Dietary Concerns

Are you getting a balanced diet from your everyday reading*? What I mean is, are you working your way systematically through the entire collection of scripture you know as the Bible, even if you don't read a lot every day? Remember, it took me four years to work my way through the "Bible in a Year" reading calendar the first time I used it, no joke! Even if you don't consume numerous pages at one sitting, do read consistently, with an open mind and willing heart to process, internalize, and heed what it says. It will change you:

Do not merely listen to [or read] the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25, NIV)

Don't feel badly or give up if you fail to stay on a reading plan by calendar date! Some days the reading is just too intense to rush through; it may take several days to digest. Here's an example: James chapters 1-5 were supposed to be one day's reading, according to the http://www.backtothebible.org/ chronological calendar, and three days later I was still on James chapter one! It is just that good, and merited plenty of thought. So do take your time to "hear" the perfect law that gives freedom. Hear it in its entirety; hear it with your heart, and have an open mind to allow it change you, fortify you, and cause you to grow!

PLEASE NOTE: if you are reading bits and pieces (Psalms, Proverbs, New Testament passages) rather than working your way systematically through the entire canon of scripture, then you are not doing what I advocate, Dear! If the Book is a believer's food to nourish the soul, and you are browsing for tasty morsels like cheesecake, pecan pie, and other yummy items that appeal to you, how healthy do you expect you'll be next week, next month, or next year? Don't pick and choose! Use one of the many reading plans available to help you get balanced spiritual nutrition. I want you to be strong and healthy, and have all the "nutritional building blocks" you need to face each day's stresses and challenges.
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*Everyday Reading: remember, for a daily reading plan just go to http://www.backtothebible.org/ and pick one out! There are five calendar plans to choose from under Bible Studies & Devotions at the top of the page. The fourth choice, Reading Guides, will bring up your options. You may have to ignore the date and pick up where you left off day by day, allowing yourself to fall behind. The important thing is to stay on track, reading the calendar passages in consecutive order so that you'll eventually work your way through the entire Bible.