Every year, I begin with the same thoughts: This year, I’m going to dive into the Bible with gusto! I’m going to follow a Bible-in-a-year reading plan. I.am.going.to.read.the.whole.Bible.this.year. I do pretty well for three or four weeks, re-reading Genesis, getting through Exodus . . . . One time, I even made it all the way through Isaiah. But, eventually, my good intentions fall away, my fatigue and busy schedule take preeminence, and I stop reading. Usually in fits, missing a day here and there, then whole weeks; I try to read enough to catch up, but by March, I’ve given up completely. I still read my Bible, but not daily and not in any organized fashion.
Sound familiar? What can we busy moms do to keep ourselves grounded in the Word, without adding guilt onto our heads?
Enter A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year by Diane Stortz, published by Bethany House Publishers. Diane has not only provided a daily guide to reading the Word, she has offered encouragement for the journey, as well.
The first part of A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year is a series of testimonials given by women whose lives were changed by reading through the Bible with a small group. I love this idea. As women, we hunger for relational learning. I have always stalled in my Bible-in-a-year reading, but if I felt part of a community, all facing similar struggles, where I could safely share not only my failures, but also my triumph, perhaps I could keep my momentum. The testimonials are uplifting and encouraging, pointing to the love of Christ, not the legalistic reading of His word.
Next up are brief guidelines and explanations for using the plan, both individually and in a group. Diane also includes a very brief overview of the Bible and how it came to be what we read today.
Finally, come the reading lists. Each weekly reading comes with a brief introduction, the chapters to read, main ideas (checkpoints) from the reading, and an opportunity to journal your thoughts or insights.
I really appreciate the simplicity of the reading plan, which alternates between Old and New Testament writings, as well as the brief commentaries. I’m excited again to jump into the Bible this year, but this time, I’m considering organizing a few other women who might like to join me and discuss our readings. Even if it is only one or two others who want to get together over a Skype or Google chat, I believe this concept of community will greatly encourage us as believers.
I give A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year five stars.
**I received a free review copy from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. My views are my own.**
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