Reading the Bible

I am not the most diligent person when it comes to reading the Bible. I have read the New Testament a number of times. I have listened to both Old and New Testament readings at church throughout my life. I have even turned to random sections of the Bible and read them when the mood struck me. During the past 10 years I have increased my reading of the Bible but again in a rather random manner. So you ask...what's the point?

Well, I have a very good friend who reads her Bible everyday. I have known this about her for quite a while but we never really discussed it all so much. I have always admired her dedication but never felt the desire to follow her lead. Then, I moved away. We no longer meet every week and I wondered how we would be able to keep in touch. Little did I know that the Lord had already taken care of that. Immediately upon moving I started receiving daily texts from my friend. They never say much. It is just a Bible notation such as 1 Cor. 1-3. That's it. No comment, no direction, no greeting per se-nothing. Surprisingly, getting these little texts challeng me. I don't understand it. I don't know why. But getting that little text everyday is leading me to read my Bible regularly. This is the first time I have ever come close. Okay, I admit the everyday thing is still really hard for me, however, I am making a point to follow along and do all of the reading my friend has done. So, I may read what she texts the day I receive it. I may read a weeks worth at one sitting.

I can sense the Lord teaching me something about self-discipline through this unforeseen communication with my friend. Discipline is a word I have never really liked. I have viewed it very negatively. Even as an adult who knows discipline is not a bad thing nor does it have to be a harsh thing; I have just never liked the word. I have been asking the Holy Spirit to help me increase my self-control in various areas of my life. I never expected it to be so fun and challenging. It sure helps to have a friend with me, leading me on this journey. God is good and can teach us in ways we never expected.