Luke 18

This chapter is a prime example of why I'm going to change my Bible reading plan for 2010. In the past, I had tried to read the One Year Bible. I say tried because I had varying degrees of success from year to year. I did it in different versions and in 2008 in Chronoloigcal NLT which was my fave, but no matter what, I still felt like I was making reading God's Word into a checklist than my daily bread. I wasn't savoring the taste, I was just horking it down to get through it. Not at all the right relationship to have with it.

So in 2009, I started this blog as a way to try a new approach. I wanted to read less and meditate more. But I'm as lazy and undisciplined as the next guy so I needed some accountability. I decided that if I read a chapter a day and blogged about it, knowing that the handful of readers that knew it existed would be enough to hold me to it. And it has been wonderful. A great journey through the Word. Much less a business trip and much more a leisurely sightseeing tour.

But it's chapters like this that confirm I need to change again. Many times I've come to a chapter because I certain part comes to mind. Like in this chapter, I came because of the fasting quote that Jesus said about the Pharisee. And then what about bringing the babies to Jesus? I love love love that little vignette. And the blind man. And Jesus almost drawing the disciples a picture of what was about to happen and them still trying not to get it. So in 2010, I will for the most part, turn to "micro-blogging." I'll  read much smaller sections. Maybe even a verse or phrase, and tweet about it. 140 characters or less. I think that will be a good writing exercise for me anyway since I lean towards long-winded. I'll write ere occasionally, but the feed on the right of this blog will be a way to keep up if you've managed to stay Twitter-free.

But for today? The part I will leave you with is the beginning of this chapter. The persistent widow. I am entering a 21 day time of fasting with a big group of friends. And because faith is generally my long suit, I tend to have the problem that I don't take my needs to God like I should because I trust things will just work out. But this week, through a friend who lost a baby at birth, a pastor I admire who is suffering with brain cancer, and a friend whose daughter is on her second round of siege against Hodgkin's, I realize how mandatory it  is that we pray fervently, without ceasing, and in all of the other ways his words implore us to. I am getting so shaken and stirred to pray by all these things and so many more. To knock and knock and knock and never give up until our just God brings justice for His people who suffer for His name.

I'd love you to join me. Let's beat the door down on behalf of those we love that need a touch from Jesus.