I have not been paid to say this

[chestnutcurls]

Kathy and I got this great deal at Blockbuster, and we've been telling everyone about it. For 27 dollars, you get a card that entitles you to one free DVD or movie rental per week for 10 weeks. Then, when the Lord of the Rings DVD comes out, you get one! Since we would have bought it anyway, and since we rent at least one movie a week, this was a great deal for us. If you watch a lot of movies, it's definitely worth checking out.

On a completely different topic, I've been reading through Kings during my own Bible time. It's fascinating, and sometimes confusing, since Israel and Judah have different kings at different times. I made a chart, and that has helped. I'm almost done, so now I'm trying to decide what to read next. I've been in the Old Testament for a while now, since I started with the Samuels and continued into Kings.

Here's a good question. What do you do for your "quiet times" (if you don't mind sharing)? Do you have a method of reading the Bible? Do you find yourself gravitating toward any particular book or section over and over? (I hesitate to ask about "favorite" books, since all of Scripture is God-breathed and useful, and I'm not sure we should have favorites.)

I read through books, but not always in order. I try to balance the Old and New Testaments, and I have a chart showing how long it's been since I read each book. I read a chapter each morning, and then I write in my prayer journal (I concentrate better when I'm writing things out, rather than sitting there). I should (and would like to) read more each day, but I already get up as early as I can stand to. I'm not sure what to do about that.

Anyway, please share. :)

Comments

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

Lawson actually taught me how to do quiet times in a way that I like. I've been more consisten this way, though I still miss days and have been a REAL slacker lately. Basically I say a very short prayer before reading, then I read just one section (usually about 3-10 verses) and in a little journal I write a summary of what it was about along with some thoughts or questions I have with it. Or how it relates to me.

I used to think my quiet time had to be this long drawn out intense time, always in the morning, where I get some revelations. When I finally chilled about that, and just took a few minutes out of my evening (that's my better time right now) to read some of the Bible, then I could just appreciate it for what it was. Time with God. He doesn't have to reveal anything super insightful in the passage for me to feel like I've contributed to my relationship with him. Just by the action.

Anyway, I started in Matthew and I will probably finish a book at a time, but not necessarily go in order.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

I like that! That's a very good idea. I think it's better to read shorter sections and really understand it than to devour whole chunks at a time and miss something important.

The only reason I have my time in the morning is because that's the only time I'm not busy. I used to have it at night, but then I didn't feel like I could spontaneously do anything because I had to have my Bible time. You're right- we need to look at it as time with God, and not this big pressure for us to figure everything out. Like we can anyway. Thanks for reminding me of that. :)

[(Anonymous)]

I'm ashamed to say that I don't have a "quiet time" during the day. I catch myself talking to God or reflecting on things He's saying to me during the day, but I've been horrible about reading my bible, and I have no excuses. Now I feel all convicted....

Little Bear (http://littlebear.blogspot.com)

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Hi!

Don't be ashamed! Read what Jessica has to say, above. :) Time in the Word is very important, but I don't think we need to pressure ourselves the way we do. I think the best thing to do when you don't feel like reading/praying is to first pray for the desire to do so. I think God is happy to answer that prayer.

I like your blog. Thanks for visiting and commenting! :)