Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Today’s reading: Genesis 1-3, Matthew 1
I love my electronic devices. I know we used to survive without PCs and cell phones and tablets. Okay, I’m still surviving without a tablet, but that’s another story.
Today I started once again a read through the Bible. I’ve done this before in several variations. Last year instead of the full Bible, I read through The Story, NIV: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People. I found it a great tool, but lacking the impact of the full Word.
I’m following a plan from Bible Gateway. Each day I will get a selection of Scripture in my email. It’s convenient, all right there in the email. Or I can click to the link. I can read it on my PC or on my phone, and I can read it anywhere. I love that convenience.
But, this morning, I took the references and pulled my Bible off the shelf and read from there.
I don’t know what it is, but there is something about the physical act of turning the pages of God’s Word that makes it more significant. Maybe it’s because I know that I really don’t read anything in depth. I scan news articles, I scan blog posts. Case in point: my wife made a reference to Dave Barry’s year in review (always hysterical). I “read” it, but I missed the specific reference to which she was referring.
It’s all a part of our being so rushed to do everything, a part of being too busy.
So, this year, I’m slowing that part down.
I’ll get the email with the selected readings for the day. But I won’t read them there. I’ll turn the pages and find the reference.
I may not be able to do it in this manner every day. I don’t know everything that 2014 will hold. Truth is, I hardly know anything that 2014 will hold.
But with God’s word in hand, I’ll be better equipped to face whatever may come.
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