What a great way to start the year!
Thanks to all of you who have joined us for “At the Feet of Jesus 2019” Bible Reading Challenge hosted on my Facebook page.
It’s been so wonderful to read the insights people are gleaning from their reading each day on the assignment threads. (If you have no idea what ATFJ 2019 is, read about it HERE.)
Here are a few highlights:
January 2nd – “I wanted to comment on Genesis 4:7 “If you are doing what is good, shouldn’t you hold your head high? And if you don’t do what is good, sin is crouching at the door-it wants you, but you can rule over it.” It brought to mind the verse in Revelation 3:20 about Jesus saying He stands at the door and knocks. We are given the opportunity through every choice we make to decide who are we going to let come through that door into our lives and influence others through us? Jesus or the enemy? God says we CAN rule over sin by choosing to do what is right in His eyes, but every time we choose the wrong path the enemy can gain access in our lives. Sobering thought.” – Emily
January 5th – “I was struck by the contrast of 12:16,20 where Abram received goods from Pharaoh for Sarai and 14:22-23 where Abram refuses to take even a shoelace lest the king say he made Abram rich. What a difference it makes when we seek God, and know that He has protected us, Blessed us, provided for us and given us victory… and He will do it again. It is however, unsettling to me when in one situation I trust God with what seems to be my All and in the next incident fear strangles my faith. Thankfully I can say like David in Psalm 5:7… “as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy… “ My heart is deceitfully wicked,… it is only because of God’s Mercy that I am able to enter His presence. Jesus’ shed blood paid the price and He exchanged my filthy rags for His Righteousness! I love how the readings dove tail together. Bless the Lord for His Lovingkindness and Mercy!” – Bobbie
For those who don’t want to use the FREE Bible Reading Journal (Get yours HERE!), here’s how I use the reading highlights format in my regular journal…
Seven Ways to Use the Catch-Up Days
One of the things that makes the Bible reading plan we use unique is that it provides a “Catch-Up Day” every seven days, and several at the end of the month (depending on how long the month lasts).
Yesterday was one of those days, and to be honest, it took me by surprise. I was a little bit disappointed when I realized there was no assignment because I was looking forward to my Bible reading. But then I realized that these extra days can be a blessing – if we use them wisely.
Here are a few ideas:
- Use them as they are intended. If you’ve missed any of your reading, use this opportunity to catch up. As a perfectionist with the motivational gift of laziness, I need this kind of grace :-).
- Read the devotional entry. If you are using the At the Feet of Jesus devotional, there is a reflection question at the end of each entry that takes you directly to scripture. Follow the instructions and write your response in your journal.
- Find something new to reflect on. Go back through your Bible and look for other verses you’ve underlined or highlighted. Choose one to reflect on in your journal.
- Choose a topic to study. Perhaps you’ve sensed a theme in what God’s been speaking to your heart. Using the concordance in the back of your Bible or online resource, do a topical study on the word – such as faith, obedience, trust, etc.
- Read the study notes. I love my study Bible, so I spent some time reading the bottom-of-the-page notes in the first few chapters of Genesis to get a better understanding of what I was reading. You can find commentaries online as well.
- Memorize scripture. Has God used one of the verses to speak loudly to your heart? Write it in your journal several times, then on a card to carry with you. Use the tips in this VIDEO to hide God’s Word in your heart.
- Pour out your heart to God. Use this time to get honest with the Lord. Perhaps you’re struggling with something. Use the journal space to spill it all before the Lord. Invite Him into the situation, ask for His help, then thank Him in advance.
I’m sure there are more ways to make the most of this grace day in our Bible Reading Challenge, and I’d love to hear from you. So please leave a comment below. But before I go, I want you to know it’s not too late to join us!
Here are some posts that explain the challenge, as well as a sign-up link:
I’d love to hear from you…What other ways could we make the most of these “catch-up” days?