Why the NCV?

First, it was the New American Standard Bible. A big black cumbersome book with written-upon pages and frayed edges.

For the past seventeen years, it's been a smaller teal New International Version, its cracked cover now protected inside a black zippered case with a handle. My handwriting appears throughout the thin pages. The familiar words bring instruction, reproof, comfort.

Both the NASB and the NIV will be my study companions in the months ahead. But for my daily reading, I'm turning to Becoming: the Devotional Bible for Women in the New Century Version.

With an unfamiliar, though still accurate, translation, I hope to gain new insights. I'll also be able to read without the distraction of earlier notations.

From the intro:

The New Century Version . . . is a fresh, straightforward, and strong translation of God's truth and it is something you can connect with in your daily life. You'll find it easier to experience God's Word as it truly is -- absolutely clear, powerfully alive, and completely life-changing.

This may be the greatest opportunity you will ever find to read and understand the Bible and to come to a personal understanding of God's plan for your life. The Bible, it should be remembered, is not an end in itself, but it is a means to the end of knowing God and doing his will. Through his Word we hear his voice and come to understand his mind (p. xi).

What version will you be reading this year?

Bible Reading Plan

For the year 2010, I'm following a Bible-reading plan that follows the chronological history of Biblical events. For example, the plan begins with the first eleven chapters of Genesis, switches to Job, then returns to Genesis 12.

I will follow the plan, as I have before, without the dates. My intent is to read with purpose and thought, not to slavishly follow a daily regimen just so the Bible gets read in a year.

Here's the beginning of the chronological schedule I'll be following:

• Genesis 1-11
• Job
• Genesis 12-50
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers 1-15
• Psalm 90
• Numbers 16-36
• Deuteronomy
• Psalm 91

Will you read along with me?

Twenty-Ten: About to Begin

The Hearts Above Ladies Bible Study begins a Spiritual Journey to set our hearts and minds on things above where our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).

We set our hearts on things above by:

• praying to God
• being still before God
• practicing spiritual disciplines before God
• serving God's people

We set our minds on things above by:

• reading God's Word
• studying God's Word
• meditating on God's Word
• memorizing God's Word

The journey begins with two simple steps: 1) commit to a daily Bible reading plan; 2) commit to a spiritual growth plan.
My Bible Reading Plan
I will abide in God's Word by reading the New Century Version following a chronological schedule.
My Spiritual Growth Plan
I will set my heart on things above by memorizing Scripture, going on daily prayer walks, and "establishing rest" on Sundays.
I will set my mind on things above by facilitating the Hearts Above Bible study; attending a study on Esther; and doing personal studies on the Gospel of John (Living the Questions in John) and the Old Testament book of Job (Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance). I'll also continue my daily practice of reading Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest. And I'll read:

• A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle (already reading)
• More than Words compiled by Philip Yancey
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan
• A Testament to Freedom by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Captvating by John and Stasi Eldredge
• several titles by C.S. Lewis

What is the focus of your spiritual journey for the new year? Please feel free to share your commitment to spiritual growth.