Since I was 19 I have done a very easy to remember Bible reading plan. Read 2 chapters from the Old Testament and 1 chapter from the New Testament each weekday. On the weekends, read four chapters from the Old Testament both days. This will bring you through the entire Bible in one year.
This year I really shook things up. I found the Coley plan which has you read in seven different areas of the Bible-a different one for each day of the week. There is prophecy, gospels, poetry, history, epistles and something else. The reading vary anywhere from one to six chapters daily. I also have handy dandy boxes to check off on my iPad app. So modern. It has kept me very accountable reading every single day. No misses.
But, this was not the only change for me. I have read from the very same version of the very same paper and ink Bible since I was 19. It is a Newberry, in the old KJV. And I love it. It has years and years of my notes and underlinings. I know where specific verses fall on specific pages. It is a familiar old friend.
This year however, I ditched the hard copy of the Bible and went with the Olive Tree app in the ESV. It has been wonderfully convenient. Plus, reading the verses in just slightly different terms changes the meaning and adds a different dimension. I have really enjoyed being challenged and stretched that way.
And I will be switching back to my old method next year. At least to my hard copy Bible. I am still up in the air as to whether or not to use the Coley method again next year.
Why? Why change back to my paper and ink Bible?
Because I do love it. It is my old friend.
But, more importantly, because when I am reading from my paper and ink Bible, it is very obvious to my kids that I am reading my Bible. Using my iPad has cost them the visual of their mom reading the Bible. Unless I actually tell them that is what I am doing, they have no idea if I am on FB or digging into the Psalms.
And that is not the best thing ever. I want my kids to desire to read their Bibles because this is the example they have seen from my life. I want them to remember their mom as a woman of The Word.
My dad has gotten up early to read his Bible and pray for as long as I can remember. I have memories of waking up early-before 5:00-to use the bathroom, and there he would be, on his knees praying. On the couch reading his Bible.
I want my kids to have those kinds of memories of me. Not just memories of their mom being on her computer all the time. For whatever reason.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
So, what do you think? Do you use a virtual/online Bible or an old fashioned Bible. Why?
