One example I set for my kids as they were growing up is regular, daily Bible reading. I wanted my kids to be interested in reading and, more specifically, reading the Bible. So I made sure that they “caught” me reading it often. I’d be caught red-handed with my Thompson Chain Bible, a notebook, and a pen; my devotional trifecta. I worked a reading program that took me through the Bible every year. I did this every year for ten years.
Then there was a season in my life (one I’m coming out of, it seems) where chaos was the norm. Bible reading during that season was sporadic. The best I could do was read a chapter in Proverbs a day for every day of the month (31 Proverbs in 31 days). The notebook was rarely used. Most of what the Lord showed me in this season of reading worked it’s way into my online writing.
This January, I resolved to read through the Bible in 2012 just like the old days. I want my new little one (Allie) to see me reading my Bible, too. I want her to get used to my voice as I read her scripture. But life is still hectic for me and sitting down to read my Bible and write in a notebook is still difficult. What has helped me keep true to my new resolution is reading through the Bible using the YouVersion app for the iPhone. Much of my note taking happens in the app itself.
Here’s how I take notes when I read through the Bible. If I’m moved to highlight something I’m reading during my quiet time, I write down why the verse stands out. I write down why and how I think the Lord wants me to implement the Biblical principle into my life. And then I pray about it. The Lord uses this activity to prune me.
Sometimes I think these things are private and sometimes I think there are useful nuggets to share. So I’ve been posting quick devotionals online that I’ve created with a handful of iPhone apps. I use:
- YouVersion Bible app
- iPhone Notes
- I highlight one verse in YouVersion, and copy it into the app’s note pad.
- I copy and paste the verse and my note about the verse into iPhone Notes. Next, I take a screen shot.
- Then I fire up Instagram and select the screenshot from my photo album and apply the “Early Bird” filter to the image.
- I add a couple of hashtags to the post and hit send. From Instagram I publish it to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.