Bible

As I have discussed this with several people over the past few days and have had some good discussions about it, I decided to post information about the daily Bible reading I will be doing this year.

In 2007, I did (most of) the NET Bible's daily Bible reading schedule.  Overall, there are some things that I really like about the NET translation, web site, tools, and notes, but there were also some things that I didn't love and had me looking for a different reading schedule and translation before 2007 was up.

I found the reading schedule to be a bit too long on certain days with just too much to digest.  I realize that there is the same amount of text to be read no matter how you slice it, so I guess that particular plan wasn't the one for me.  The bigger thing, though, is that what I really wanted was a good chronological reading schedule.

With regards to the translation, like the NIV, I find the NET to be a bit more interpretive than I would like.  I recall several instances where I thought the translation choice was "interesting," and the provided tn (translator's note) did little to lower — and in some cases lifted higher — my raised eyebrows.  No, I don't remember any specific references; I am not trying to start any debates.  Suffice it to say, that in reading the vast majority of the NET, I didn't find it to be my cup of tea for my primary, daily use.  That's cool...it's OK.  The same can be said of most translations for each and every individual.  I do still use it frequently for study and research.

So, here we are several days into 2009, and, yes, I am several days into my new chronological daily bible reading.  This time around, I am using the newly-released ESV Study Bible.  I have been watching and waiting for the release of this study Bible for well over a year, and Lissa got me one for Christmas.  I like its more literal translation and have been happy with the study notes for the most part. What I have especially liked about the ESV Study Bible is that when you buy a printed copy of the book, you get free access to an online version that includes all of the study notes, articles, pictures, maps, etc.  This has been great!  When I use my hard copy, I (obviously) have access to all of the study materials, but now I can also get to them at any time from any computer.  This was a big selling point for me.

As for the reading plan I am using, there is an online ESV version, or you can check out the schedule itself and use other translations on the Chronological Reading Guide page.  This schedule was created by Back to the Bible, and they have several other reading plans available, including historical, beginning-to-end, and more.  I am not that far in yet, but I have enjoyed the reading schedule thus far.

So, since I have put this out there, you can all hold me accountable.  ("All" is a relative term, since I have no idea who, if anyone, will actually see this.)  If you have any questions or comments on the translation/schedule I'm trying or want to do the reading with me, e-mail, IM, or comment.  I'd love to know!