Tuesday, July 06, 2010


The Bible in 90 Days
My Journal Post
Week 4

The weeks go faster as we continue to read through the Bible this summer reading 12 pages a day in the specially formatted NIV Bible published for the Bible in 90 Days ministry. We continue to see more of the big picture - of the many kings Israel and Judah had, the good, the bad, and the down right ugly! The bad outnumbered the good, sad to say. As we read through 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles. . . . we learned more about the individual kings as we read their history from 2 perpectives - Perspective is everything! (if you don't know the differing perspectives - read about it yourself, I won't tell ya!)

We just read through Ezra and Nehemiah this past 3 day weekend - oh, what precious books these are! What stands out to me is how far we have come in American churches from the reading and teaching and explaining God's Word. God asked His people to annually read it as a group, to listen to it together. Today we rarely hear more than a verse or two and then lots of stories, quotes from modern books, and movie clips.

God's Word is rich. It is truth. It does not change. It is alive, it can bring change! Man's word is not eternal, it may contain truth, but often contains personal opinion and it changes with popular opinion at that. I need something solid upon which to stand, how about you?

I am jealous of the public reading, teaching, and explanation of God's Word given to the nation of Israel. And yet, I realized I have my own copy. I have many copies - and I do read them, study them, and seek to learn what it means and how to adjust my life to its truth. I have the ability to study, to check word meanings, context, use internet study tools, and do this with peers. I am so grateful for Precept Ministries which teaches me how to study God's Word AS I study God's Word.

How about you? Is your Bible dusty? Is it unread? It is confusing? Does your life line up with the clear teaching within its pages? Join me on my journey by reading through the Bible in 90 Days come September. Can't wait? Join a group online - there are many! One began this journey yesterday. Check it out!

As we read through we almost daily have confirmed that God still speaks to us - His Spirit is ready to give us understanding. My husband and I are needing direction and guidance regarding some things in our lives at this time - and He is reminding us that He has matters under control, we need not stress nor worry (in fact he commands that we NOT worry) and He can be trusted.

Sigh . . . . . . .

what a help this is!

Reading attentively makes a lot of difference. We are seeing some connections as we do this rapid read through the Bible.

Next week I'll be able to join in the weekly meetings of our church's pilot group for the Bible in 90 Days! I can hardly wait! I've been leading a home Bible study that met at the same time as the church group - and we finished today. (I enjoyed the home study but at times wished I could have been in two places at once.)

I'll share about the pilot group's discussion time as we share the points God highlights as we read through Job, Psalms, etc

I'm enjoying this journey, I am already looking forward to repeating this 90 day read wait again this fall when our entire church will participate in this reading plan. Sharing this with others will be a richer trip!

Truth For Life

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.
Nehemiah 8:4-8