Resolving to Read

Welcome to the new year! It’s a time of relaxation, renewal, and…resolutions. I’m sure you’ve been working on your list of habits to break, or establish, in your everyday life. Although I love the freshness of the new year, it can also bring on a challenging endeavor: to actually accomplish all of these new resolutions. While you may include exercising more, eating healthier, or getting better grades on this year’s To-Do list, I want to challenge you to not overlook one of the most important habits of all––spending time in God’s word. And while this may be a chore at first, I hope that it will soon become the one resolution you actually look forward to (unless you happen to love running and giving up sweets!). For those of you who have already been committed to reading your Bible daily, then begin the year by resolving to continue, even when life is busy and other things seem more important. And congratulations on already accomplishing the most difficult part of many resolutions, which is to start!

This year, Pierce My Heart is including a link to the Bible reading plan for the year so that you can glance ahead more easily than before. We’ll start with two very relevant topics for this time of year––the newness of Creation and life of man in Genesis, and the introduction of a new way to salvation beginning with the birth of Jesus Christ in Matthew.

Like most resolutions, made any time of year, you may have a difficult time reading your Bible daily. While I want to encourage you to find a time and place that works best for your schedule, and to stick with it, I also do not want you to be discouraged when you miss a day or two––or five. Read to catch up, or just start up on whichever day it is. As with many resolutions, there is no harm in re-resolving if and when you fall out of habit.

This year, while we struggle to stay on top of the many resolutions we may make, let’s resolve to keep one in the forefront of our hearts and minds––spending time daily with God.

The Plan

This year’s Bible reading plan was borrowed from Bible-Reading.com. To correspond with the 2009 year, we have included actual dates for your referral. You can print the list below to keep in your Bible, or you may choose to use the above site, so that you can read from your favorite Bible version online.

JAN 1
JAN 2
JAN 3
JAN 4 Rom 1-2
JAN 5 Gen 1-3
JAN 6 Josh 1-5
JAN 7 Ps 1-2
JAN 8 Job 1-2
JAN 9 Isa 1-6
JAN 10 Matt 1-2
JAN 11 Rom 3-4
JAN 12 Gen 4-7
JAN 13 Josh 6-10
JAN 14 Ps 3-5
JAN 15 Job 3-4
JAN 16 Isa 7-11
JAN 17 Matt 3-4
JAN 18 Rom 5-6
JAN 19 Gen 8-11
JAN 20 Josh 11-15
JAN 21 Ps 6-8
JAN 22 Job 5-6
JAN 23 Isa 12-17
JAN 24 Matt 5-7
JAN 25 Rom 7-8
JAN 26 Gen 12-15
JAN 27 Josh 16-20
JAN 28 Ps 9-11
JAN 29 Job 7-8
JAN 30 Isa 18-22
JAN 31 Matt 8-10

By Lisa Grimenstein

Approaching a New Year

As we approach the end of the year, many of us are busy with preparations for parties, trips, and a break from school. Although you’ll be busy, I hope you’ll continue to read each day. This month would be a great time to prepare for the newness of January, and the start of a new Bible reading schedule. I recommend reading some passages on giving, since that is this month’s theme. Psalms is also a great place to go, since it touches on so many areas––thankfulness, distress, fear, and joy, to name a few. I would suggest asking for a Bible concordance for Christmas. This will help you in the coming year’s study of the Bible by directing you to scriptures on certain topics and people.

You do not have to follow the Bible reading plan provided by Pierce My Heart, but I would strongly suggest finding a plan, or coming up with one, that suits you and that will encourage you to spend time in the Word daily. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). When I started my daily Bible reading months ago, I decided to start at the most obvious place for any book––the beginning. Although I have gone to church my entire life, I have never read through the entire Bible. I knew many stories, but since I’ve been reading, I’ve discovered so many more that I never knew about. I also realized that if I’m to share God’s Word with the lost, I need to know His Word! I’ve enjoyed this reading plan, as simple as it is. I encourage you to spend this month, amid the holiday busy-ness, studying His word so your mind and heart will be prepared to properly begin the new year.

By Lisa Grimenstein

December Suggested Reading

Dec 1: Matthew 6:1-34
Dec 2: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Dec 3: Psalm 1:1-6
Dec 4: Psalm 3:1-8
Dec 5: Psalm 4:1-8
Dec 6: Psalm 6:1-10
Dec 7: Psalm 8:1-9
Dec 8: Psalm 11:1-7
Dec 9: Psalm 19:1-14
Dec 10: Proverbs 1:1-19
Dec 11: Proverbs 31:10-31
Dec 12: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
Dec 13: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Dec 14: Esther 2:1-23
Dec 15: Esther 3:1-15
Dec 16: Esther 4:1-17
Dec 17: Esther 5:1-14
Dec 18: Esther 6:1-14; 7:1-10
Dec 19: Esther 8:1-17
Dec 20: Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-23
Dec 21: Luke 1:1-40
Dec 22: Luke 1:41-80
Dec 23: Luke 2:1-38
Dec 24: Luke 2:39-52
Dec 25: Mark 15:1-47
Dec 26: Mark 16:1-20
Dec 27: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Dec 28: Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15
Dec 29: Hebrews 2:1-18
Dec 30: Hebrews 6:1-20
Dec 31: Hebrews 12:1-3; 13:1-8

Give Thanks to the Lord

I think it’s appropriate that, in a month so focused on thankfulness, we are reading several books which share all that we should be most thankful for. This month, we’ll start with Hebrews, one of the few books in the Bible whose author is unknown. The one, most incredible thing for which we have to be thankful is mentioned in Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…” The author of Hebrews reminds the reader of Christ’s superiority and of this New Covenant by which we are saved. If nothing else worth being thankful for ever happens again in our lives, this should be enough! James tells us to be thankful even in temptation, because when we have obediently endured, we will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). Peter, John, and Jude continue to teach and encourage, even amid their own persecution and trials.

And then there’s Revelation, one of the most confusing, and therefore skipped over, books in the Bible. There are many different views regarding Revelation, and I myself have not begun to understand it all. No doubt this book will give you plenty to think about. Revelation does clearly mention giving thanks and praise to Jesus, again reminding us of one thing for which we can all be thankful: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign” (Revelation 11:17).

So, in this time of year when we are often reminded to be thankful, let us give thanks for the greatest blessing of all: Christ’s offer of salvation through His death and resurrection.

Lisa Grimenstein

Suggested Reading, November 2008

November 01 (Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:1-18)
November 02 (Hebrews 3:1-19; 4:1-16)
November 03 (Hebrews 5:1-14; 6:1-28)
November 04 (Hebrews 7:1-28: 8:1-13; 9:1-15)
November 05 (Hebrews 9:16-28; 10:1-39)
November 06 (Hebrews 11: 1-40)
November 07 (Hebrews 12:1-29; 13:1-25)
November 08 (James 1:1-27)
November 09 (James 2:1-26; 3:1-18)
November 10 (James 4:1-17; 5:1-20)
November 11 (I Peter 1:1-25; 2:1-25)
November 12 (I Peter 3:1-22; 4:1-19)
November 13 (I Peter 5:1-14; II Peter 1:1-21)
November 14 (II Peter 2:1-22; 3:1-18)
November 15 (I John 1:1-10; 2:1-29)
November 16 (I John 3:1-24; 4:1-21)
November 17 (I John 5:1-21; II John 1:1-13)
November 18 (III John 1:1-14; Jude 1:1-25)
November 19 (Revelation 1:1-20; 2:1-29)
November 20 (Revelation 3:1-22; 4:1-11; 5:1-14)
November 21 (Revelation 6:1-17; 71-17; 8:1-13)
November 22 (Revelation 9:1-21; 10:1-11)
November 23 (Revelation 11:1-12; 12:1-17)
November 24 (Revelation 13:1-18; 14:1-20)
November 25 (Revelation 15:1-8; 16:1-21)
November 26 (Revelation 17:1-18; 18:1-24)
November 27 (Revelation 19:1-21)
November 28 (Revelation 20:1-15)
November 29 (Revelation 21:1-27)
November 30 (Revelation 22:1-21)

Reading Virtue

The theme for October, to strive to be virtuous, is a very appropriate theme for the section of Scripture we’ll be reading this month. Paul writes a letter to the believers at Corinth, instructing and encouraging them to remain pure and obedient. Biblical Corinth was a centre of sin. It was a sexually immoral place, with its goddess Aphrodite. There were false gods and idols everywhere. Definitely not the most suitable place to strive for purity and obedience to Jesus’ teachings. Paul encourages the Philippians to continue in their obedience, writing the letter from prison. He commends their joy in serving Christ. Paul himself is in the midst of the persecution from others as a result of his own obedience to Christ. Although Paul encourages the Church to live pure lives that are pleasing to God, he also reminds the churches of Galatia and Ephesus that our salvation is by faith, and not works alone. Timothy shows perhaps one of the best examples in the Bible of a godly woman. Timothy’s mother and grandmother are praised for raising Timothy in a godly home and living as virtuous women. As you read these letters, focus on what God is saying to the churches, and to us, through Paul.

By Lisa Grimenstein

Suggested Reading, October 2008

October 01 (1 Corinthians 10:1-33; 11:1-16)
October 02 (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 12:1-31)
October 03 (1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 14:1-40)
October 04 (1 Corinthians 15:1-49)
October 05 (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 16:1-24)
October 06 (2 Corinthians 1:1-24; 2:1-17)
October 07 (2 Corinthians 3:1-18; 4:1-18; 5:1-11)
October 08 (2 Corinthians 5:12-21; 6:1-18; 7:1-16)
October 09 (2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15)
October 10 (2 Corinthians 10:1-18; 11:1-33)
October 11 (2 Corinthians 12:1-21; 13:1-14)
October 12 (Galatians 1:1-24; 2:1-21)
October 13 (Galatians 3:1-29; 4:1-31)
October 14 (Galatians 5:1-26; 6:1-18)
October 15 (Ephesians 1:1-23; 2:1-22)
October 16 (Ephesians 3:1-21; 4:1-32)
October 17 (Ephesians 5:1-33; 6:1-24)
October 18 (Philippians 1:1-30; 2:1-30)
October 19 (Philippians 3:1-21; 4:1-23)
October 20 (Colossians 1:1-23; 2:1-23)
October 21 (Colossians 3:1-25; 4:1-18)
October 22 (1 Thessolonians 1:1-10; 2:1-20; 3:1-13)
October 23 (1 Thessolonians 4:1-18; 5:1-28)
October 24 (2 Thessolonians 1:1-12; 2:1-17; 3:1-18)
October 25 (1 Timothy 1:1-20; 2:1-15; 3:1-16)
October 26 (1 Tomothy 4:1-16; 5:1-25)
October 27 (1 Timothy 6:1-21)
October 28 (2 Timothy 1:1-18; 2:1-26)
October 29 (2 Timothy 3:1-17; 4:1-22)
October 30 (Titus 1:1-16; 2:1-15; 3:1-15)
October 31 (Philemon 1:1-25)

Study The Word

I love Bibles. I love their smell, their look, and their feel. I love to carry my slimline Bible in my purse so I can open it whenever the mood strikes me to look something up or read a few verses. This is also a great way to fit extra study time into a busy schedule. I can spend a few minutes studying His word when I am waiting somewhere, since I have a Bible at hand. I’m so blessed that I have the freedom to carry a Bible and study His word anywhere I choose. The great thing about reading the Bible is that it’s not just useless reading; it will help us to learn and grow as people as well as Christians.

We do need to be careful, however, to not just fit God into our little minutes, but to set aside time for Him before we plan other things. He wants the best of us, not the leftovers. This month, let’s make a commitment to study His word every day, and I believe that by the end of the month we’ll find ourselves getting excited to dig into our Bibles, and we’ll have a much better attitude and purer outlook on life.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to begin reading. Start today; continue tomorrow.

Suggested Reading, September 2008

September 01 (Acts 9:1-43)
September 02 (Acts 10:1-48)
September 03 (Acts 11:1-30; 12:1-25)
September 04 (Acts 13:1-52)
September 05 (Acts 14:1-28; 15:1-21)
September 06 (Acts 15:22-41; 16:1-24)
September 07 (Acts 16:25-40; 17:1-34)
September 08 (Acts 18:1-28)
September 09 (Acts 19:1-41)
September 10 (Acts 20:1-38)
September 11 (Acts 21:1-40)
September 12 (Acts 22:1-30; 23:1-11)
September 13 (Acts 23:12-35; 24:1-27)
September 14 (Acts 25:1-27; 26:1-32)
September 15 (Acts 27:1-44)
September 16 (Acts 28:1-31)
September 17 (Romans 1:1-32; 2:1-16)
September 18 (Romans 2:17-29; 3:1-31)
September 19 (Romans 4:1-25; 5:1-21)
September 20 (Romans 6:1-23; 7:1-25)
September 21 (Romans 8:1-39)
September 22 (Romans 9:1-33; 10:1-21)
September 23 (Romans 11:1-36; 12:1-21)
September 24 (Romans 13:1-14; 14:1-23)
September 25 (Romans 15:1-33; 16:1-27)
September 26 (1 Corinthians 1:1-31; 2:1-16)
September 27 (1 Corinthians 3:1-23; 4:1-21)
September 28 (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 6:1-20)
September 29 (1 Corinthians 7:1-40)
September 30 (1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 9:1-27)

By Davonne Parks

Reading Statement at School

Many of us want to be well known at school and to have something we stand for. This school year, let’s stand for Christ. Let’s learn about Him so we can be an example to others around us. The best way to begin sharing Him with others is to learn about His love by studying His word. We can’t tell others what we don’t know ourselves. We can read our Bibles first thing in the morning, on the bus, in the car, during study hall, at the lunch table, after school, before dinner, after dinner, or before bed. Sometimes we’ll be tempted to say, “I’d love to read my Bible, but I just don’t have time.” I know that excuse, because it’s an excuse I’ve used myself. Something I’ve learned, though, is that if I’m too busy for God, then I’m just too busy! Make time. This six-month New Testament plan takes only ten minutes a day to follow, and if we don’t have ten minutes a day for God, then something needs to change. Let’s look critically at our schedule and see if there’s something we can drop. Maybe we only need to work three days a week instead of five, or we could choose our favorite sport to participate in instead of continuing with several sports. Maybe we should just watch one favorite show per evening instead of several shows that are just okay. If you’re the girl who spends two hours getting ready for school every morning, look at your beauty routine, and your heart, and consider changing something in the routine to allow a few minutes for God each morning. This school year, let’s make a statement by saturating our minds and hearts with God’s word so we can let His love shine through us, allowing us to be a living Christian example to everyone around.

August 01 (Luke 20:1-47)
August 02 (Luke 21:1-38)
August 03(Luke 22:1-46)
August 04 (Luke 22:47-71)
August 05 (Luke 23:1-56)
August 06 (Luke 24:1-53)
August 07 (John 1:1-51)
August 08 (John 2:1-25)
August 09 (John 3:1-36)
August 10 (John 4:1-54)
August 11 (John 5:1-47)
August 12 (John 6:1-40)
August 13 (John 6:41-71)
August 14 (John 7:1-53)
August 15 (John 8:1-59)
August 16 (John 9:1-41)
August 17 (John 10:1-42)
August 18 (John 11:1-57)
August 19 (John 12:1-50)
August 20 (John 13:1-38)
August 21 (John 14:1-31; 15:1-27)
August 22 (John 16:1-33; 17:1-26)
August 23 (John 18:1-40)
August 24 (John 19:1-42)
August 25 (John 20:1-31; 21:1-25)
August 26 (Acts 1:1-26)
August 27 (Acts 2:1-47)
August 28 (Acts 3:1-26; 4:1-37)
August 29 (Acts 5:1-42)
August 30 (Acts 6:1-15; 7:1-43)
August 31 (Acts 7:44-60; 8:1-40)

Freedom in Reading

I love to read about the life of Jesus, which is what we’ll continue doing this month. Jesus walked on water, healed diseases, saved souls, and lived a life free from all sin. Jesus Christ is the perfect example. We can all enjoy our freedom in Him this month as we read our Bibles in a park, on our front porches, at our work, or anywhere else we desire to read. Turn the pages and imagine you are there—watching the miracles happen, listening to His sermons, and witnessing His unselfish love. Allow the Bible to come alive to you. Read in a quiet place outside and pretend you’re reading where Jesus prayed, walking where Jesus led, and sitting where Jesus taught. Choose to experience the love of Jesus and to let the Bible pierce your heart so you can fully respond to Christ, who chose to die for our sins so that we may live, and enjoy, being free in Him.

Suggested Reading, July 2008

July 01 (Mark 8:1-9:6)
July 02 (Mark 9:7-50)
July 03 (Mark 10:1-40)
July 04 (Mark 10:41-11:33)
July 05 (Mark 12:1-44)
July 06 (Mark 13:1-37)
July 07 (Mark 14:1-42)
July 08 (Mark 14:43-72)
July 09 (Mark 15:1-47)
July 10 Mark (16:1-20)
July 11 (Luke 1:1-45)
July 12 (Luke 1:46-80)
July 13 (Luke 2:1-52)
July 14 (Luke 3:1-38)
July 15 (Luke 4:1-44)
July 16 (Luke 5:1-39)
July 17 (Luke 6:1-49)
July 18 (Luke 7:1-50)
July 19 (Luke 8:1-56)
July 20 (Luke 9:1-45)
July 21(Luke 9:46-10:29)
July 22 (Luke 10:30-11:36)
July 23 (Luke 11:37-12:12)
July 24 (Luke 12:13-59)
July 25 (Luke 13:1-35)
July 26 (Luke 14:1-35)
July 27 (Luke 15:1-32)
July 28 (Luke  16:1-31)
July 29 (Luke 17:1-37)
July 30 (Luke 18:1-43)
July 31 (Luke 19:1-48)

By Davonne Parks

Bible Knowledge

Did you know that people spend more time reading books about the Bible than they spend actually reading the Bible? Reading books about the Bible are wonderful if you want to study a specific Biblical topic in depth, but books about the Bible don’t replace the Bible. The best way to gain Bible knowledge is to read the Bible! Bible classes, sermons, and Pierce My Heart articles are wonderful, but they are to accompany daily Bible study, not take the place of it.

Whether you are used to reading your Bible every day, or usually don’t even crack it open, this Bible study will be beneficial because if you read the assigned chapters, you will actually read the entire New Testament by the end of this year! We’ll start with Matthew and go all the way through the book of Revelation. There is not very much reading per day, so even if you get behind, you should be able to take extra time and catch back up again. This summer is a wonderful time to get in the habit of regular Bible study because you won’t be tied down with school and homework. If your family is going on vacation, print out extra copies of the reading plan and let everyone take turns reading out loud in the car. (Reading the Bible is a much better way to pass the time than reading license plates!) If you have a summer job, take the reading plan with you and read on your breaks from work. There is no better way to unwind and regroup than to read the Bible and pray! Maybe you’re staying home all summer by yourself while your parents work; make it a habit to do your Bible reading before checking your e-mail, Facebook or Myspace. Our theme this month is “Pierce my heart in the Son,” and we will be reading through the book of Matthew and starting on Mark, which are both records of the life of Jesus. No greater man ever lived than Christ Himself, so learn about Him this summer by digging into your Bible and letting the Word of God pierce your heart!

Suggested Reading, June 2008

June 01 (Matthew 1:1-2:18)
June 02 (Matthew 2:19 – 4:25)
June 03 (Matthew 5:1-42)
June 04 (Matthew 5:43 – 7:6)
June 05 Matthew (7:7 – 8:27)
June 06 (Matthew 8:28 – 9:38)
June 07 (Matthew 10:1 – 10:42)
June 08 (Matthew 11:1 – 12:8)
June 09 (Matthew 12:9 – 12:50)
June 10 (Matthew 13:1 – 13:52)
June 11 (Matthew 13:53 – 14:36)
June 12 (Matthew 15:1 – 16:4)
June 13 (Matthew 16:5 – 17:23)
June 14 (Matthew 17:24 – 18:35)
June 15 (Matthew 19:1 – 20:16)
June 16 (Matthew 20:17 – 21:27)
June 17 (Matthew 21:28 – 22:33)
June 18 (Matthew 22:34 – 23:36)
June 19 (Matthew 23:37 – 24:35)
June 20 (Matthew 24:36 – 25:30)
June 21 (Matthew 25:31 – 26:35)
June 22 (Matthew 26:36 – 27:14)
June 23 (Matthew 27:15 – 27:66)
June 24 (Mark 1:1-28)
June 25 (Mark 1:29 – 2:12)
June 26 (Mark 2:13 – 3:19)
June 27 (Mark 3:20 – 4:34)
June 28 (Mark 4:35 – 5:43)
June 29 (Mark 6:1 – 6:44)
June 30 (Mark 6:45 – 7:37)

by Davonne Parks

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Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(R), Copyright (C) 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.