Bible Time

I had planned to read a chapter of Psalms to the children each morning at breakfast during our school year.  I switched it to Proverbs for the month of September after our Pastor suggested to the congregation that we read the Proverb that corresponds to the date (Sept 1st - Proverbs 1, Sept 2nd - Proverbs 2, and so on).  

Today we read Proverbs 5.  It made for some interesting discussion with my boys!  :)  

Do you have a time each day to read the Bible with your children?  If not, carve out a little time somewhere in your day and start reading.  You will love it, I promise.  This one thing makes a big difference in our lives - more so than anything else we do.  I usually read aloud to the kids at breakfast and my husband leads our family Bible time at night.  We aim to start and finish our day in God's word.  

{Deuteronomy 8:3  And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.}  

None of us get too busy and neglect to feed our kids physical food.  Oh maybe for a brief period - we forget to get lunch ready or something like that - but no mama goes days at a time without feeding her children.  Yet somehow we might go days (or longer) without feeding our children spiritual food.  Children do not live on bread (cereal, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese) alone.  

I've been guilty of rushing through the morning, or allowing too many activities in the evenings, and skipping our Bible time.  I'm always reminded when we do resume how wonderful it is and I'm encouraged and strengthened to live another day in this foreign land.  I can't think of anything better we could serve our children.  

Bible Reading Plan

Our family has decided to set a goal to read through the Bible this year.  My husband and three oldest boys have done it before but this time it was our 11 year old who suggested it.  I must admit, I've never read through the entire Bible in one year.  I'm quite excited about it.

We've decided to use this reading plan and read through the passages in chronological order.  If you would like, print your own and join us.

RUN THE RACE WITH FREEDOM

I'm currently doing a Bible study on Becoming a Woman of Freedom.  I'm using a study book written by Cynthia Heald.  This is the second time I have done this study.  I read the book and did the study for the first time back in 1994.  A dear friend brought me this book when my struggle with panic and anxiety was at it's peak.  I grew tremendously during that time and was so blessed by the teaching of the word of God.  I have decided to use this study book again and I'm looking forward to what the Lord will show me this time around.  (By the way, if you live locally and would like to join me, I would love to study God's word with you.  You can contact me through email or the comment section for details.)

From the back of the book...
The Christian life is supposed to be like a race - a race we run freely, unhindered by the burdens of this life.  But often, the baggage we carry holds us back.  It deprives us of our freedom in Christ and makes the race seem strenuous and futile.

If you ever feel that you're making no progress, lacking joy, or being weighed down by your Christian life - in spite of all you're doing to grow and serve - Becoming a Woman of Freedom will give you a second wind.

No matter what your age, circumstance, or spiritual maturity, Cynthia Heald will help you identify and lay aside the burdens that can make you feel "stuck", including:

• Past hurt and loss
• Poor self image
• Approval seeking
• Busyness
• Doubt and fear
• Unhealthy influences

"The goal of this study", writes Cynthia Heald, "is to help and encourage you through the Word, through the thoughts of those who have run the race ahead of you, and through your own reflections on the race you are running."

Becoming a Woman of Freedom will put you on the road to freedom - and help you develop the actions and attitudes you'll need to finish the race with strength.  

Chapter 1  Laying Aside Hindrances:  Running with Freedom

Chapter 2  Laying Aside the Old Self:  Running with the New Self

Chapter 3  Laying Aside the Past:  Running with Eternal Perspective

Chapter 4  Laying Aside Pleasing People:  Running with Fellowship

Chapter 5  Laying Aside Bitterness:  Running with Forgiveness

Chapter 6  Laying Aside Busyness:  Running with Rest

Chapter 7  Laying Aside Anxiety:  Running with Peace

Chapter 8  Laying Aside Doubt and Fear:  Running with Faith and Trust

Chapter 9  Laying Aside the Flesh:  Running with the Spirit

Chapter 10  Laying Aside the World:  Running with Godliness

Chapter 11  Laying Aside Discouragement:  Running with Perseverance

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36

The S.O.A.P. Method

Thanks to goodmorninggirls.org I found a neat bible study idea that I want to pass on.  I showed this to one of my sons and now he is using this method in his morning devotion time.  He says this has really helped him.  I hope this helps some of you as well!

S.O.A.P.

S-stands for "Scripture".  Write out the scripture passage for the day in your own handwriting.  Writing out the scripture helps you to understand it better and take a closer, slower look at the verses.

O-stands for "Observations".  What do you notice in this passage?  You may want to summarize the verses in your own words, but most importantly write down what you hear God saying to you in these verses.  What new observations or insights have you learned?

A-stands for "Application".  How can you apply what you just read to your life?  Make it personal.  Is there something you need to change?  Someone you need to forgive?

P-stands for "Prayer".  Pray over what God has shown you today through His Word.  Ask Him to help you live it out.


Wow!  I love this!!  I really need to "soap" up everyday!!  Don't you?  This gives new meaning to the phrase, "being washed in the word".  Are you making time in God's word a priority in your life?