Ottakee Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 I am trying to decide what to do for next year. I have done various read through the Bible in a year programs and done most of Explorer's Bible Studies in various books of the Bible. I would like something that is 5-7 days a week, may 15 minutes or so a day. I am fairly conservative Baptist. A friend suggested Jesus Calling. Anyone use that? Reviews pro or con? I would like something that is encouraging and a challenging with some application but is based in Scripture....not just someone's thoughts with a verse or 2 for "back up" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 Very favorite is My Utmost for His Highest, but I confess sometimes I can't quite follow the train of thought. I don't really like Jesus Calling, even though I know lots of people who love it, including my dad (he tends to be liberal but searching and somewhat traditional) and my dear friend (she was baptised as an infant but fell away from the church and came back after a Beth Moore study I held,and is really on fire! lol). I just don't necessarily want just the thoughts of a devoted Christian who is listening for what God says to her. I don't know--it just rubs me the wrong way, somehow, although I'm usually fine with the traditonal mystics. For the most part, just reading the daily readings in my One Year Bible has worked the best for me. Even though there's no commentary, what I read often relates to my current life and questions and struggles and situations. I know the brain searches for patterns, but it's more than that. So , I usually read along for a few weeks, then I get to an exciting part and read several day's worth in a row, and get all out of sequence! lol Yeah, that was helpful. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 I really like Jesus Calling, but I don't really think of it as a bible reading program - it's a devotional. I am doing a modified Professor Horner program this year... Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 I don't recommend Jesus Calling. I do recommend the M'cheyne plan - it's just right without too much volume (like the Horner bible system, which is my favorite but can be too long for some stages of life). http://www.mcheyne.info/calendar.pdf There are automatic versions of it in the Olive Tree bible software and Bible Gateway, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 24, 2015 Author Share Posted December 24, 2015 I don't recommend Jesus Calling. . May I ask why not? I am seriously interested in different perspectives. The friend that suggested it to me said she has done it 2 years (not in a row) and it was the best thing ever.....but I am a bit more conservative than she. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 May I ask why not? I am seriously interested in different perspectives. The friend that suggested it to me said she has done it 2 years (not in a row) and it was the best thing ever.....but I am a bit more conservative than she. Here is one perspective, which I'm sure not everyone will agree with. (Tim Challies, Christian blogger) I haven't read much of the book, just excerpts here and there. I don't like that she seems to set herself up as a prophet. That may not be her intent, but that's how it reads to me. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 This is a different option. This pastor teaches chronologically line by line, one verse per day. There is a teaching followed by a devotional prayer. He generally follows a Southern Baptist theology. I have followed him on Facebook for several years And look at this, today's devotional (Dec. 24) includes this comment: "It is best to not accept any supposed vision from the Lord at this time." Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 (edited) My Utmost Devotional Bible. http://www.amazon.com/Utmost-Devotional-Bible-James-Version/dp/0785203877/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451029812&sr=1-2&keywords=my+utmost+devotional+bible It has a daily reading from Oswald Chambers, from a variety of his books, not just his My Utmost, then a daily reading from the OT, Psalms, Proverbs, and the NT. The Chambers reading is tied to the Bible reading, the passage it is tied to is highlighted. I really love how the short devotional is directly tied to the scripture. I have read through it many times, I have tried other things, but keep going back to this for a daily reading. Edited December 25, 2015 by ElizabethB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 Very favorite is My Utmost for His Highest, but I confess sometimes I can't quite follow the train of thought. I don't really like Jesus Calling, even though I know lots of people who love it, including my dad (he tends to be liberal but searching and somewhat traditional) and my dear friend (she was baptised as an infant but fell away from the church and came back after a Beth Moore study I held,and is really on fire! lol). I just don't necessarily want just the thoughts of a devoted Christian who is listening for what God says to her. I don't know--it just rubs me the wrong way, somehow, although I'm usually fine with the traditonal mystics. For the most part, just reading the daily readings in my One Year Bible has worked the best for me. Even though there's no commentary, what I read often relates to my current life and questions and struggles and situations. I know the brain searches for patterns, but it's more than that. So , I usually read along for a few weeks, then I get to an exciting part and read several day's worth in a row, and get all out of sequence! lol Yeah, that was helpful. My Utmost makes more sense when it is tied to the Bible, you need the My Utmost Devotional Bible, too! (link in my post above.) You will get your one year Bible plus Oswald Chambers, plus the scripture link he was (hopefully, I think other people chose them) thinking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmtzc2009 Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 (edited) I would not recommend Jesus Calling. I think the book has been such a success because it gives the reader feel good statements and wisdom that the author has (supposesedly) received directly from Christ. She started hearing when she was purposeful to seek God's voice. Hardly any scripture is used in the devotional. It gives me serious pause to listen to anyone who speaks on behalf of Christ. Just my two cents. Edited December 25, 2015 by Momof3IL 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 25, 2015 Author Share Posted December 25, 2015 Thanks all. I have the Jesus Calling on hold at the library to look at. My friend said she just loved it and it had Scripture all written out and then she would go to her Bible and read the context verses, etc. With that, it might, maybe, possibly work for me but I do not agree with special, person revelations, etc....God's word is complete and yes, being still and medidating on it can show us what He is trying to tell us, just not that a certain person has a personal "in" and gets to hear extra. Hope I explained it well. The Oswald Chambers one looks good. I might order that one. The verse a day might be good to follow on line but I want more than a verse a day for my personal study. I am very picky :-) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 As a planner addict, I liked: http://www.quiettime.org I also liked Change Your Life Daily (Becky Tirabassi) And this program: http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/company/products/gardentryst.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Oh brother. I brought this on myself, clearly: Monogrammed and everything. I said thank you and didn't even cringe :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 26, 2015 Author Share Posted December 26, 2015 Article mom....love the gift. :-) Today I am going to a local thrift store All BY MYSELF that is known for their huge (and super cheap) selection of Bible Studies and Devotionals. I hope to find something appealing today. My other thought is to find a daily prayer/Bible reading journal and use that with my Daily Bible (a chronological Bible that has some commentary) and read through the Bible in a year but add the prayer/journal aspect as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Oh brother. I brought this on myself, clearly: Monogrammed and everything. I said thank you and didn't even cringe :lol: Oh, Taryl. :lol: :lol: :lol: After reading your post on the other thread that he knows how much you dislike this book, I have to think that your fil is a piece of work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Oh, Taryl. :lol: :lol: :lol: After reading your post on the other thread that he knows how much you dislike this book, I have to think that your fil is a piece of work. Haha! Believe it or not he is incredibly sweet but very absentminded. What stuck in his head was how much he loved the book and that I do bible studies too. He completely filtered out and ignored my reservations on that book, which I've been very diplomatic in expressing to not pick a fight unnecesarily. He is such a sweet and gentle soul, I guarantee this was him just not listening carefully or forgetting what I said, not intentional. Which kind of makes it even worse :rofl: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Article mom....love the gift. :-) Today I am going to a local thrift store All BY MYSELF that is known for their huge (and super cheap) selection of Bible Studies and Devotionals. I hope to find something appealing today. My other thought is to find a daily prayer/Bible reading journal and use that with my Daily Bible (a chronological Bible that has some commentary) and read through the Bible in a year but add the prayer/journal aspect as well. Good luck! Let us know what you find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Article mom....love the gift. :-) Today I am going to a local thrift store All BY MYSELF that is known for their huge (and super cheap) selection of Bible Studies and Devotionals. I hope to find something appealing today. My other thought is to find a daily prayer/Bible reading journal and use that with my Daily Bible (a chronological Bible that has some commentary) and read through the Bible in a year but add the prayer/journal aspect as well. Re the bolded: Oh, if this is the F. LaGard Smith commentary, I love that Bible! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 26, 2015 Author Share Posted December 26, 2015 Re the bolded: Oh, if this is the F. LaGard Smith commentary, I love that Bible! I had to look but yes, it is the same one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 26, 2015 Author Share Posted December 26, 2015 Good luck! Let us know what you find. I found out that, after I waited in the cold car for an hour for their opening tume (minus getting a donut) that the thrift store was CLOSED for the holidays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 I enjoyed this one. Brief commentary for each reading. Just as it says, a Bible "companion"! http://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Bible-Daily-Reading-Companion/dp/1615212698 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 (edited) If you like ESV, there is a Daily Reading Bible based on the M'Cheyne reading plan! http://www.amazon.com/ESV-Daily-Reading-Bible-Through/dp/1433534878/ (This is just the Bible, divided up...no commentary that I can see.) There is also this one that I've wanted to read for years, but always balked because I don't prefer the NIV. LOL http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Bible-F-LaGard-Smith/dp/0736944311/ Edited December 26, 2015 by 6packofun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 26, 2015 Author Share Posted December 26, 2015 There is also this one that I've wanted to read for years, but always balked because I don't prefer the NIV. LOL http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Bible-F-LaGard-Smith/dp/0736944311/ I have that one. I don't prefer the NIV but in this format I found it was just fine as I was reading the story of the Bible, not doing an in-depth verse study. There is also a daily devotional that goes with this. Seems to be out of print but is used on Amazon for under $10. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 I found out that, after I waited in the cold car for an hour for their opening tume (minus getting a donut) that the thrift store was CLOSED for the holidays. That seriously stinks :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 I have that one. I don't prefer the NIV but in this format I found it was just fine as I was reading the story of the Bible, not doing an in-depth verse study. There is also a daily devotional that goes with this. Seems to be out of print but is used on Amazon for under $10. In the same boat, not caring for NIV. But after using Story of the World for so many years, I was thrilled to use a chronological Bible!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 (edited) I often just go with a favorite author and see what an Amazon search turns up. I have enjoyed ones with readings from Luther, Calvin and other Reformers, edited by contemporary theologians or writers. I have done My Utmost for His Highest and it was fine. I like Spurgeon better. Morning by Morning is widely available. The Valley of Vision is a collection of puritan prayers. Current authors whose devotional books I have enjoyed: Tim Keller Michael Card John Piper Nancy Guthrie Nancy Leigh DeMoss Richard Foster I agree with Tim Challies' review of Jesus Calling. I find fluffy, emotive devotional books insulting, especially since they are almost exclusively marketed to women. I prefer ones written by people who could do or have done some serious academic work in theology and also have many years of ministry and life experience. Edited December 27, 2015 by ScoutTN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 27, 2015 Author Share Posted December 27, 2015 Thanks for all of the input. For inquiring minds, this is what I decided: The Daily Bible. This is a Chronological NIV Bible with Commentary. I already own this and did this twice already but it has been a few years. http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Bible-F-LaGard-Smith/dp/0736944311/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451181747&sr=8-1&keywords=the+daily+bible+in+chronological+order+365+daily+readings+new+international+version I prefer NASB version but for daily reading of the entire Bible this is fine. There is not a lot of commentary but what is there is very helpful as to setting, cultural things, etc. He combines passages that are repeated (like some things in Kings and Chronicles, the Gospels, etc) which makes for much smoother reading flow. Then this year I am adding the Devotional Book that goes along with it. It has a short one page devotional and thought provoking question for each day that ties into the Bible reading from the Bible above. It seems to be out of print but lots of used copies for under $10 with Shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Bible-Devotional-One-year-Chronological/dp/0736922113/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451181868&sr=8-1&keywords=the+daily+bible+devotional I have not seen this is person but the on line sample looked pretty good. Then finally I am adding in a journal. This is new thing/big step for me as I am not a write down your feelings/touchy feely person. I had a T J Maxx gift card and today when we were there I found a nice embossed leather look RED journal with lined pages and a silk book mark. For some reason it just made me smile. My goal is to write down at minimum the date, Scripture references that were read (like Gen 1-3) and then write out a verse from that day's reading that either means a lot to me, was something I had not keyed into before, is a key verse for this section of scripture, etc. I might also add in any special prayer requests, thoughts, etc. I do appreciate all of the help with thing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 Oh brother. I brought this on myself, clearly: Monogrammed and everything. I said thank you and didn't even cringe :lol: You should be able to remove the engraving and pass it in to someone who might enjoy it. A friend of ours had a bible with a name enbpgraved on it. The cover had come loose when it was virtually brand new. We took it to a man who does book binding. He removed the engraving and put the cover back on . You could not see where the engraving had been, I should have asked him what he used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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