Exciting Challenge

SUMMER!  Just ahead…  if you are like me, at the end of my spring time study focus I begin to think about what I am going to read this summer.  Usually, I begin my list with an adventurous Christian fiction novel, I tend to lean towards a historical setting, one full of romance, travel and faith.  And of course, strong characters that cause me to close my eyes and picture myself right where they are or shake my head in complete questionable wonder.  Summer!

I am changing the genre this year, I am going for a true story, yet holds all the same elements that grip my attention.  My goal is to read the entire Bible in 90 days.  Yes, that’s right in three months.  It is an average of 16 chapters a day.  Those who know me best, KNOW I can not do THAT in my normal way.  I am a ‘rabbit trail’ reader.  I will begin reading a verse or portion of scripture and before I know it have multiple windows open on my laptop, stacks of books chaotically laying at my feet and Notepad full of notes to organize later.  Over the course of the next few weeks beginning June 1st, I will set aside my study resources, my goal is to gain a glimpse of the entire story  from Genesis to Revelations, asking the Holy Spirit to make all the connections of characters and see God’s hand move with a gentle wave over HIS story.  I will however have a notebook with me, instead of running off immersing myself in deep research, I will quickly jot down the things He illuminates for me to study … later.

How about it?  YOU want to join me?  I will be using GateWays online 90 day plan  [ https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/bible-in-90-days/today?version=NIV ]  It offers the option to choose the translation you want, I would encourage a translation that of course is easy to read (New Living Translation, The Message or New International Version) due to the amount of reading, if you are like me NOT a great ‘reader’, scan and skim… always PRAYING before you read, that God opens your eyes, mind and heart to ‘see’ what He wants you to see.

As the saying goes, “There’s an APP for that!”   If you prefer to have this accessible on your SmartPhone, ‘YouVersion’ offers the 90 day phone App as well.

Most importantly, this goal is to gain an overview of God – His story, much like a whirlwind vacation trip, taking pictures along the way.  PLEASE do not grow discouraged if you miss a day, or get behind, this is not a ‘competition’ with others and or yourself.

I would love to hear from you, if you feel this would fit your summer reading or sense God whispering in your ear, “Do this…”

Be blessed!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)