Inspire, Fall/Winter 2008

24 fall/winter 2008 A Guide to Bible Reading by Dr. Paul Dixon, Chancellor 1. Be inspired by reading a “psalm for the day.” For example, on the eighth day of the month, you read Psalm 8. There are 150 psalms. They are not necessarily written to be read consecutively like most books in the Bible. Ask God to speak to your heart from that psalm. If you don’t get anything out of it, add 30 to it (i.e., read Psalm 38 or 68 or 98 or 128). Surely God has something to teach us if we end up reading five psalms for that day. You may want to keep a notebook to write down how God speaks to your heart. While using an easy-to-read translation, have a pen ready to underline outstanding verses. You may even want to make notes in the margins of your Bible. 2. Find wisdom by reading a “proverb for the day.” There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. Like psalms, they are not necessarily designed to be read consecutively. Therefore, today’s proverb is Proverbs 8. The same technique of making notes is applicable as suggested in the reading of the psalms. 3. Discover the practicality of the New Testament. Choose one of the small books in the New Testament such as Philippians, which only has four chapters. Read it every day for a month with pen in hand. A suggested order after Philippians would be Colossians, Ephesians, and 1 and 2 Timothy. 4. Understand the keys to life by reading the Gospel of John. If you read three chapters a day, it can be read in a week. Do that on a regular basis. In addition to your Bible reading, organize a systematic daily prayer time. Reserve a page in your daily planner for prayer requests for the month: family, friends, etc. Be sure to include praise, thanksgiving, and confession along with your petitions. It’s good to remember that prayer is an honest conversation between close friends. To request a free copy of the bookmark, contact alumni relations at alumni@cedarville.edu or 1-800-837-2566. “I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 A victorious Christian life is directly related to our knowledge and practice of God’s Word. As we look forward to 2009, what better way to embrace the New Year than with a fresh approach to Bible study? Even though Cedarville alumni gain a strong foundation for knowing and applying the Bible, it’s the kind of spiritual discipline I suspect many of us — and our friends and family — can continue to develop. With that in mind, I have shaped some suggestions in the form of a bookmark as a simple reminder and tool for ministry or discipleship. The bookmark provides straightforward, memorable options for diving into the Bible. Four Profitable Ways to Read Your Bible Be inspired by reading a “psalm for the day.” For example, on the eighth day of themonth, you read Psalm 8.There are 150 psalms.They are not necessarilywritten to be read consecutively like most books in theBible.Ask God to speak to your heart from that psalm. If you don’t get anything out of it, add 30 to it (i.e., read Psalm 38 or 68 or 98 or 128). SurelyGod has something to teach us ifwe end up reading five psalms for that day.Youmaywant to keep a notebook towrite down howGod speaks to your heart.While using an easy-to- read translation, have a pen ready to underline outstanding verses.Youmay evenwant to make notes in themargins of yourBible. Findwisdom by reading a “proverb for the day.” There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. Like psalms, they are not necessarily designed to be read consecutively.Therefore, today’s proverb is Proverbs 8.The same technique of making notes is applicable as suggested in the reading of the psalms. (continued on back) 2. 1. Try one of these easymethods in your approach toBible reaading: Bible Profitable Ways to Read Your 4 To secure a $500,000 challenge match for the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies campaign, we need to hear from you by December 31, 2008. Give online and track our progress at www.cedarville.edu/cbts . Just a few more days remain! C enter for B iblical and T heological S tudies