Wow, we’re moving on to the next book! My mind is racing with all the reading that I have just done, but I am pleased that I am now caught up. Please check out my previous post about keys to reading and see what I mean. I is good to keep the pace. With that being said…

Previously in the Daily Read, God continues to speak through Hosea regarding the Israelites turning from Him and his plans to drive them from their land to Assyria and Egypt. At one point, in Chapter 11, He compares His love to Israel to that of a son that he has raised and how that son has rebelled and run away. You never stop loving you child, nor does God. Which we are all His children and He will never stop loving us, and He never stopped loving his people of Israel. So, in Chapter 14 there is the promise of healing for His people. A nice way to finish the read.

Now on to Joel! Read on…

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As I noted in the last book, Hosea has been a challenge to read. This is partly due to the fact that I am catching up and reading so much at one time. But, I can tell the editors of my Bible, Every Man’s Bible, realized the same thing because there are nearly a half page of application notes to each half page of Bible. So, as I was plowing through the latest read, I happened upon a side article that really drew my interest. Before I share it though, I want it to be known how God works, because at first I was going to skip it because I just wanted to get through my read, but I believe He made me skip over to it to refresh me.

The article is called Personal Gold and this particular one was written by one J.I. Packer. It is called the “Four Keys to Reading the Bible”. To recap, key number one is to know that God is with you when you are reading and to look to Him for understanding of what you are reading. Key number two is to read ALL of the Scripture generally. Key number three is to focus in on more richer books (the Gospels and Psalms for example). And finally, key number four is to linger in the books that have personal significance.

Now, I am going through my first full reading, so having books that are a preference to me is a bit difficult as I am discovering them now. Let’s just say Hosea won’t be one of them. But, I do have passages that resonate with me and I am going to skip over to them more now. Also, in Rick Warren’s book, he writes that you should take readings in small doses and then meditate on them. Boy, have I found that out in the last evening of marathon reading! I have been on a pretty steady pace and doing a good job of that until the last couple of days. I will do everything that I can to keep on track because I really believe this. Remember, small dose, then really think about it. Pray and think. Or as Pastor Greg would say, “Say this with me, pray and think.” I think I made my point. On to the next read, TOMORROW!

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Read the post below to see that I am behind and feel like a real jerk about it. I am going to get caught up today and all will be right in the world. Sorry for the delay. Have a fantastic day.

Later that same night, I get to my recap. Previously in the Daily Read, just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, it does. Man, does Hosea get the worst of the prophets that we have read thus far. God has him marry a prostitute to demonstrate the adulterous ways of Israel. She goes out and has kids with other men that Hosea must raise as his own to show how Israel has been to Him. Hosea ends up buying back his wife to demonstrate the Lord’s never ending love for His people and that he will continue to love them no matter what. There is some repentance from Israel, but they soon turn back to their old ways and God must continue to teach His lesson to these people.

The rest of the read is a hit list of what the Lord is going to do. I have to be honest with you, I am really looking forward to October when we start Matthew. While I love every minute that I have with the Bible, the constant repeating of the destruction of Israel and Judah for what they have done is getting old. I know that the Lord had to demonstrate through many prophets to prove his point, but I am ready for His Son to come into my reading. OK, I am done venting…

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Nice, the posting for a read that is a day late. I am really on the ball here, aren’t I. Sorry about that. Things have been a bit hectic for me and I have gotten a little behind, but I will not give up. Things are getting back to normal and I am committed to catching up and I will in the next day or so. I apologize to anybody who has been using the posts for their own read. I will be back on it. Just a slight speed bump. Read on…

(Sept. 20) And so finally we get to, previously in the Daily Read, we finished off Daniel. He was having a vision along the Tigris River. For 2 of the 3 chapters, God lays out the plan of destruction for his land in great detail, but very vague about specifics if that makes any sense. Anyway, the point that He makes is that those that find him will be spared, those who don’t won’t and the answers that Daniel is seeking will be found at the end. Now on to the minor prophets!

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