Diane Stortz - A Womans Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year: A Life-Changing Journey Into the Heart of God

2013 by Diane Stortz

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ebook edition created 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-6112-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Unless otherwise marked, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Cover design by Brand Navigation

Author is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency

Ive been a pastor for almost four decades and this is without question the best Bible reading plan Ive run across.

Mark Atteberry, pastor and award-winning author of Dream and So Much More Than Sexy

Diane Stortz has taken the concept of reading the Bible in a year to a whole new level. Shes created a wonderful companion to help women explore the Bible in a small-group setting that inspires and delights. I love how shes organized the reading assignments, the weekly sections, and checkpoints that make the journey through Gods Word rich and alive! Im looking forward to using this wonderful guide to enrich my daily time seeking Gods heart.

Dineen Miller, author of Winning Him Without Words and The Soul Saver

I am impressed with A Womans Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year. The thoroughness and grace throughout is stunning! Diane has researched and compiled a resource that provides clear direction for soaking in Gods transforming Word. I cant wait to put this to use personally and in ministry.

Donna Pyle, founder of Artesian Ministries and author of The God of All Comfort

Diane Stortz has provided a delightfully engaging and very helpful guide. I know many women who have been longing for a book just like this!

Laurie Aker, author, speaker, Bible teacher, and founder of Thistlebend Ministries, Louisville, Kentucky

This book masterfully connects history and prophecy of the Old Testament with the fulfillment of victory in the New Testament. The format is simple for individuals and motivating for group studies. It is powerful to see how God has moved in the circumstances of Dianes life to lead her and others to a profound understanding of the Scriptures.

Dee Ann Turner, vice president, corporate talent, Chick-fil-A

With a unique gift of insight, Diane Stortz makes reading through the Bible manageable and exciting. This book will have a powerful impact in your life if you accept her invitation to journey through the Word.

Linda Mirante, director of womens ministries and adult education, Bachelor Creek Church of Christ, Wabash, Indiana; trustee, Cincinnati Christian University; and inspirational speaker.

A Womans Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year is a wonderful tool for women wanting to read and understand the Bible. The personal testimony is so relevant for todays busy women. An excellent small-group study guide with biblical history and factual information to enhance the reading plan.

Patricia Rohach, director of womens ministry, NorthEast Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky; founder and director, Women In Service for Christ

As a Bible study teacher and lecturer for over thirty years, I can attest to the fact that reading the Word of God with a systematic plan helps you to know not only your Bible and Gods plan for his creation, but also to know your God in a personal way. Diane Stortz has presented a plan that is easy to follow and yields great rewards as you are guided to think about and meditate on what you read each week.

Carol Martin, coordinator, People of the Word Bible Study, Eastside Christian Church, Fullerton, California

Dianes passion for the Word is eclipsed only by her passion for the One who breathed it. The simplicity and warmth of her style makes the daily readings personal. Is there anything more powerful than a friend whos with you? Im honored to call Diane a colleague, a mentor, my lifetime friend.

Robin M. Stanley, speaker, writer, life coach, and publishing consultant

Reading the whole of Scripture in the way laid out in this book lays a foundation... to be strengthened, expanded, and built upon throughout life. Diane gently takes her readers hands... and... gives those hands to our God, who will write on their hearts. Her chapter notes and checkpoints give tools to dig into the Scripture while not overwhelming the reader.... If you are going to endeavor to read the whole of Scripture in a year, then let Dianes book be your first of many.

Michael Dean, involvement minister, First Christian Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico

For Beth Hawkins Neuenschwander
and all the Monday night Bible study ladies