We’ve been learning over the summer that for Christians to grow in the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, faithfulness and gentleness), it means walking in step with God’s Spirit. That, we learned, means creating patterns and routines in our lives that allow for daily Bible reading, praying and worship of God. Below are some resources for walking in step with the Spirit in this way.
Daily Bible Reading
Read the whole Bible in a year or the New Testament in a year plans using plans found here.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland produces short daily Bible readings and reflections that go straight to your inbox. They call them ‘Tides’ and you can sign up here.
Bible in One Year App - Search Google Play Store or iTunes Store, entering ‘BIOY’. From the creators of the Alpha Course this offers a series of readings that take you through the Bible in a year. It includes a daily reflection and guide to pray. Included is the bible passages read by Hercule Poirot himself (okay, it’s his actor David Suchet).
Our Daily Bread booklets. These are daily notes available for three month chunks with Bible passages and short reflections. Please pick up a copy at the back of Church each Sunday.
Bible Podcasts and Apps
Bible Project Podcasts: weekly podcasts from the people at The Bible Project on topics to help with understanding the Bible. There are episodes on the New Testament; the character of God and a whole lot more. https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/
The Gospel Coalition Q&A podcast. Search ‘TGC Q&A’ on any podcast app. Recent topics include: Has Christianity done more harm than good? How do I find hope in Suffering? What does God say to those struggling with addiction? What does God say to those who struggle with body image? How do I overcome Anxiety and Depression?
For Bible talks from the Scottish Bible teacher, Alistair Begg, search ‘Truth for Life’ on podcast apps.
Music
Search Spotify or other music streaming apps for a multitude of versions of your favourite worship songs or hymns.
CityAlight from Australia are producing some of the best modern worship songs at the moment. Find them with a simple search.
Sovereign Grace Music also have numerous edifying songs.
Keith & Kristyn Getty are probably (ok, certainly) responsible for more songs we sing at Church than anyone else. Their music is available in the usual places.
Books to inspire and help with prayer
We’ll be reading 'Enjoying God’ by Tim Chester as a Church. Please e-mail Andy before Monday 31 August if you’d like a copy (cost €9).
‘Help, Thanks, Wow - the three essential prayers’', Anne Lamott
‘Invitations from God: Accepting God’s Offer to Rest, Weep, Forgive, Wait, Remember and More’, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
‘Prayer, Experiencing Awe & Intimacy with God’, by Tim Keller.
For practical help on devotional life, ‘The practice of the presence of God’, Brother Lawrence
‘Everyday Prayers’, Scotty Smith.