starting a neighborhood bible study in January at my home. Beth Moore's Breaking Free.

And I actually started reading the Chronological bible a couple of months ago.

There are MANY books I've started and not finished....does that say something about my character? A couple I have loved and desire to finish:
They Smell Like Sheep
Come Thirsty
The Shack

Hope you have a marvelous Christmas with your sweet family.
Love you bunches,
Luann

Anonymous said...

The Begging Place is a fabulous book. Enjoy

Debra said...

MB,
The devotion was wonderful. I am going to take the challenge and read through the chronological bible next year. A book i just bought for myself for Christmas is: The Greatest Words Ever Spoken. Everything Jesus said about you, your life, and everything Else. It is a resource book. I just bought it and havent used it yet. But i am excited about using it with my bible readings in 2009.
Blessings

Unknown said...

If you haven't read it already you should check out "Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. I've just started it and it has been so helpful already.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your devotional and thoughts. I struggle with spending enough time with God as well. "Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion: How Praising God A to Z Will Transform Your Life by Debbie Williams" - This is a great book and can really help your prayer life. Keep the great devotionals and blogs coming.

Unknown said...

I would also suggest Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, it really hit me where I am at right now.

Jennifer said...

Marybeth,

What a wonderful post - and devotion today at P31 - both I really needed to read today. Thank you for your openness and helpful suggestions - and especially for your encouragment!

Have a beautiful Christmas!!

Jennifer

buckandbev said...

I am finishing Sally Clarkson's Seasons of a Mother's Heart and am slowing down because I don't want it to end! I will be sure to check into the other SC book you listed! I already feel like there are parts I need to read again.

I too make time to sit at the keyboard and am equally convicted. I love the clarity of the Holy Spirit.

Flamingo said...

Wow! I love the new rule you have for yourself! I may need to incorporate that guideline for myself too!

Julie Zine Coleman said...

I just finished "The Papa Prayer" by Larry Crabb. Excellent. He focuses on the relationship between us and God, really getting to the heart of prayer.

Also "The Shack" is very thought provoking. While I struggled with some of the content, the author really challenges you to think outside the box and adds dimensions to the character of God worth thinking about.

Karolee said...

Karol Ladd's book about being a positive mom is one I keep going back to over and over. It's well-worn. Maybe it's because we share the same first 5 letters of our first names, but I'd like to think there's a deeper reason, like awesome content!