Every once in a while a resource comes along that is very helpful to utilize - if not in every particular, then at least the general idea. I came across such a resource some time ago developed by Pastor Dan Serns (now Central California Conference president) that I believe could help in staying connected to Jesus. It is based upon a reading plan that couples books of the Bible with books written to accompany the Bible. The first bookmark that I want to share is on the book of Acts because both the Canyonville and Myrtle Creek Churches have been focusing on Jesus during their midweek prayer/study time and could utilize this during personal devotions to continue that focus. If you have not been to those midweek prayer/study times, then feel free to start coming, but you can also use this resource. Here are the basics of one way (and definitely not the only way) to utilize this resource:
- Sing and Pray - Start by listening to a song. It could be a meaningful Hymn (Give Me Jesus), or a good invitation song for the Holy Spirit to guide (one is available online HERE). Then before each reading ask for the Holy Spirit to guide and speak through the Reading.
- Survey - Look through the whole book of Acts (skim through and notice the headings in bold that correspond with sections of the text or a chapter) and look over the table of contents for the devotional book Acts of the Apostles (click/tap on the title or see below) or skim through the pages and note the content. This is day 1 (whether you start in January or not). An online Bible is HERE. The Acts of the Apostles book in pdf or online is below at the bottom of this article.
- Do the reading corresponding to the day of the month (Ex: On the bookmark pictured here you will notice Acts 1 is the Bible reading and the reading in Acts of the Apostles is Preface & Ch. 1). If doing this in one setting is too much at first, then break it up into segments (perhaps some in the morning and some in the evening). *You can also watch segments of the Book of Acts online via YouTube. Though there are some segments that are definitely acting (one that comes to mind is the Pentecost scene), the Scripture verse by verse is followed (see The Acts of the Apostles movie HERE).
- Journal what stands out to you by answering the questions: God, what are you saying to me through this text/reading? How do you want me to apply this to my life? What is your invitation to me through this text/reading? Perhaps write down sections of what stands out to you. Or pause to sing another song about Jesus as the Holy Spirit impresses you. One that sometimes comes to my mind is Lord of Eternity.
- Pray / Sing - Ask God to lead you as you leave your study time and proceed with your day (if you do this in the morning) or guide you as you start anew the next day (if you do this in the evening). For a possible song to end the time with Jesus and begin the day with Him find a helpful hymn, chorus or maybe another video clip. Some possible ones: I Need Thee Every Hour or I Speak Jesus.
I have journaled with reading plans for years and believe the benefit of such a process (not the method itself but the benefit of spending time focusing on Jesus) has helped me immensely. I can say I would not be the same without it. I believe we each can begin each day with an Epic Journey of discovery that will stretch into eternity. It can literally change our lives as we adjust our thinking and apply what the Scriptures say to our lives. Try it and see how it can impact your life!