Reading the Bible more in 2008

I've posted some thoughts before on trying to be a better Bible reader. Even if I were able to read the Bible 12 hours a day every day, I'm sure I would continue to find new ways of understanding passages than I ever had before, and would probably feel the need for more Bible study.

My friend Daniel suggested reading the Bible online. As a way of getting yourself to read more regularly, rather than just trying to fit it in in the mornings or evenings, why not read the Bible the same way you read most other important things in your life? I seldom have time for books that I like, but I always manage to check my e-mail.

I found something on the ESV's website where they have a variety of Bible reading plans where you can read the text online every day with a pre-prepared website, or if you're an avid blog-reader like me, you can get an RSS feed of the text sent to your blog reader daily.

Why not decide that every day before you check your e-mail, you will first read the passages for the day? Even if you don't get it every day, wouldn't you be a better person for trying it?

Here is the link to the ESV's page of Bible reading plans. You can read a little OT and a little NT. You can do OT, NT, Psalms, and Proverbs. You can read the NT only every 6 months. You can read it all chronologically. Why not pick out the plan you desire and make it your homepage?

May God bless you in 2008!

Go Micah!

The Miller Family Tree Decorating Extravaganza!

It's that time of year! Here is another special video presentation featuring our beloved supporters, the Miller family, and also featuring special guest Charlie P. I figure eventually I'm going to get myself fired with one of these, but at least I'll be laughing. :-) Merry Christmas everyone!

Mark <><

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Winter Break!

From what everyone said in class last night, it sounds like all of you are either out of classes, or will be out of classes by the time you read this post!

Isn't it amazing that the school year is already 1/2 over?

I know everyone is going to be doing different things, going different places, and enjoying different family traditions. For some, this is a hard season because of loved ones who've been lost.

I hope you all enjoy your much deserved rest from classes for a few weeks!

Mark <><

A really powerful phone call

Chris Steele sent this one in an e-mail to me, and I thought it was really powerful.

Prayers

We have a lot of people in our group needing prayers right now. We need to be praying for Hannah, who's getting ready for another dose of treatment in Colorado. We need to be praying for the Bells and the Stovalls who lost their uncle this last week. We also need to be praying for the Drake family. Things have been extremely rough for them today as Mr. Drake is really struggling to heal from the illnesses he's been facing. This has been a week filled with a lot of tears and struggles, and we need to make sure we go the extra mile to support one another during these hard times. Those of us who haven't been dealing with health problems or losses in our own families need to remember how fortunate we are.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.