I made a point NOT to blog about this ahead of time. I even told a Twitter follower that I thought 90 days was too fast. I mean, who in their right mind would try to read the ENTIRE Bible in 90 days? Not me. No way. Right?
Well, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is a challenge that I could probably DO, and I would enjoy it. And I would have bragging rights taken God’s Word in as a full, complete story.
Don’t have a clue what I’m talking about? Read about it at Mom’s Toolbox.
Today is Day 3 in the Reading Schedule, and since January 1st I have read from Genesis Chapters 1-40:11. I don’t have the 90 Day Bible they recommend. Why? I didn’t want to commit to it. That’s why I didn’t blog about it either. Why am I blogging now? I guess because I can see that I need to write about it, at least a little. Some bloggers are posting DAILY! Ahem, that would not be me. But I am reading daily. My Bible (Zondervan’s NIV/Message Parallel) has me reading 22 pages per day. Not full pages, because of the parallel translations, it is only one column of each page. It takes me 2-3 sittings, about an hour to 90 minutes each. It seems like a long time, until I think about how easily I can kill 3, 4, even 5 hours in a row reading something like The Shack, or The Robe. And isn’t God’s Word worth more time and dedication than that?
It’s not easy. My mind wanders as I read. The best way I have found to overcome that is to read out loud to myself. It keeps my brain engaged as I read. I also have a composition notebook and a pen handy, so that if I see a verse that strikes me, or an interesting fact, or even have a question, I jot it down and just keep right on reading. I can go back to it later if I need to.
Thus far, we have followed Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Lot, Rachel and Laban, Jacob, and Joseph (and many others) through their lives. We’re still reading about Joseph, which just happens to be one of my very favorite people from the Bible. No matter what happened, Joseph stayed true to the Lord, and the Lord always carried him through.
We’ve read shocking things, such as the rape of Dinah, and the revenge for it: The mass circumcision and then murder of the entire male population of the city! I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember that story from past reading. Maybe it just got skipped, because let’s face it, it’s not the most uplifting thing in there. But God’s provision for Dinah and her family was ever present.
Now, I am glad that I decided to read the Bible in 90 Days. Now, I am excited to watch this story unfold, chapter by chapter, because throughout history God has always been faithful to his people, even when they weren’t faithful to him. God is always there, always waiting for us, and it is just a matter of turning around and seeking Him, making it a priority for our lives. Maybe reading the Bible in 90 days isn’t for you. But could you do it in six months? Or a year? Is pursuing God a priority for you?
It’s encouraging to know that so many blogging buddies are in this with me! I’m one day behind, but I’m committed, so I’ll catch up soon. I have 3 kiddies (3 yo girl and twin 1 yo…boy and girl). I had no reason to tell you that about my kids…I’m just a mom and love to talk about them! LOL!
You’re going to get tons of blog traffic soon! You’re the first blog on Amy’s list. I stopped by on a blog tour of sorts. i’m trying to respond to at least 1 blog a day on the 90day journey.
I am not committing to blogging each day or at all about it. But I enjoy reading the posts.
In your scripture journal, remember to add the Date, Topic, Scripture, and Page number. After the 90 days, you’ll have your own quick reference tool!
Reading Genesis this time, the story of Tamar is the one that stans out to me. The way she took matters into her own hands and created a legacy for herself was amazing. Gen 38. She is the grandmother (5 times removed) of Boaz, Ruth’s second husband [Ruth 4:18-21]
I’ve read the entire book of Genesis before.. there’s a LOT of stuff in there isn’t there?? I think the main thing that stands out to me about all the “Shocking” stuff is how it demonstrates our true condition, you know? How even the Noah, who was the only worthy of saving during the flood, or Jacob, who was chosen over Esau in the line of succession for God’s people.. even these men whom God chose made mistakes, were sinners, and needed God. None of us are perfect, none of us don’t need God. And yet how often we think we’ve got a handle on things, only to turn a corner and realize how badly we need Him. But on the flip side of that coin, God is always there! He didn’t abandon them and He won’t abandon us either. What a great God we serve. =)
Amber @ Classic Housewife´s last blog ..31 Day Fitness Challenge – Day 3
I finished Genesis today. It’s really amazing how deals were arranged (with women as payment) and vengeance was paid. E is listening along too, using the NIV audio Bible on iTunes. He is about a day behind the reading schedule but he’s enjoying it too. Tonight he commented on how bloody it was. They were really brutal!
I found you through the B90Days challenge and am making my way around to all the blogs! So glad to hear you are enjoying your reading and that you’ve committed… even if you don’t want to say so!
LOL I’m committed to not being committed, while committing myself to doing it.
Make sense? I really DO want to see this through to the end!
So glad you are in! It’s pretty incredible already, isn’t it???
And it will just get more amazing, I promise!