Today I finished the “New Testament in 60 Days” reading plan.
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I’ve done it before. I’ll do it again. Sometimes I like reading LOTS of Scripture FAST. I’ve read the entire Bible in 72 days, and again in 90 days. It’s a big commitment... it means less time doing other things (like Netflix and Facebook 😏).
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There is value in reading huge chunks of scripture in one sitting. It’s like FLYING over New York City... you get to see the entire thing. It’s a great experience. BUT it’s not the only and certainly not the best way to become familiar with “the city.” To really know the Bible, you’ve got to slow down from time to time... you’ve got to READ SLOWLY.
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Reading slowly is like WALKING through the city... you’ll see more detail, you’ll get to know the people and become familiar with the streets.
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When I read huge chunks of the Bible, I use @youversion. I turn on the audio, set it at 1 1/2 speed and read along in my Bible while the dude reads via the app on my phone. That way I’m seeing and hearing. If something strikes me and I want or need to read it again, I hit “pause” and go back. #itsjustthatsimple
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When I read slowly, I don’t use the app. It’s just me meandering and pondering.
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I’m getting ready to slow things down a LOT. Tomorrow I will begin a 150 day journey through Psalms (1 Psalm a day) in addition to some reading from one of my favorite theologians, Thomas Oden.
I’ve seen the 20,000 foot view, now it’s time to get up close.
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How about you? Do you enjoy reading Scripture? Have you ever tried reading along with an audio version? Have you ever changed the style of reading (e.g. flying vs. walking)?
#strongheartstrongback
Thinking about fatherhood this morning. Wrote a poem.
Run to the whisper
Though it's usually not loud
It's easily swallowed by the noise of the crowd
The things that are calling and reaching for you
Are stronger and louder and more fun to do.
But soon they will fade and they'll all disappear
And what will be left is a whisper so clear.
The voice of a child reaching out to her dad.
Run to that whisper and you'll never be sad.
A whisper ignored is regret soon to come.
You followed the choices, now you see that was dumb.
Your child was calling but to busy were you
Your job and your hobbies were all that you knew.
She got what was left which was really not great.
Now she's grown and away filled with anger and hate.
That day has not come so don't let it be true.
Run to the whisper that is calling to you.
Say "NO" to the things that steal all your time.
Say "YES" to the whisper, "He's daddy. He's mine." Live today with tomorrow in mind.
Let some things go. Be second in line.
Run to the whisper, the voice of your child.
And when you are old, you'll rest with a smile.
For you listened to what could barely be heard
It became a voice so strong, undeterred.
A voice filled with love, and confidence too
Your child saying, "Thanks Dad. I love you."
#firsthalfparenting
A strong man does not have to hurt you to make his point. He does not need to dominate every conversation and win every competition. He is strong, and he lives quietly with that knowledge.
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A weak man hides his weakness behind faux strength. He is loud. He is often harsh, demeaning, and destructive. Most thoughtful people see through him... and if he has any sense about him, he will be scared of them. They know his secret that behind his thunder and bluster is fear and smallness of heart.
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A strong man is gentle but fully capable of complete savagery. He knows his strength, respects it, controls it, and reserves it for the wrong people at the right time (i.e. the enemy)... until that time he is gentle, kind, gracious, polite, helpful....
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May we all be like this.
#strongheartstrongback
