Am I Prepared?

At church, we have started and new series called Doctrine.  We are digging into what it means to be a Christian, so that we can be prepared to spread our values and beliefs onto those who don't know.  In order for us to do this though, we have to be confident in our faith and understand the Bible so that we can speak truth.  Well, in order to understand the Bible, we have to actually read it.  Sounds simple right.  I know with me, I find it so hard to actually sit down and have my quiet time with just me and God.  It is not that I don't want to, or don't remember to, I have trouble finding time. Time is so valuable that I would 'rather' be doing something else.  During small group on Thursday, we discussed these challenges on why we always put off our quiet time.  To be honest, we sounded like we were throwing ourselves a pity party.  I realized that I am dumb and selfish and that reading the Bible should not be a burden.  Reading the Bible will actually help me with what I need to do because I will be more at peace with myself.  So, my solution.  I have set a challenge for myself and that is I am going to read the Bible in a year.  I found an online Bible study that has my entire year planned out for me.  This one is actually pretty cool because it is not just reading cover to cover, it has my layout planned out historically (planned out by when the books were approximately written).  Since I love history, I thought that this might help me with my own organization and so I won't get frustrated with piecing things together.

The challenge is set. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 15th, I will begin reading the Bible everyday for a year.  When am I going to do this?  Well, I have decided that I am going to do it every morning before I go to work/church/whatever else I need to do.  I believe I can do it, and I am going to journal along with it everyday, reflecting on what I have read.  This way there is a purpose and meaning, instead of just words.  

^"9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to your word. ¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
   do not let me stray from your commands. ¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you. ¹² Praise be to you, LORD;
   teach me your decrees. ¹³ With my lips I recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth. ¹⁴ I rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches. ¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways. ¹⁶ I delight in your decrees;
   I will not neglect your word."

Psalm 119: 9-16