What’s in YOUR Bible?
I’ve been struggling with my devotional life lately – and by that I mean, I just haven’t been sitting down and having a quiet time like I need to. Sure, I’ve been listening to lots of sermons and reading good blogs, but that isn’t the same thing. A small part of my problem has been that I just don’t know what to read. I usually read a chapter from Psalms and Proverbs every time, and usually a devotional from John Piper’s Taste and See. I sometimes read Daily Light in the morning or before bed, too. And I journal, of course!
(I realized I should add that being a Bible major in college, I’m used to having one or more classes that focus on somewhat intensive Bible study. During the summer, I really miss that addition to my regular quiet times, so it’s even harder to know how to incorporate actual study into what I’m used to doing during the school year.)
But my problem was knowing what other book to focus on next. I had been reading 1 Peter. My mom suggested I read things that will help me prepare my mind and heart for my trip to Peru, so I’m starting with the passage I mentioned in my last post, because of my typical feelings of inadequacy and insecurity surrounding a new ministry opportunity.
I was curious to know, what are you reading in your Bible lately? And how do you usually frame your quiet time?
Pictured above is the ESV Bible I use for most of my reading. I love it! 
See also “Quiet Times” on Delightful Way
i usually read the gospels. john is a favorite… so are the other letters by john. i was reading psalm 71 last night and verse 15 really struck a chord in me. so i wrote the verse down in the underside of my wrist to remind myself today.
i don’t really have a fixed ‘quiet time’ although i’ve heard that it’s good to have a set time. do what works best for you, i guess.
have a fun time in peru. i hear that missions mess people up good
I know this struggle well. It’s like walking into a bookstore and not knowing where to begin browsing. Well, for devotional purposes, just pick a spot and move right. You could go left, but in English Bibles that can get confusing:)
I have had a tendency to stick to Matthew, John, or the Pauline epistles. So recently I had to make a conscious effort to read some minor prophets and non-Pauline epistles. I’m also beginning a study of 1 John. Psalms and Proverbs are great, but don’t forget about Amos, Jude, Job, and Genesis.
I’ve found that three questions can make any passage “devotional:” What does this say about God? What does this say about me? What does this say about my world (the people around me)?
Hey Anna,
I try to alternate reading a book in the Old Testament with a book from the New Testament.
I have found a system that really works for me when I am faithful to be consistent, which was recommended by one of the elders at my church. I read one chapter each morning, and then pick one verse from that chapter to meditate on throughout the day. I write in my journal what chapter I read, and then the whole verse that I picked. I try to list loosely what I think about that verse within the context of the chapter. Additionally, I try to write down how it helps me to love God more, or to be more encouraged to live for him. . .
Then, I have a record of what I have been reading and learning. It’s been helpful to have those thoughts to reflect back on, as well as to encourage me to persevere in the faith when I am feeling down.
I will be praying for you in your faithfulness to the word.
I love these suggestions, everyone. Thank you so much. I especially liked the one-verse-a-day idea that a couple of you mentioned. I will definitely be putting some of these into practice!
I am reading Hebrews right now. I picked it to study for a few reasons. For some reason, I have always found it hard to get through it, so this time, I prayerfully set my mind on it. I also have 3 Bible study books by John MacArthur – Romans, Nehemiah, and Hebrews. So with a Bible study help such as that, I have no excuse to not dive into atleast those 3 books, lol. I go along with each section of the Bible study. I have been doing a section a day. Also, the book of Proverbs. Everytime a new month starts, since there are 31 of them, you can study, in addition to whatever else, a book a day. I like Sarah’s idea that was recommended by her church elder a lot. I will have to use that 
)
I have that same ESV Bible as well. Got it for Christmas from a dear brother in Christ. Mine is black with the celtic cross design )
I used to stress over the same thing. Don’t. Please don’t. All of scripture is good, and God can speak to you no matter where you’re reading from — OT, NT, the Gospels, the Epistles, the Torah… It really doesn’t matter.
That said, I usually read from something from Romans through Jude.
I’m a homeschooling mom of four, and I have to be flexible in my devotional times. Sometimes, I don’t get personal devotional time at all. Sometimes, I have to “make do” with the Scripture passage or Bible story that I’ve read to my kids that day. Sometimes, my “quiet time” is going on an errand by myself and *not* turning on the radio or a CD, but just praying for the whole length of the trip. Ideally, my quiet time is alone on my back patio in the early morning. But, honestly, the “ideal” only happens about 1x/week. This morning, about 3 minutes into it, my oldest (who is 10) came out and just sat quietly next to me, holding my hand. And, you know, that’s OK. There are going to be distractions; I’ve had to fight my drive for Idealism and just make the best of whatever situation I have, continuing on my goal of the “ideal” but not berating myself when the ideal isn’t met.
This morning, I read from Galatians. One part that stuck out to me was 2:1, where Paul says that he served FOURTEEN YEARS in anonymity, basically working to undo the work he’d previously done, not seeking credit, not seeking authorization from church leaders, not seeking any position of status… just working. Fourteen years. Just doin’ the stuff of the Kingdom, just serving, just preaching, just ministering.
Blessings,
~Karen