This is Catch-up Week!  I know we've been pushing it hard these past 3 weeks.  I want us all to have a chance to read some of the chapters we've missed.  You can find our previous weeks by following the Community Bible Reading link on the left.

Surge is getting on "The Same Page!"   We want to read our Bibles together, as a community! Every week we will update our Community Bible Reading form.  Simply check off the chapters you're able to read.  If you're able to read every chapter, you'll have read the Bible in a year(ish)!  Even if you're able to read one or two chapters a day, we'll still be in God's Word together!

We're doing this because being on the "same page" as a youth group begins with being in the pages of God's word.  We will stay connected by the verses we read each week. 

As you prepare to read your chapters for the day: 

1.  Pray.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God's Word to you!
2.  Be Strategic.  Make it E.P.I.C.?.! 
3.  Worship.  Praise God for who He is and how He is helping you become more like Jesus.  

• E  Did this chapter (or a verse) ENCOURAGE me? The Lord knows exactly what you need!
• P  Does this chapter (or a verse) have a PROMISE for me? What the Lord says He'll do, He'll do!
• I   Did this chapter (or a verse) INSTRUCT me?  What choice can you make based on this?
• C  Did this chapter (or a verse) CHALLENGE me?  Ask for God to give you strength to change!
• ?  Did this chapter (or a verse) leave me with QUESTIONS?  Ask someone for help!

Being on the same page doesn't mean being perfect.  NEWS FLASH - It's difficult to read our Bibles everyday!  I expect a few days may go by sometimes without a single check mark!  Instead of being discouraged, have a plan.  Doing this together as a youth group may help us stay motivated.  You could even ask your family to do this with you!

We don't want you to think that reading your Bible is about checking off a list or completing a homework assignment.  We do believe that reading your Bible is an absolute essential because it's where you learn about the character of God and how He feels about you and how He feels about the world.  

It's not the only thing we must do, but just like bacon (in my opinion) is a part of a balanced breakfast, reading the Bible is a part of a balanced plan to deepen our relationship with God. 

~BJ 

Comments

[Cheryl Q]

I really loved the reading in the Psalms this weekend! I also thought the encouragements to keep doing good and not let weariness drag us down was great from 2 Thessalonians!

My prayer for all of us:
"I will run in the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart!" Psalm 119:32

Enjoy your day everyone! =)