29 December 2008

How will it be in 2009?

During the 28 years of my Christian life, I have had various seasons of success and failure when it comes to the vital discipline of a daily quiet time. My constant new years resolutions and then subsequent feelings of guilt and failure became a common pattern.
I also found it extremely unhelpful when those in positions of spiritual leadership sought to encourage us by saying that "it's not so important to have a QT every day". Surely the Biblical ignorance that prevails in our churches and youth groups today can be attributed to the lack of time spent reading the most important book of all "God's Word"!
Over the years I have tried many different reading systems; daily Bibles, reading plans, reading notes, devotional books, Bible in a Year, etc. (Some of the most popular notes used today are giving people a 'Happy Meal' when what they really need is a Christmas Dinner...)
This past six months I have been using 'Explore' Bible reading notes and they have blessed me more than anything I have ever used before. Here's why:
  • they are meaty and theologically reformed
  • applications are often for those in Christian leadership
  • there are no unhelpful anecdotes - just precious Bible
  • verse by verse exposition and application
  • they are written in a contemporary but reverent style
  • readings are based on the beautiful ESV text (the perfect companion to an ESV study Bible :) )
  • the 'Bible in a Year' chapters are listed below each page
  • the back flap can be filled in as a weekly prayer guide
  • a year's subscription costs only UK £12 / Overseas £15 (I have it sent to me in Germany, it always comes in good time and I find it great value!)
Several friends and colleagues have also started to use 'Explore' and have testified to it's helpfulness. Try it for yourself and let me know about your experience.

4 comments:

  1. AnonymousWednesday, 31 December, 2008

    Hi Gary, Claudia, Joel and David

    Hope you had a good Christmas. Every blessing for 2009.
    We continue to enjoy the pictures and the updates posted on your blog.
    Greetings to all

    Eddie and Beth

    ReplyDelete
  2. Family BlogsFriday, 02 January, 2009

    Hey Gary,
    Good thoughts here. We've also REALLY benefitted from Explore - everything you've said about them has been our experience over the past few years as a couple.

    Just want to wish you as happy New Year as a family, and to say thanks for all of your support and encouragement throughout 2008.

    God bless,
    Andrew, (Carolyn and Grace)

    ReplyDelete
  3. GaryFriday, 02 January, 2009

    Hi Andrew and Carolyn, come to think of it, it was probably you who first recommended 'Explore' to me last year. Thanks! May God give you loads of emotional strength for the next few days as you prepare as a family to move out to missionary service.
    Gary & Carolyn
    ------------
    Thanks Eddie and Beth for your interest and prayers. We really appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. GaryFriday, 02 January, 2009

    For those interested in other Bible reading plans, you should find the following link extremely helpful http://theologica.blogspot.com/2008/12/bible-reading-plans.html

    ReplyDelete

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