Captain’s Log, Supplemental
Update: I rewrote my post when I discovered Madame was talking specifically about Bible reading and not just reading in general. My point is essentially still the same.
I admit I’m torn about this quote.
I do enjoy meditating on the Bible. Certain passages deserve the time and mental energy to dwell, savor, contemplate, investigate, journal about. Those are some of my closest times with God.
But I also started the Bible in 90 Days challenge last year, and it was the most incredible experience I’ve had in a long time.
I had never read the entire Bible through before I did the Bible in 90 Days. I always lost interest in the normal books—the Pentateuch, usually around Leviticus somewhere.
For the Bible in 90 Days, the point is to just read. Keep reading. Don’t skim, necessarily, but don’t dwell, either. (I admit I broke this rule a lot if there was something completely out in left field—then I’d look it up in my Study Bible notes so I’d understand what was going on.)
I got through Leviticus in 2 days. Numbers in another 2 days. Deuteronomy in another 2 days. Suddenly I was in Joshua and I was past the books of the law.
I’d done it! I’d broken through my normal stopping point.
I learned more about God and the history of Israel than I’d ever learned before in years of Sunday School. God would make passages jump out at me in the midst of my reading—I’d highlight them, then go on. I’d end my reading time each day with a sigh of wonder at how much of His character He’d revealed to me.
I didn’t savor or meditate or dwell on passages the way Madame suggests, but God met me there each day and fulfilled me in ways I had never expected.
Don’t get me wrong—I do enjoy the times I savor my Bible passages, but I also learned the incredible experience of reading through the entire Bible. It was amazing in ways I can’t even describe.
So, while I know most people favor the mediate-and-savor method of digging into God’s Word, I have to plug the Bible in 90 Days challenge, too. I am incredibly richer in my knowledge of God through the experience.
Do you agree or disagree with Madame Jeanne? With me? Feel free to speak up—everyone knows that I always do!
And visit Laurel Wreath, the host of this week’s “In Other Words.”
Blog book giveaway:
To enter, go to the blog links below and post a comment there.
Two books for moms by Jenn Doucette
She’s Out of Control by Kristin Billerbeck
"Those who read fast reap no more advantage than a bee would by only skimming over the surface of the flower, instead of waiting to penetrate into it, and extract its sweets."
~ Madame Jeanne Guyon ~
Update: I rewrote my post when I discovered Madame was talking specifically about Bible reading and not just reading in general. My point is essentially still the same.
I admit I’m torn about this quote.
I do enjoy meditating on the Bible. Certain passages deserve the time and mental energy to dwell, savor, contemplate, investigate, journal about. Those are some of my closest times with God.
But I also started the Bible in 90 Days challenge last year, and it was the most incredible experience I’ve had in a long time.
I had never read the entire Bible through before I did the Bible in 90 Days. I always lost interest in the normal books—the Pentateuch, usually around Leviticus somewhere.
For the Bible in 90 Days, the point is to just read. Keep reading. Don’t skim, necessarily, but don’t dwell, either. (I admit I broke this rule a lot if there was something completely out in left field—then I’d look it up in my Study Bible notes so I’d understand what was going on.)
I got through Leviticus in 2 days. Numbers in another 2 days. Deuteronomy in another 2 days. Suddenly I was in Joshua and I was past the books of the law.
I’d done it! I’d broken through my normal stopping point.
I learned more about God and the history of Israel than I’d ever learned before in years of Sunday School. God would make passages jump out at me in the midst of my reading—I’d highlight them, then go on. I’d end my reading time each day with a sigh of wonder at how much of His character He’d revealed to me.
I didn’t savor or meditate or dwell on passages the way Madame suggests, but God met me there each day and fulfilled me in ways I had never expected.
Don’t get me wrong—I do enjoy the times I savor my Bible passages, but I also learned the incredible experience of reading through the entire Bible. It was amazing in ways I can’t even describe.
So, while I know most people favor the mediate-and-savor method of digging into God’s Word, I have to plug the Bible in 90 Days challenge, too. I am incredibly richer in my knowledge of God through the experience.
Do you agree or disagree with Madame Jeanne? With me? Feel free to speak up—everyone knows that I always do!
And visit Laurel Wreath, the host of this week’s “In Other Words.”
Blog book giveaway:
To enter, go to the blog links below and post a comment there.
Two books for moms by Jenn Doucette
She’s Out of Control by Kristin Billerbeck
Comments
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week's IOW quote.
Blessings on your day and always...
I am glad God really blessed you in the 90 day journery. That is what he loves...faithfulness.
Blessings.
This was my first visit to your blog, Camy, and I think it looks great! Asian Chick Lit? Sounds very cool to me! :)
Blessings!