A few weeks ago I wrote about How to Start Reading the Bible because if we want a relationship with Jesus it’s best to go straight to the source – His Word. And that is what we all want, right? We want to know Jesus intimately and personally. That’s His desire for us as well. The Bible is His love story to us and He wants us to read it.
But reading the Bible isn’t easy. I won’t pretend like it is. It can be quite intimidating. So I wanted to give you some practical ways to start reading the Bible and some ideas that have helped me.
This past weekend IF:Gathering hosted the first conference in Austin, Texas and all over the world in local gatherings. I didn’t go to Austin (but how awesome would that have been) or attend a local gathering, but I’ve been frantically trying to watch the online livestream of the talks. They are disappearing after Monday, so by the time you read this they’ll be gone. However, you can buy the download copy here. Some of the speakers were Christine Caine, Ann Voskamp, Rebekah Lyons, Bianca Olthoff, Jennie Allen, Jen Hatmaker – and others.
But today is starting something new with IF. It’s IF:Equip. This is the next step to learn more about Jesus, to become more like Jesus, and to serve others with the love of Jesus. The process is simple. All the details are right here. They’re starting in the book of John.
So if you haven’t started reading your Bible yet, now’s your opportunity – with a community of women who are seeking the same thing you are – Jesus!
Last week I shared with you the one reason you need to read the Bible – to claim God’s promise of an abundant life. Most of us agree that Jesus came to earth to give us eternal life, the first part of John 10:10b that says, “I came that they may have life”. But it’s the second part of that verse that we doubt – the part that reads, “and have it abundantly.”
Jesus came to earth so that we can experience abundant life NOW! We experience abundant life through a relationship with Him, by knowing His character, and understanding there is a bigger, eternal story He is writing.
I followed Jesus a long time before I started reading the Bible. That is before I read the Bible on my own outside of Bible study and Sunday school and church.
In college I sat on my bed one night with my Bible open to some random book. I had no idea what I was reading, but I just knew I should be reading it. My roommate walked in, and even though she was a Christian too she looked at me in a peculiar way communicating, “Why are you doing that?” Even in Christian circles reading your Bible was just not done. It was almost faux pas. You were definitely crossing over to the Bible-thumping side.
Sometimes I would go into my apartment after work on Friday evening and not come out until Sunday. Having talked to no one. Having seen no one. Then I would go to church and even though I talked to a few people it didn’t make a difference. My lips moved but my soul still ached. I knew that in a few short minutes in would be over. I’d be back in my apartment again – alone.
Nothing reminds you that you’re single like weekends do.
After I moved inside the city (before I lived outside of Atlanta), I became more involved at church, and my community grew. There were less desperately lonely moments, but they never went away totally.
No matter how big your social circle there are going to be lonely times when you’re single. The choice is whether you fall into them or resent them. I pray you fall into them.
I have to tell you, I’m a full-on morning person. My very favorite time of day is 5 o’clock in the morning. I come downstairs, black still covering the pre-dawn air, my big overstuffed chair with tufted buttons waiting for me, and of course, the coffee already brewed.
After pouring that first cup, and sitting deep into my chair, legs folded up criss-crossed, my chatting begins. I talk to Jesus, there in the silence, sometimes even out loud. Then I open my Bible. And He talks back. (more…)
Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I am totally addicted to podcasts. They are the best part about having an iPhone. I can now listen to pastors and writers and bloggers from all around the country (and even world) while brushing my teeth!
If you’re not familiar with podcasts, they are digital files – like audio or video files – that can be downloaded onto a portable electronic device. And of course, there’s a podcast app. Nowadays, many churches have their weekend sermons available for download as podcasts for you to listen to or watch anytime you want. Many writers, bloggers, and business people also produce podcasts.
My favorites change every so often, but here’s what I’m listening to now:
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This one’s a staple. I am slightly biased because this is where I went to church when I lived back home in Atlanta. But besides that, Andy Stanley is still one of my favorite pastors. What I love about his sermons is that they are rich in the Bible but very practical. After listening to one of Andy’s sermons, I feel like I’ve learned something new about the Bible and I know how to use what I’ve learned in my life! A supplement to the weekend messages is the Your Move podcast by Andy. It is from past sermon series.
Oh wow!! I can’t say enough! Right now this is my absolute favorite pastor to listen to! I appreciate the depth of Bible teaching that Matt Chandler uses. After listening to a sermon, I feel like I’ve been in a seminary class. I also appreciate his no-nonsense approach. He talks about tough topics and doesn’t apologize for it or go for a “feel good” approach.
With Matt Chandler, this is a top favorite! And it has its very own app. Who know how you have these questions you want to ask your pastor but never get the opportunity? Like “Would you attend a gay ‘wedding’?” Yes, that’s on there. If I have a quick question about something, I check here first just to see what John Piper has to say about it.
This pastor I found out about through reading Beth Moore’s blog. He is Beth’s son-in-law. I’ve listened to him a few times, but I really like his messages. I tend to like pastors who dive head first into the Bible. Curtis does that.
I haven’t listened to Craig Groeschel in a while , but I do like his preaching. In my opinion, his style is a little easier on the brain, meaning that it’s not as deep maybe or theological as say Matt Chandler, but I still recommend him!
Do you know Tsh from The Simple Mom blog? Well, she does a very fun blog about, well really, anything! From blogging and writing to traveling and renovating homes to public school and homeschool, she talks about all of it. The format of her podcast is her and another blogger talking just like they would talk if they were sitting together over coffee. It’s a lot of fun!
This one’s just fun! It’s a new one for me, I haven’t listened for long, but this two moms talk about everything, too. And they do it with a lot of humor! When you want to relax, listen to The Big Boo Cast!
How can you go wrong with Michael Hyatt, right? Every one of his podcasts are very practical and at the same time inspiring. No matter what “business” you’re in – even the stay-at-home-mom business – you can glean tons of wisdom from Michael Hyatt.
And here is one that I want to check out but just haven’t yet – The City Church by Jude Fouquier. Have you listened to him? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
This list is obviously not exhaustive! What would you add? What are your favorite podcasts?
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