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Join me on a 7-day Bible reading plan
Join me in a seven-day Bible reading plan and/or reading Matt Chandler's "Explicit Gospel" book.
I’m going to be reading John Piper’s “Toward a Fearless New Year” plan on bible.com. Want to join me? Leave a comment here about thoughts you have after reading each day’s verses and devotional.
Also, I’ve started Matt Chandler’s Explicit Gospel today. If you want to read it with me, let me know in the comments as well, and maybe we can start a Google group or such for discussion.
Day 2: ” Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) I initially picked this reading plan simply because it caught my eye and because it was authored by John Piper, one of my favorites. However, two days in, and it seems I didn’t pick it for me. God picked it for me. In meditating on the verses the last two days, it’s sobering to realize how much of my decision-making process (and lack… Read more »
[…] mentioned in this post that I’m beginning the new year by reading Matt Chandler’s book Explicit Gospel and […]
I also really enjoy John Piper. And I struggle with fear/anxiety. Sometimes over specific issues. Sometimes it is just generalized. I really enjoyed the part about being commanded to not fear, but that God didn’t just issue these commands and that was it, but provided pillars of promise and reassurance to stand on. We are needy as people and often we don’t like to do things alone; it helps me when I start to become fearful to know that my God is with me. I also like what Piper said about not defining our future by our past; to me… Read more »
I started this plan on January 2nd, so my second day is today (the 3rd). This plan also was picked “for” me. I battle fear all the time. And for some reason, as I was looking at a new year, it was less relief and more fear….for no known reason. So today, I journaled those 5 pillars he wrote about, so that I can reference back to them when i recognize fear cropping up over any specific thing.
Sarah & Jill, thanks for sharing your thoughts so far. These few, short verses have been provocative for me. As I’ve meditated on them the past couple of days, I think the word that keeps coming back to me is “embarrassed.” I really think I struggle with fear on a number of levels as a leader, and I’m embarrassed. It’s the whole “you should know better” lie that whispers to me and tries to change my embarrassment to shame. Instead of clinging to God’s truth, then it’s tempting to live under this umbrella of mental negativity. On to Day 3:… Read more »
I had trouble applying this and thought about for the day. I think what I took from this was more of a “running from God” in that I frequently go it alone. When I need God so much. Maybe I am afraid of giving up my selfish nature, or being disappointed. Still contemplating this one, but I like the part about clinging to God’s neck. I don’t do that enough. Even when I know better. Hmmm…
Day 6:
Love the nine promises that Piper shared in the devotional that were scriptural ways to address very real points of anxiety in our lives.
That has to be a fear of every minister, small group leader and Sunday School teacher. So thankful that our “success” is not in making a name for ourselves, but it’s based on the very passion and determination of God to make Himself known and allow Himself to be enjoyed by anyone who calls upon Him.
Day 7: Daily reminder: just trust.