Get In The Word {31 Days: Day 11}

What’s that saying about being a leader? Something about looking behind you and making sure someone is actually following you? I think about that a lot with my kids. Am I someone they can follow?

The only way I’ll be the type of person worthy of following is like Paul, I follow Jesus:

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

My kids are only going to go as far with Christ as I’ve gone. They aren’t going to know to pray, if I don’t pray. They aren’t going to know God’s Word if I don’t know it. So, I have to stay connected to God through His Word.

I find that when I’m out of practice in reading God’s Word, my parenting skills go downhill. But when I stay buried in His Word, I am more in tune with Him and His Spirit. You’ll also find your children wanting to copy you in this discipline!

For me, I always want to read the Bible. It interests me. It’s just that I never know WHAT to read!

So, today I’m going to share some devotionals, some helpful site and other ideas to get you into God’s Word! I am by no means a holy, Bible expert. I’m just a busy mom like you. And these are some of the things that have helped me–resources that are quick, easy and have encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.

1. Treasured: Knowing God by the Things He Keeps by Leigh McLeroy.

I actually got this book as a review for my personal blog a long time ago. And I was so pleasantly surprised when I started reading it. It’s like a love letter from God every time I read it. It’s easy chapters, lots of scripture and some beautiful personal examples. I keep this one with my morning-Bible-study stuff and read it whenever I’m in between books.

2.Take Flight!

Robin Jones Gunn is one of my heroes. And this book is such a simple heart-fill-up. It starts off with a story by Robin, then a mini-devotional from Cindy Hannan. And again, this book lives up to it’s name. There are so many times I’ve sat down to read it and my heart has taken flight!

3. HelloMornings

I started getting up before my family every morning almost 2 years ago. I read my Bible, take a shower and sometimes just check twitter and facebook. But the point is I’m up before my kids. And that is really what has enabled me to spend time with God on a regular basis. If you are new to having a quiet time, to reading the Bible or to Christianity, THIS is the best group of ladies. There’s lots of accountability and help from normal women just like you. I highly recommend Hello Mornings.

4. The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

I mentioned Stormie’s The Power of a Praying Wife on Day 1 of this series. And I’m telling you, if you got up every morning and read one chapter from each of these books, you would feel empowered! It’s such a great focus as  a wife and mom. Plus they are FULL of scripture. It will encourage you to crack open the Bible and see what other promises God has for you!

5. The Bible in 90 Days

*gulp* I started this in July and did not stick with it. But I am so excited about the next challenge coming up. It is the coolest thing to read about 12 pages a day in order! You read things you’ve never read before, you understand it a little more because you’re reading it in order. I highly recommend it. And hope you are not discouraged by my failure! 😉

{Update: I did it!! I read the whole Bible in 90 days!}

6. Sermons

Whenever I’m not sure what to read or study, I like to go back to the sermon my pastor preached the Sunday before. I’ll look up each of the scriptures he used and the passages around them. Then journal about the application given. It’s like meditating on the sermon for the whole week!

7. Topical Non-Devotional Books

I read The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns last year and it changed something inside of me. Stearns is the President of World Vision and the book tells his story from big-wig CEO of fancy-shmancy companies to sitting in a hut in Rwanda with two orphans. And the heart change that came after.

You can’t take these kind of books as equal to the Bible. But they will encourage you, show you new aspects of scripture and the Christian life you haven’t considered before. You can use these books as sounding boards to your own study!

8. Online Bible Studies

Some of my greatest online friends have developed all kinds of fabulous resources for daily communion with God. Katie Orr has some simple Bible studies that fit every schedule. She Reads Truth has an app with all kinds of great content and ongoing studies.  Women Living Well also has several reading plans and challenges during the year.

What’s your favorite way to study the Bible?

 

photo source: Sharon D Pruitt