I discovered a Bible reading method this year called,
BibleReadingPlan.org
It arrives daily in my email (with Sundays off) and is limited to a chapter a day. This girl is not getting through her Bible in a year! The plan alternates between new and old testaments, so I’m not limited to one or the other. When I finish one book, the next day a new book arrives in my email, to surprise me (I love a good surprise).
It’s awesome!
There’s a small summation at the end of each chapter, a few questions that can be answered or not, or used in a life group. And quotes or links to further explanations if needed. So far I’ve read Numbers and both Thessalonians and enjoyed the experience.
It’s also not YouVersion. I loved that platform when it appeared. Now it seems to be overrun by celebrity pastors, curated ladies studies, and thousands of thematic bible devos, often in 7 days or less. Like anyone can tame their temper in 7 days! And how in the Sam Hill can you even decide which one to read! But I digress.
My current Bible book to read is,
Jeremiah
Oh Jeremiah! The weeping prophet. I have read the book before, but I grant you that I’ve probably fallen asleep while on a 1 yr reading schedule. I’ve definitely lost track of who is speaking and to whom, and I know I’ve never been able to figure out when it’s actually all taking place. But this time I’m persisting. If there is a theme to this book it’s got to be,
“Idolatry is wrong and God will punish it”
I’m only in chapter 11 and I can already affirm that idolatry has gotten Judah into deep trouble. God even told Jeremiah that he won’t hear his pleadings or prayers for the people anymore…(7:16)
Scary
Naturally, the summation each day is a personal application asking me if I have an idol, or am I consumed by an idol, or how can I avoid idols, or am I in danger of making something an idol…
Understandable
Taking this a chapter at a time is helpful. I get to ponder some of the more heinous aspects of Judah’s crimes against God. And I get to read how God views those crimes. Adulterous is one of his oft repeated, metaphors.
My head spins
There was a quote from Timothy Keller in one of the summations that gave me pause,
“Idolatry happens when we take good things and make them ultimate things”
It’s been years since I’ve heard a message or read a devotional warning me of idolatry. So just in case I was guilty of this grave sin, I made a list of things that are good, or neutral but might also become idols.
Perfectionism, excellence, possessions, physical appearance, finances, pets, sports, church, the Bible, politics, friends, health, children, worries, news, opinions, careers, issues, family, knowledge, technology, TV, church serving, fabric (sewists will know), and who knows what else is out there calling my name!
I wish I could make exercise and vegetables idols…
My smart phones automatically qualifies. The absence of it sends me into a tailspin of anxiety. It lives on or near my body almost 24/7 and I am a slave to its demands. My social media feeds, email, texts and games occupy my eyes in the car, while watching TV and even at the dinner table. It might as well be my hand or foot. And I don’t think I’m unusual. I’ve seen millennials with their phones. They don’t even look at their children when they’re in public!
How to rectify? HA!
Another thought experiment path I’ve gone down is,
What has the American church made into an idol?
Hmmmm
Pastors, leaders, events, repetitive prayers, bible studies, serving, music, worship styles and teams, websites, tithing, programs, programs, and more programs…
Maybe I’ll leave that one for now
I don’t mean to abandon all the things that give me joy or fulfillment in my life simply because they may become, or already are, an idol. My smart phone is still going to be on my person regularly and of the above list a few of those will never go away!
But at the same time, reading this book, certainly causes me to pause and look at my habits, passions and behaviors in light of God’s command to love him above all else. Along with valuing serving widows and orphans, as pure religion.
Do I do that? Do I love serving because God asks it, or because it brings me recognition? Do I love reading my Bible because I love God, or so that I can be knowledgeable in the dialog of my faith? Does my smart phone provide me with meaningful connections I wouldn’t have without it? Or does it simply control my every waking moment?
Maybe it’s not entirely an either/or answer, maybe both can be possible without dipping into the idolatry category.
Whatever the case, I will persist in my reading. The book has 50+ chapters so it’ll be awhile before I’m done. I hope I don’t give up! And I pray that my next book will be one of comfort and encouragement instead of something like,
Romans
And just so I don’t neglect to add pics, here are a few I took from the road of the mountains and sky
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