I really loved how I was able to get a “big picture”, “birds eye” view of God’s entire plan of redemption, spanning both Old and New Testaments. I have understood the historical “timeline” if you will, and even the flow of the books themselves, but it now has a whole new depth. I think especially reading it in such a short period of time allowed for picking up on things that might not be picked up on reading it in a longer plan. When I got to the Gospels and Epistles, it had literally only been a few weeks since I’d been reading the OT books that were being alluded to, so it was very fresh in my mind. Much different than flipping back and forth to see the cross references. I could remember reading the reference and what the immediate context was quite clearly.  I especially noticed this when it came to the Gospels, Hebrews, and Revelation. 

Another thing I found edifying was reading an entire book in one sitting. This was especially true for some of the longer Epistles, which I’ve generally read broken up in several readings in the past. Even a book like Romans that I’m very familiar with has a new dimension when read all at once, following the train of thought unbroken. When I reached the Epistles, I ignored where the schedule said to stop and read at least a book at a time, more for the shorter ones. I was especially blessed reading Romans and Hebrews this way.  

Of course, I still love and value in depth study. It’s absolutely necessary. There’s value in both ways, and in many ways I see that a quick, intense reading straight through and deeper study actually complement each other. I know that things that came to light for me as I read will be applied when I go back to study in depth. I will definitely do the 90 day plan again…I feel certain that each time through will add another layer of depth to my understanding as more and more things jump out or hit home each time. 

Read the rest here.

Last July I made a decision that had a huge impact on me. I decided to join the Bible in 90 Days Challenge hosted by Amy at Mom’s Toolbox. I’d followed various reading plans over the years and had read most all of the books at one time or another, but I’d never read the Bible cover to cover. I’d started and never finished several of the “read the Bible in one year” plans, petering out a few months in, but I figured I could stick with it for 90 days!

Wow. It was incredible! I’m going to quote part of what I wrote after completing the challenge last October:

I really loved how I was able to get a “big picture”, “birds eye” view of God’s entire plan of redemption, spanning both Old and New Testaments. I have understood the historical “timeline” if you will, and even the flow of the books themselves, but it now has a whole new depth. I think especially reading it in such a short period of time allowed for picking up on things that might not be picked up on reading it in a longer plan. When I got to the Gospels and Epistles, it had literally only been a few weeks since I’d been reading the OT books that were being alluded to, so it was very fresh in my mind. Much different than flipping back and forth to see the cross references. I could remember reading the reference and what the immediate context was quite clearly.  I especially noticed this when it came to the Gospels, Hebrews, and Revelation.

Another thing I found edifying was reading an entire book in one sitting. This was especially true for some of the longer Epistles, which I’ve generally read broken up in several readings in the past. Even a book like Romans that I’m very familiar with has a new dimension when read all at once, following the train of thought unbroken. When I reached the Epistles, I ignored where the schedule said to stop and read at least a book at a time, more for the shorter ones. I was especially blessed reading Romans and Hebrews this way. 

Of course, I still love and value in depth study. It’s absolutely necessary. There’s value in both ways, and in many ways I see that a quick, intense reading straight through and deeper study actually complement each other. I know that things that came to light for me as I read will be applied when I go back to study in depth. I will definitely do the 90 day plan again…I feel certain that each time through will add another layer of depth to my understanding as more and more things jump out or hit home each time.

After I completed the challenge, I knew that I wanted to have an ongoing involvement with the project. I have no doubt that the accountability, prayers, and interaction were a major factor in my success. So, this past January I served as a mentor. It was a huge blessing to me to pray for, encourage, and watch God move in, the lives of the women in my group!

Now, the next challenge is about to begin!  

It will run from July 11 through October 8. Once again, I’ll be serving as a mentor. I’m also going to read along again this time…in fact, I got a head start and began this week! 

So, once again, I’d like to invite you to join me on this incredible journey through God’s Word! I’d love to travel this road with you. You can visit Mom’s Toolbox for all the details and to officially sign up. If you want to be sure you get put in my group, you can indicate that in the last question on the form, where it asks if there’s any other information you’d like to share.

I really hope you’ll consider joining us. I’m looking forward to seeing how God will work in us all this time around!