Happy New Year and Welcome to ATFJ 2019!
Are you ready to read through the Bible this year?
Perhaps you’re one of those highly disciplined people (like my husband), who accomplish this impressive goal every single year.
Or maybe you’re a little less disciplined, like me, and the idea of actually making it through the entire Word of God in a year feels overwhelming.
One way or another, I’m excited to share a plan that has made the Bible come alive to me. As we travel back and forth between the Old Testament and the New, we’re going to see the Good News in a brand new way.
Let’s Get Started!
If you haven’t already gathered the following resources, you’ll need:
- Bible – a translation that you enjoy and understand
- Bible Reading Schedule – click HERE to print (also in the journal)
- FREE Bible & Devotional Reading Journal – sign up HERE
So many people enjoyed the addition of a devotional last year, we decided to include that option this year as well. At the Feet of Jesus: Daily Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart features excerpts from my three Bethany books, as well as all new material not published anywhere else.
Here’s a sample…
At the Feet of Jesus Devotional
January 1
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
I’ve always dreamed of being much more than I am. More organized, more disciplined, more loving…much more “much more,” if you know what I mean! Each January I set out on a new self-improvement program.
This year I’ll get in shape.
This year I’ll keep my house clean.
This year I’ll send out birthday cards. On time.This year—really—I’ll be the loving, forgiving, obedient woman of God I long to be instead of the willful, stubborn, disobedient Christian I sometimes see staring back at me in the mirror.
All noble goals. Truth be told, I am much more at peace when my house is clean. And I believe that if you really love people, you ought to care enough to send the very best—or at least one of those ninety-nine-cent cards from Wal-Mart! And I know that genuine happiness only comes from living close to God and obeying Him.
I really do want to be different. I want to be changed.
As the saying goes, “There’s a skinny woman inside me just struggling to get out.” Unfortunately—as the saying continues—“I can usually sedate her with four or five cupcakes.”
Maybe you’ve discovered, as I have, that most New Year’s resolutions have little effect on day-to-day life except to add a burden of guilt and a feeling of failure. Continually striving, yet never arriving.
I’m so glad we have a Savior who loves us just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way. Jesus will do whatever it takes to return to us the glory of God that we were meant to reflect in the world. So that, through our lives, people might see who God really is.
READ: Hebrews 4:15-16
REFLECT: What does it mean to know that you have a high priest who understands your weakness?
I wish the devotional was available for free online like My Utmost for His Highest is, but unfortunately, it isn’t. To be honest, with 3-4 chapters of Bible as required reading each day, you may want to skip the devotional element altogether.
However, if you’d like to use At the Feet of Jesus: Daily Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart, here are affiliate links that offer good prices:
Here’s How ATFJ 2019 Works
Each Sunday, we post the weekly reading assignments on social media, with assignment threads posted daily on Facebook. Just click on the following links and “follow” to see posts:
We’d love to have you join the conversation that takes place in daily threads on Facebook. Here’s an idea of what the weekly assignment looks like:
THIS WEEK’S READING FOCUS:
BIBLE: Genesis 1-17; Psalms 1-6 (see reading schedule)
ATFJ Devo: January 1-6 (one entry each day)
Whether you are reading a chapter from the Bible or the daily entry from At the Feet of Jesus, or both, God has a word for you today!
Remember…
1. Before you begin, ask the Holy Spirit to remove any preconceived ideas or biases so that you can receive a fresh word from the Lord.
2. Read the assigned scripture portion slowly until something speaks to you.
- In journal, write the verse(s) word-for-word, including the reference.
- Write down how it impressed you.
3. (OPTIONAL) Do the same as you read the daily entry from At the Feet of Jesus.
- If something stands out, write down the phrase word-for-word.
- Respond to what you sense God saying.
4. Take all of it to the Lord in prayer.
5. Leave a comment at blog or in that day’s Facebook reading assignment thread:
- For Bible response, note verse reference.
- For devotional response, note “ATFJ”
Any Questions?
So there you have it! If you have any questions, just let me know here on the blog, or email: info@www.joannaweaverbooks.com. My assistant, Rachel, or I will get back to you asap.
Get your FREE Bible & Devotional Reading Journal!!! Sign up HERE
I’d love to hear from you…Are you going to join our Bible reading adventure?