Susan & I thought of the following plan for the fall.
James for 5 - 6 weeks. There are 5 chapters in James, and the following are the chapter highlights.
Chapter 1 (27 Verses): Testing & Obedience — Consider trials as joy, ask God for wisdom, be quick to listen and slow to anger, and put God’s Word into practice rather than just listening.
Chapter 2 (26 Verses): Favoritism & Action — Avoid showing favoritism to the rich while ignoring the poor. Authentic faith isn't just words; without good works, faith is dead.
Chapter 3 (18 Verses): Speech & Wisdom — Our words carry huge power and are difficult to tame. True, heavenly wisdom produces peace, gentleness, and humility, not selfish ambition.
Chapter 4 (17 Verses): Humility & Plans — Conflict stems from inner selfish desires. Humble yourself, draw near to God, resist the devil, and avoid arrogant planning without acknowledging God's will.
Chapter 5 (20 Verses): Patience & Prayer — Be patient in hardship, avoid grumbling, pray persistently for the sick, confess sins to one another, and restore those who wander from the truth.
**If we begin September 14th, we would finish October 12, assuming we complete a chapter each night.
Then Colossians for 4 weeks (4 Chapters)
Total: 4 chapters, 95 verses
Chapter 1 (29 Verses): The Supremacy of Christ — Christ is supreme over all creation and the head of the church. Paul encourages the believers to stay grounded in the gospel and shares his passion for serving God's people.
Chapter 2 (23 Verses): Alive in Christ, Free from Legalism — True wisdom is found in Christ alone. Don't be led astray by human traditions, strict legalistic rules, or false philosophies—your spiritual fullness is in Him.
Chapter 3 (25 Verses): The New Life in Action — Set your mind on things above. Put off old habits like anger and dishonesty, and put on compassion, forgiveness, and love in your relationships, family, and work.
Chapter 4 (18 Verses): Prayer, Wisdom, & Final Greetings — Devote yourselves to prayer, walk in wisdom toward outsiders, and let your speech always be gracious. Paul ends with warm personal greetings to fellow workers.
**If we begin with Colossians on October 19th, we would finish November 9th.
Total: 5 chapters, 105 verses
Chapter 1 (25 Verses): A Living Hope & Call to Holiness — Believers have a secure, imperishable inheritance in heaven. Even in the middle of fiery trials, stay holy, remember you were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, and love one another deeply.
Chapter 2 (25 Verses): Living Stones & Submission — Believers form a spiritual house and a chosen people. Live honorably among unbelievers by respecting authority, enduring unjust suffering patiently, and following the example of Christ, who bore our sins on the cross.
Chapter 3 (22 Verses): Holy Relationships & Suffering for Doing Good — Focus on inner beauty and mutual honor in marriages. Seek peace with everyone, and if you suffer for doing what is right, count it a blessing and always be ready to explain the hope you have with gentleness.
Chapter 4 (19 Verses): Living for God & Suffering as a Christian — Break away from former worldly habits and use your spiritual gifts to serve others. Don't be surprised by painful trials—rejoice that you share in Christ's sufferings and entrust your soul to a faithful Creator.
Chapter 5 (14 Verses): Shepherding the Flock & Standing Firm — Leaders should shepherd God's people eagerly and humbly. Everyone must clothe themselves with humility, cast their anxieties on God, and stay alert against the devil, standing firm in faith knowing God will restore and strengthen you.
**Begin 1 Peter on November 16th, and finish December 14th