Bible reading Archives - Lauren Sparks

A few months ago I heard someone on a podcast refer to their time with God as the “daily office”. I loved this so much that I have adopted it. “Quiet time” and “devotions” can both be valid, but time in prayer, bible study and meditation are truly the work of the Christian life. And my daily office is a top priority for me. I must confess that it usually doesn’t happen in a quiet house in a cozy chair while drinking my coffee from a pretty mug. That is – at this time in my life – a romantic dream. And it doesn’t always happen at one time for me. I try to attack prayer and scripture meditation before I leave the house in the morning and prayer again before I go to bed. Key word being TRY. And there are often short arrow prayers shot up throughout the day. And my time reading scripture? It sometimes happens on the treadmill or waiting in the pick up line at school. I have two part time jobs, 2 busy kids and a house to maintain. So I choose to make it a fluid part of my day. It’s what works for me.

It can be challenging to stay connected and engaged when the most important part of my day is often sliced up into bite sized chunks. But I have a feeling some of you might relate to a harried schedule. So I’m sharing my favorite Bible study tools.

My Christian Planner. I use the calendar pages to write out scriptures I want to memorize, to jot down prayers and to praise God for the thing I am most thankful for that day. It also gives me pages for sermon and bible study notes and anything else I need to write down that’s important. You can find one like it here.
The Echo app for my phone. This prayer tool allows me to record requests, descriptions, add an image and add a reminder of when to pray (such as a surgery or doctor’s appointment date). It also gives me the ability to mark a prayer answered or simply delete and has a prayer timer to help with this discipline.
The Devotable App. I have had the privilege to write daily devotionals for this handy instrument. For days when time is running really short or I’m on the go, a short scripture, perspective and prayer keep me in line.
The Blue Letter Bible App. The capabilities of this tech make me a much better student. I can search for scriptures by simple terms or exact phrases. It also contains a concordance, explanation of original word language, translation comparison, text commentaries and cross references.
NIV Quest Study Bible: The Only Q and A Study Bible. This new tool may become my favorite. I was gifted a copy by the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid and am amazed by all it offers. 1000 people where asked, “What questions do you have about this portion of the Bible?” Focus groups decided what questions should be included alongside the biblical text. As an example, the margins beside Proverbs chapter 22 contain the answers to these questions: “Why does God make some rich and others poor?” “What is the explanation for God-fearing people who are poor or unhealthy?” “Will good training guarantee that children will not rebel?” And it designates for us the top 100 most asked questions. This Bible’s study helps include beautiful color maps, a dictionary concordance, subject index and prayers, promises and perspectives from the Bible. Order one here to pump up your study time.

What are your favorite tools for time with the Lord? Comment below. One of yours might become my NEXT favorite!

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Summertime is movie time, and I recently talked my husband into paying good money to go see The Hustle starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. Don’t come at me Hatha-haters, I think she is alright. The main reason I wanted to see it, however, is that it was marketed as a remake of the 1988 cult classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Steve Martin and Michael Caine. I love Steve Martin and I LOVED this movie, which Rotten Tomatoes certifies at 89% fresh. Now, I don’t always agree with the Rotten Tomatoes critics, so I was undeterred by it’s paltry 15% rotten rating of new flick.

I should have been deterred. Rebel Wilson, who I think can be charming, has built her career thus far on the cheap and easy laugh. My husband hates that type. But he loves me. Bless him. So he endured what was, mercifully, a short cinematic disappointment. The stars, frankly, lacked charisma and the whole thing fell short of the wit and appeal of the original. I know, I know. Remakes are never as good as the original. Except sometimes they are. I loved The Fugitive (ok a TV show remake, but still a remake), the new Aladdin (critics didn’t really agree with me), Ocean’s 11, The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Hairspray! Even my beloved Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a remake of a 1964 movie called Bedtime Story.

As much as I love a good movie (let’s face it, even a mediocre one will do), I think I still prefer reading for both entertainment and enlightenment. I post here often about my latest literary conquests, as I devour novels and comedic tomes as well as biographies, memoirs, and other forms of non-fiction. Perhaps my favorite, though, are contemporary works written about the Christian faith. By studying the stories and research of others, my beliefs are often strengthened, encouraged and challenged. Some of my recent favorites are:

The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament by Aubrey Sampson

Winning the Heart of Your Child: 9 Keys to Building a Positive Lifelong Relationship with Your Kids by Mike Berry

Stolen Jesus: A Unconventional Search for the Real Savior by Jami Amerine

Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science by Drew Dyck

It’s a Love Story: From Happily to Ever After by Lincee Ray

Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You’re More Like Jesus Than You Think? by Jonathan Martin

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in the Need Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp

A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkel

All very different and, in my estimation, excellent works.

But…much like The Hustle, none of these compare to the original. The Bible. The OG.

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It makes no sense to spend more time reading ABOUT the Bible than I do reading the Bible itself. But I’m guilty. I mean, when have I ever claimed to make sense? But I want to do better. Often, another author can give me insight into a scripture passage that I’ve never seen before, or add a personal story that gives me deeper understanding. These are good things and one of many ways we can encourage each other in the faith, but the BEST way to get to know God is to go straight to Him and His words.

I’m not cutting back on my reading habit. I wouldn’t know how! But I want to make sure I’m discerning and seeking God’s voice above all others. I read recently (yes, in one of my books – the last one in my list) that, “Christian is the greatest of all possible nouns and the lamest of all possible adjectives. it’s meant to describe a person, not a thing.” A person can be a Christian. A book, song or movie cannot. And just because someone is a Christian doesn’t mean their art has merit for me. Many Christians have wildly differing views of theology. So what is a blue stocking to do?

Give weight to the source of a recommendation. Not everything labeled “Christian” is worth your time, money and intellectual energy. When someone I know and trust likes a book, I’m much more likely to pick it up than if I see a review in a magazine.
Hold what you are reading up against scripture. Does it jive with what you know to be true of God’s character and His commands? If you aren’t sure about something, research it. Pray about it. Ask a pastor, friend or mentor for their take.
Don’t just skim over scripture references. Look them up. Read commentary on them or reference the Blue Letter Bible (by app or online) for information on the meaning of words in the original language. Are the verses used in the appropriate context? Double check me too!
Use good books to compliment your study, but focus your study on the Bible. God’s holy word. That is the true meat. Our daily bread. Everything else is gravy.

Happy reading!!