I have a friend who does not know that we are friends. Actually, he died over 100 years ago. Don't worry, this is not as creepy as it may sound. J.C. Ryle was a faithful pastor in England who preached and wrote with simplicity. He loved Jesus Christ and the Bible and I have often turned to his writings when I need to shake up my routine.
I recently came across one of his thoughts on the good of Bible reading:
"I want people to fill their minds with passages of Scripture while they are well and strong, that they may have sure help in the day of need. I want them to be diligent in studying their Bibles, and becoming familiar with their contents, in order that the grand old Book may stand by them and talk with them when all earthly friends fail. From the bottom of my heart, I pity that person who never reads their Bible. I wonder how they expect to draw their consolation in their time of need."
With this in mind and the turn of a new year upon us please consider the following options and increasingly make it your practice to ready the Bible everday in 2012.
On Behalf of the Leadership Team,
Matt McAlvey
Read Through the Bible Chronologically in a Year
The Daily Bible in Chronological Order. Is a great format to follow in reading through the entire Bible in 366 (leap year 2012!) days. The daily readings are formatted chronologically with insightful comments that paint the scene for what is about to be read with historical and spiritual insights. You can pick up a copy at Books by the Park (BBTP).
Read Through the New Testament in a Year
The One Year New Testament (OYNT) has become our most recommended devotional at PKS. Many people on our leadership team use this resource for their personal Bible reading. The OYNT is always available at the bookstore or you can get it sent to your inbox at www.parksidechurch.com/readthebible.
Read Portions of the Bible With the Help of a Friend
Morning & Evening includes a Bible reading for the morning and evening along with three or four paragraphs of his reflections about the passage. Alistair updated the language in the devotional portion a few years ago and helped bring the work to a new generation. You can pick up the older and newer version at BBTP, or our friends at Truth For Life will send it to you in a daily email at www.truthforlife.org/devotion.
