Lisa (Age 43)

Mom/Wife

"Honestly, I was one of those who was actually reading my Bible pretty consistently over the last several years. The Bible long ago became my 'map' for daily living and survival! So it took a while for me to grab on to The Self Feeder concept as I had to shift gears.

But once I got started, I was reminded of the benefit of writing down a key scripture and working thru it personally. To me it is not self-feeder but a soul-feeder. Now I look forward to my self-feeder time as my daily time with God. Each morning I open my Bible and find one scripture that speaks to me from the day's reading. After writing about it, I use that scripture to chew on throughout the day, and it feeds my soul. It also feeds my family, as I often will share the scripture or teaching with them in the context of things that we/they are going thru. And I am also able to share or apply the scripture with people I meet during my day. So God is really using the self-feeder to fill my heart and spread his word, one verse at a time!

Thanks for being willing to put it out there! Your bold spirit is a gift! "

Kacy Love (Age 41)

Librarian/Children’s Worker

"I love The Self Feeder because really the dialog is between me and God. It feels very personal to me. I have found through my time in The Self Feeder that reading the scripture and then praying on it, letting it soak in through out the day, and then putting my thoughts to the page works beautifully for me. It is amazingly cool for me to read the Word and allow it to wrap itself around me. That is what this is like for me. Me and God….intimately getting to know one another."

Scott Brown (Age 47)

Business Manager

"I was already getting into God's Word each day. In fact, I had just completed reading through the Bible cover to cover. What the Self-Feeder has made painfully aware to me is that I was just reading through the Bible to complete the task. Now, with the help of the Self Feeder, I am truly reading (and studying) God's Word!

Taking the time each day to focus on just one chapter and one verse makes all the difference.

The Self Feeder has brought God's Word to me in a whole new way and with a much greater understanding and a much greater impact on my life. I don't just read for reading sake anymore - I read, study, contemplate and than apply what I have read to my life. What I now have in my possession, as a result of this program, is a book of my personal favorite Bible versus that I can (and already have) go back and read at anytime. Priceless!

Thanks to you Jim! "

Sam Rizzardo

"This program has helped me get back into the word of God. It is set up for daily time and reflection, but if you miss a day you do not feel like you made this horrendous blunder and you just start back up. It is a great tool to assist you in your relationship with God. Besides, who doesn't need God's wisdom?"

Brandon Keller (Age 23)

Air Force

"I have tried to read the bible for over 8 years. I'm finally reading it for the first time. I like being able to ready a little part of it at a time and reflect on it. Every night when I read, it reminds me to be a better person. It is not too daunting a task when you have a plan."

Jerana Nelms (Age 57)

Flight Attendant

"This makes me think about what I am reading so that I can answer the questions. It makes me mindful of my daily reading and is getting me into the word. I have bought several books for my friends and will continue to give them out."

Unsigned

"This little book has helped me to have something to keep on track. I love the self reflection of the chapter that I just read and the accountability of it. It is very easy to do and you can keep the book for later reflection."

Ben Meyers (Age 58)

Pastor, Baycities Church Lomita

"First of all, answering the question, 'So, how's it been going for you studying the Bible the last 7 days', undresses every one of us, starting with me! Wanting to 'get' into the Word of God regularly as the Bible teaches us to do, and doing it, are two very different things. It's a struggle for me and I know it's a major struggle for literally every member of my church. The Self Feeder is the answer I've been looking for! I've now proven I can do it in the midst of a very busy life and I will continue to do it most days of every week... the rest of my life! I have a demanding full time civilian job, as well as being a husband, father, grandfather and pastor to a growing congregation... I don't have hours a day to spend studying the Bible, but I do have 10 to 15 minutes EVERY DAY!

With The Self Feeder plan, I read a chapter, select a verse that intrigues me and then ask questions of it. I've been impacted so many times since beginning the program in February this year... my messages get sprinkled with the gems I am uncovering each day from the Word of God. I presented The Self Feeder challenge to my church in March, and I asked that honest question...' So, how did you do studying your Bible last week?'  Heads started dropping, the room got quiet, just like I knew it would! Then I told them my story and showed them what I had been doing. We passed out a Self Feeder book to every person in both service and in 5 minutes I showed them how to use it. I gave them a couple of examples and turned them loose. The feedback and response has been powerful! Many of my friends are now opening their Bibles and hearing from God many times a week... now that's every pastor's dream! It's happening in my church!  We now talk about what they are getting from their ‘quiet times' between services more than the sports and family updates!

Listen, I've been a Christian for 40 years, and this is the first bible study help that's found the balance between convenience, significance and simplicity... now that's a recipe for bible study that normal guys can get their heads around!"

Joe Patterson (Age 50)

Software

"This has helped me stay in line with Christ. I really like describing the meaning of a verse and telling God what's going on. I have been able to overcome my worldly desires more than I every thought I could. Thank you Jim! It helps me focus on what's important in my life at that moment when you are reading."

Jackie Purdy (Age 58)

Aircraft Admin

"The Self Feeder has helped me to see others in a different way. I find I am focusing on what it means to me and I see a transformation in me. I definitely would recommend this book to other as it is a no brainer that draws you closer to Jesus!"

Unsigned (Age 50)

"This has absolutely helped me to not only read, but to think about the meaning of the words. My favorite part is the fact that I am reading the bible for the first time in my life. I love that this little book is a daily reminder to read the Bible and it gives me direction that I really need. This is an added tool to receive the words of God along with attending church and going to Bible Study."

Janet Alonso (Age 49)

Realtor

"It has helped me to bring me closer to God. Several times a week reminds me that He is always available for me. The fact that it doesn't take long to read and I enjoy sharing thoughts with others that are in the word."

Unsigned

"It causes me to think about what I read, and to reflect on it throughout the day. Unlike the 365 day bible reading programs, this forces me to dig into the scripture. This is helping me to change my knee jerk reactions to events. I recommend this many and will continue to do so."

Jeff Polk (Age 52)

Public Works

"It's so interesting to learn. I'm still In Matthew. I must say I'm balking a little. I love to share my thoughts and what I write with my wife and she does the same with me. I find that it brings up emotions when I share with my wife. Joy emotion!"

Joe Cefalu

"I am having an amazing experience with this book - having gotten me back into a daily quiet time with God - back to the source of Christian living.

But as exciting, my whole family is doing it. Christina likes doing it with me, and Tommy likes to experience it alone, personally. I see it on Kathy's nightstand so see she is using it during the day.

I have shared this with program friends who want to do it and have given them books, and we will be using it when we meet every two weeks for our small group. Christina brings it to her school and does it there as well. I'm thrilled that you've brought this book into our lives. Keep up the good work Jim!"

Robert Catena (Age 28)

Forensic Scientist

"Thru this program I have found an easy way to read the bible which gives me understanding and security to apply the required thought to my life."

Kimi

"I haven't started to do it yet. Please pray, really want to start and be a good student and obedient to God's word."

Laura Bruno (Age 52)

"It gets me into the Bible daily and it's easy to catch up if you get behind. I love reading the bible in this simple way and thinking about what I have read when I answer the questions."

Darlene Adams (Age 68)

Retired

"Gave this book to a friend in Chicago who has 13 grandchildren and has been very faithful using the book. It brings the words of the Bible into great perspective bringing the words into my life as my pastor does each Sunday."

Jon Kiddy

"Hello. I just wanted to take a moment and say thanks for a wonderfully simple way to journal. I was handed a copy a few days ago from Pastor Charles Jones from Kenmore, New York. I'm loving it! Many thanks!"

Claire Wagner

"Thought I'd tell you something kind of cool, since you are related so closely to the little brown books! One of my fellow tutor-types (22 yrs old) saw my Self Feeder book last week and before I could open it up, she fell in love with it! So, she asked me to buy her one (delivered it today). Then, yesterday, one of my adult English students (also a mom of 2 of my kid students) saw it sitting on the table and just LOVED it immediately. :-) These are both people from 2 different cultures, and I was so intrigued that they immediately had such strong responses to it. Very pleased. So, I'm going to see if she would like one, too (she has recently begun coming back to the Lord after a long hiatus away from Him). But, I was so touched and pleased that they were so interested. I've been praying that the Lord would find me some people who would like to have a copy since I got mine! :-) Isn't that neat?

Anyway, something nice to report. Tell Jim for me -- it's a great book and I am loving it and I'm even a few days ahead of the schedule!"

Kaitlyn Grider (Age 9)

"When I used to try to do my Bible study I didn't know what to do so I just prayed and read other stuff. Now I can read a real chapter of the Bible. Even if I don't understand the whole chapter, I can choose a verse and it stays with me all day. I usually choose a verse that helps me with school or girl world or something like that and it usually sticks with me all day. If I am sad on the playground or feel left out, I think about that verse from my Self-Feeder. It's nice to know how to study God's Word."

Meaghan Grider (Age 39)

Children's Director

"The impact of letting God's Word touch my life on a daily basis is huge! The beauty of the Self-Feeder to me is that it can be as long or short as I want it to be. There are some chapters that rock me and I might choose 2 or 3 verses to write a page on but I KNOW I can have a daily time with God whether it's 10 minutes or an hour and a half. Also, I have the honor of meeting with many brand new believers and to present them with this tool is beyond helpful. It is simple, but profound and, whether you have been a Christian for 20 years or 20 minutes, you can wrap your head around getting into the Bible. We may know that God's Word can change our life but knowing it and doing something with that knowledge are 2 different things. This is a tool that allows us to 'get it.' No one else's opinions or thoughts, just me and God. It doesn't get better than that!"

Ben Bruno (Age 55)

Cook/Youth Leader

"The Self Feeder has helped me to not only get into God's Word on a daily basis, but it has given me a great way of understanding it. I have tried a number of other ways to be in God's Word daily with not a lot of success. I know I can do this program because it is teaching me along the way and I have gained more confidence. It is helping me to find great nuggets of wisdom and I have found a way to incorporate journaling as I answer the questions asked. "

Kim Richardson

Advertising & PR/Mom/Wife

"I have tried to be disciplined and read the Bible each night before going to bed. Granted, sometimes I'm so exhausted from the day, falling asleep during prayers afterwards isn't unheard of. Prior to The Self Feeder, the method was to try to read a chapter a night, plus the notes in the bottom, from the Living Translation. However, after starting with the Self Feeder, it has been an infinitely more enriching experience each night. The Self Feeder keeps you on track to experience the entire Bible; there's no shame for the nights you miss -- you just keep moving forward; and you think about the most impactful verse as you read each chapter. That has been the most engaging part of the Self Feeder. You read with an eye towards the key verse of the passage; you translate what that means to you personally; and you carry that through to how it can be applied to your everyday life. Plus, at the end, there's room to tell God something that's compelling from the day; which may or may not be related to the passage. The Self Feeder has been the first organized Bible Study that I've experienced since being in Junior High School, and it is something that will be a part of my daily life going forward. Thank you Jim for the creative inspiration and your enthusiasm for bringing it to life. We are so blessed that you are our Pastor, and are so grateful for your teaching."

Karen Felix (Age 56)

Administrator

"This is the first time the words of the bible are making sense to me and I have an understanding of how to apply what I have read in my day-to-day activities. I am finally motivated to share quiet time with God each morning and let him speak to me in a way that I get it."

Debbie Cutlers

"The Self Feeder has given me direction by telling me what to read and writing down what I got out of what I read."

Tommy Ihde (Age 68)

"I have really enjoyed staying in the word daily and to be learning more. It is so quick and easy to learn the bible and understand it."

Rodney Fiedler

"I have read 76 chapters so far and I like writing down scripture. I like that this is not a directed study which allows the bible to speak to me without being lead by someone else's idea. I recommend this book all the time."

Claire

Tutor/Teacher

"It's been so easy and portable to use! I haven't felt legalistic about missing a day or a few. I love the simplicity of it and that it can be long or short, it's up to me. It makes me excited to read more, like the old days. I have friends from other churches asking for it. It’s contagious! Thank you boatloads!"

Brian Platisha (Age 45)

"As many bible studies as I have started in my life this one has been the only that has had me stay committed. It's all about me and God. My breakthrough thought has me really thinking of the whole chapter more in depth than usual. I enjoy the 'what I want to tell God' too. I feel better about my relationship with God and feel comfortable sharing my experience with others. I feel accountable to study in a loving way."

Jeff Dow

"I’ve stuck with it, a few days behind, but it has been a most enlightening experience. During my life, I’ve never sat to diligently read through the Bible. I’m confident that I will now. Your ‘baby steps’ approach is effective and the to-the-point-questions really, really make you think about, analyze and apply the messages to your life.

Although written long ago, Luke Chapters 5 & 8 really hit home with me, my life and the process of building faith within myself. The ‘seeds on the rock’ verse hit me like a brick wall and although only a few seconds to read, I’ve thought about that for 72 hours straight. How so very, very true in my life. A great approach you’ve come up with in my opinion. In fact, I think I can buy a few from you and start trying to spread the word (I have a few targets).

Great stuff and I thank you for sharing. You continue to impact my life in so many positive ways, I will be forever grateful. Tania said she is going to start The Self Feeder, too. Interesting, since she is the one who brought me to Baycities in the first place!"

Christine Cottier (Age 41)

VP Sales

"I love how it has maps out the Bible and it is so easy to follow. Having the daily calendar of each verse to read, helps to keep me in the word every day (well almost everyday). Yes - I now have 21 co-workers using this awesome tool. Many have thanked me for getting them back into the Bible."

Charles DeSherlia (Age 36)

Watch Maker

"Wow - has it ever helped me! It has begun my true search for the word with needed knowledge and my search for peace. The Self Feeder has started my journey to read and understand the bible. First time in my life I have opened the bible to read and understand and it feels fantastic! There are so many people that need this little push to start reading and absorbing the truth. Thank you so much for starting The Self Feeder - it has begun to open my eyes!"

Ron Perry (Age 52)

Self Employed

"To be more focused on the Lord and how his daily word changes my life and keeps me from the World. It has helped me fellowship and brings me closer to my wife and with the Lord. I recommend this book all the time!"

Kim Perry (Age 52)

Floral Designer/Production Mgr

"This has brought my walk into a deeper meaningful connectivity with God and His word daily. I can't afford not to take the time to do this. It sets the tone of my whole day. Sharing w/ my husband God's word and what he has gotten out of the word. We read together, do own workbook and comeback to share. I have found that this new routine has helped to change my approach to my job, relationships and mental well being. I have a deeper love for God and what he has done for me."

Anne Marie Crofty (Age 29)

Wife/Mom/Photographer

"The Self Feeder has helps get me into the word everyday (well almost every day). Even if I only take 10 minutes, I am changed. My perspective is elevated and the things that seem so important fall in line with what God sees as important."

Unsigned

"The Self Feeder has given me more support throughout the week. It is easy to follow and I have read more scriptures than I ever thought possible. I find the simplicity of this an easy way to make the self feeder a part of my daily walk with God, making me a better person. The Bible is not so overwhelming to me anymore as I am not all over the place when I read. I can stay focused."

Don Calhoun (Age 67)

Retired Aerospace Engineer/Manager

"This has allowed me to really focus on God's word in reasonable pieces and capture key verses that I can study and apply to my life. My favorite part of the self feeder is being driven to select a key verse, understand it's meaning to me and consider how it applies to my actions in serving God's will. Practically it has increased my understanding and ability to apply God's word to my life."

Diana Calhoun (Age 56)

Retired Financial Professional

"It has helped me get organized into a regular study program of the Bible. I would recommend this to others as how can we know God, unless we read his 'WORD'."

Jonathan Scott (Age 24)

Volleyball Coach

"It helps me read the bible more, with greater discipline and in greater depth. It's a practical way of getting into the Word with a healthy level of guilt. You don't keep this kind of thing to yourself!"

Barbie Hokanson (Age 47)

3rd Grade Teacher

"I love having a schedule to follow in reading the bible and to think about how the passages apply to me. The Self Feeder helps me to feel closer to the Lord. Morning quiet time helps my day go smoother. It keeps my eyes on the right place. My life is better with the Lord on board. It helps me to live on a different level. It helps me to look at life differently. The Lord gives me peace."

Tim Correa (Age 57)

Model Maker

"This program is a constant reminder to read and study scripture and to contemplate the answer to the questions and giving us consistent time in the word of God."

Pat Zanibrano (Age 51)

"The Self Feeder has helped me to understand the bible much better and that we must obey God's word. I love picking a new verse each day and putting my thoughts down in my own words. I would recommend me as there are so many of us out there that have not read the bible and this offers the opportunity to do so at our own pace."

Ashley (Age 61)

"Yes The Self Feeder has put me In touch with the Bible for the 1st time in 60 years! I invest 15 minutes a day to stay in touch with God and it is easy. I love that we are all on the same page if we are following the given calendar."

Shannon Buell (Age 23)

Engineer

"The Self Feeder questions have brought about deeper thoughts and help me retain what I have read. I love that The Self Feeder is all about God's word and is not another man's interpretation of God's word."