I’m depressed yet feel like writing.
My reading plans have changed a little so I should write about that. I had this year planned out at the beginning of the year but had no idea I’d be having surgery.
I was supposed to be done with the OT by now but that will be delayed by about six weeks. I will only finish about 2-3 weeks early.
In addition, I feel like right now I need to read more about suffering and related issues like worry which have gotten out of control.
I just got done reading Unburdened (with a review on the main site soon as of this writing). Out of that I made a commitment to worry less but I need God’s help of course but also direction and some sort of structure theologically and practically. I’ve been doing well so far but it’s only been two weeks at the most and it hasn’t been tested in trials yet.
Right now I’m going to move on and read How Long O Lord by Carson. This is instead of reading OT related material. During and after the hospital was so traumatic and my faith was tested so much that I really need to be better prepared. I thought I was doing so well with all the books I’ve read on suffering, all the Scripture I have memorized, all the suffering I’ve done etc. I was almost prideful about it and then it really got tested and I failed miserably. I prayed and asked others to pray for spiritual matters as much or more than physical before the surgery and what I got was unexpected but I certainly got answered prayer and it will make me more Christ-like which is good.
By the time I’m done with the OT though I plan on my extra reading to be related to the OT. So I need to get a better action plan going for when big trials come up before then.
The extra OT reading will go well into 2011 instead of being done by the end of this year. So that’s the way it goes. No need to hurry.
I’m still sleeping so much because of medication even though I’m tapering that I haven’t been spending time with Greek. I must get back to that or it will slip too far.
I plan on reading:
- Haggai Zechariah Malachi
- Handbook on the Pentateuch
- Creation and Blessing (Genesis)
- Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
- Old Testament Theology by von Rad (possibly)
Then I plan on finishing up the NT commentaries which is Luke and Acts. I would guess that will take me to almost the end of 2011. In 2012 I want to start reading Calvin’s Institutes and study Colossians as thoroughly as I can. And just read books and books. Whatever I feel like. I’ll have to see about Professor Horner’s reading plan of 10 chapters a day which I want to do.
“’ll have to see about Professor Horner’s reading plan of 10 chapters a day which I want to do.”
Is this a Bible reading plan?
Yes. Here is a link
http://xrl.in/5zzc
http://xrl.in/5zzd PDF file of the plan from him
Jeff
Jeff, I wish I could just give you a hug. I’m sorry you’re going through such a hard time. I know how it feels to be proud about memorization/learning and yet fail at fulfilling what you’ve memorized.
Have you tried listening to The Bible Experience? It’s an interesting and dramatic reading of the TNIV by professional actors. It definitely doesn’t replace actually reading with your eyes, but it’s pretty interesting. At least for the OT. I haven’t gotten the NT.
I’m still praying.
Thanks Gary. My memory will be back to normal when I’ve tapered down more off the medication.
I’ve heard of that Bible project. I’m not sure if I would like it or not but if I was blind I’d be buying that first thing. That’s actually a small part of the reason I have so much Scripture memorized.
Jeff
I have a 50 minute commute each direction. I bought the Bible Experience a few years ago, and listen to it during my commute. A great way to increase my exposure to scripture, and I notice many things that I gloss over when reading. Also, it is nice that it’s the TNIV.