The 60 day summer challenge
Posted on June 30, 2010 by Pastor Tom
A few years ago, I heard a man I greatly respect talk about time in God’s Word. His parents read 5 chapters of the Bible every morning to their children. Then the children would think about the reading through the day. At the evening meal they would discuss anything the children had questions about. Then he shared this stunning reality: “By the time I was 17, I had been through the Bible 10 times!”
That stopped me in my tracks. I was about 26 at the time. I couldn’t remember reading through the entire Bible once. So I thought better late than never. Since that time, I have read through the entire Bible 11 times, The New Testament 22 times and the Psalms about 40 times. I can say without a doubt, God has used this time to speak and shape me more than almost anything else.
My latest through the Bible reading has been much tougher. I bought a study Bible and resolved to read every note and article. So it has taken me 2+ years and I’ve still got Job to do. Yikes! Yet it has been an enriching time.
So my question to you is how many times have you been through the Bible?
When God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai, the medium of communication was the air. God’s voice traveled through the air to Moses’ ears. The medium has changed for us. Now God speaks through His Word. But He still speaks. And He has so much to say! If only we would listen!
If you’re not a reader, you can listen to it. There are tons of great Bible on audio resources out there. You could start with the New Testament and listen to it on a drive, flight, or out on your back deck.
So here’s my challenge – Read the New Testament this summer. There are 260 chapters. In 60 days, you would need to read 4.333333333333333333 chapters/day. (You actually have 62 days in July and August). See what God has to say to you. And enjoy!
Some comments...
July 22, 2010
Love it, Tom! I have to admit that I have only read straight the entire Bible once – in an 8 month period in Bible College. I have been through the New Testaments a few times, but there is something special about reading it straight through.
On an aside, I found reading the Old Testament much more meaningful when doing so in the chronological order of the books. The books of the Prophets make much more sense read in conjunction with the history books they align with.
Keep up the blogging!
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