January 2010

I am in the discipline habit of reading through my Bible each year. I try to vary something about the reading to keep growing and to keep it interesting. In 2009 I tried two different approaches both of which proved very enriching.

First I read through the ESV Study Bible with all the notes. I did not read all the articles but I did read all the notes that appeared "below the line." I found them to be helpful being full of concepts and helps in understanding beyond what I expected. I especially appreciated the perspective that kept relating the current portion to the big picture not only of the Bible but even more of the divine plan of history from eternity past to eternity future. I am encouraged that my life every day fits into God’s eternal plan. That gives my life, even the routine, value far beyond what I can see.

Second I invited friends from Valley Bible to go on the journey with me. Nearly 75 people signed up to receive a daily email of a Verse of the Day (VOTD) with a couple of thoughts about it to strengthen our walk with God. Most days I did the devotional from my own reading and sent it out before I read the study notes that were associated with the chapters I read. It was a joy to think of some of you as I read and as I chose a thought to share and thought about how to word it. Thank you to those who journeyed with me.

For 2010 it is time to begin my read through again. I will read through the ESV again and go over some of the notes that I marked in 2009. I will also send out a daily VOTD to anyone who wants to join me on the journey. This year I will seek to incorporate more of those study notes thoughts into the email. I will also choose different verses than I did in 2009.

So I have two options for those who want to read through the Bible with me. You can either read the notes from 2009 which will be posted on http://www.vbefc.org/verseoftheday.aspx. Each day's notes will be revealed on the calendar day. The other option is to sign up for the notes for 2010 by letting me know that you would like to receive them. I send them on a blind distribution email each day. You may either contact the church office by filling out the letters "VOTD" on the Connection Card with your email address on it or you can email the church office at vbinfo@vbefc.org. I will be happy to have you join me.