Session 13 - The Bible in 90 Days

Can you believe it. The last session? Wow. I have enjoyed this journey with you. I don't know about you, but I do plan on reading through my Bible at least 2 or 3 times in a year. Now that I know I can do it more than once a year, I will make this a priority in my life. Plus, I do love listening to it as well.

So, let's get to it...shall we?

This week's reading schedule:

• Day 85 Hebrews 1:1 - James 3:12


• Day 86 James 3:13 - 3 John 14


• Day 87 Jude 1 - Revelation 17:18


• Day 88 Revelation 18:1 - Revelation 22:21

From Children's Letters to God:

Dear God, who draws the lines around the countries? - Nan

Dear God, I bet it is hard for you to love all the people in the world. There are only four people in my family and I could never do it. - James

Dear God, we read that Thomas Edison invented light. But in Sunday School, we learned that you did it. So I guess he stole the idea from you. - Donna

Dear God, I didn't think that orange went with purple until I saw the sunset on Thursday. That was cool. - Eugene

Dear God, thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. - Joyce

Are you getting out of the reading what you expected? If so, what are you getting out of it? If not, what had you hoped for and what are you getting instead?

Digging in:

1. After Stephen is stoned, the church is persecuted and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8;1). Is there any upside to this tragedy? What are other examples from your New Testament reading where adversity leads to comparable consequences?

Do you feel that your reading has more thoroughly equipped you for your service for the Lord?

Books you'll encounter this week:

Hebrews - In this letter to the Hebrews, Christ is explained against the backdrop of the Old Testament. The author of this letter is unknown.

James - James is a half-brother of Jesus. His message here is to submit to God in humility. This book is a call to action, with James asserting a person is justified by what he does and not faith alone.

1 Peter - The apostle Peter writes on being holy, submitting to others and living for God.

2 Peter - Peter reminds Christians that he writes as a witness of Christ's life and he encourages all to actively develop a number of Christian qualities as byproducts of our faith.

1 John - Echoing Peter, the apostle John proclaims that he writes as one who witnessed Christ's life. John encourages readers to walk in the light, love one another and fear not, because perfect love drives out fear.

2 John- The Spostle tells readers to love one another, but to be wary of those who do not bring the teaching of Christ.

3 John- John encourages his friend Gaius to walk in truth and protect himself from evil.

Jude - A half brother of Jesus, Jude calls on believers to build themselves p and persevere in the faith. (I love verse 22 KJV And of some have compassion, making a difference - compassion, nothing like it.)

Revelation - The Apostle John's apocalyptic vision is a fantastic end to an extraordinary journey through the Bible. Like the rest of the Bible, reading Revelation once is a good start, but further reading and study are necessary to begin grasping its complex and layered message.

WOW - whahoooo... celebrating the completion of our journey. I have a few final things:

How did this impact your life?

Will you recommend that others do it?

If you haven't finished reading yet, do you plan on finishing?

Is there something you are chaning in your life as a result of reading all of the Bible?

What is next for you? Do you have questions for further study? Take a moment and jot down some things that are next for you. Also, you'll find "Next Steps" suggestions at www.biblein90days.org check them out.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide: Week 13: John There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

LASTLY -

As of this writing, I'm not going to finish in 90 days. But I will finish, as I do not give up so easily. I have notes scribbled all over the place and will go back and get them together and place them in the comment section of each of the sessions.

I will also be reading the study guides and commenting on them as well - so check back often - especially the comment section and see if there has been anything new added.

Thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey throught the Bible. I hope your heart has been touched by it. I hope you'll start again, as each time you journey through the Bible - the journey is different. That is the coolest thing of all. You get something wonderfully different each time you read.

{{HUGS}} yall

Session 12 - The Bible in 90 Days

Can you believe how close to the end of the Bible we are? It has been a fun time of learning, reading and just grounding our faith. I hope these studies has helped you see things in a different way, that you've had several "ah - ha" moments and that your desire to continue to dig deeper into God's word will grow.

This week's reading schedule:

• Day 78 Acts 6:8 - Acts 16:37


• Day 79 Acts 16:38 - Acts 28:16


• Day 80 Acts 28:17 - Romans 14:23


• Day 81 Romans 15:1 - 1 Corinthians 14:40


• Day 82 1 Corinthians 15:1 - Galatians 3:25


• Day 83 Galatians 3:26 - Colossians 4:18


• Day 84 1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Philemon vs 25

Faith is a funny thing. For many of us, it can seem like it changes a lot. One minute our faith seems unsakable and we feel 100 % certain about God, Christ or the Holy Spirit. But, if we are completely honest withourselves, many of us will admit that every once in a while there's this lingering question mark in the back of our minds.

As we read the Gospels, faith is a core issue that gets a lot of attention. In the Gospel accounts we meet various people who could be plotted in a wide range on the Faith-O-Meter. (The Meter being - Perfect Faith; Big Faith; Middle Faith; Little Faith; No Faith)

1. Based on Matthew 14:25-31 & Matthew 26:69-75, where do you think Peter should be plotted on the Faith Meter?

2. Can you think of some individuals in the Gospels who deomnstrated greater faith than Peter? Who were they? Where should they be plotted on the Faith meter?

3. Has Peter's faith changed by the time he addresses a crowd of Jews in Acts 2:22-24? If so, Why? Where would you place Peter on the Faith Meter now?

4. In general, what happens to the faith of the disciples after Jesus' resurrection?

5. What does Matthew 9;29-30 suggest about the benefits of Faith? Does one's degree of faith seem to be important?

6. Discuss Matthew 17:19-20. What does it tell you about faith.

7. What does Matthew 13:58 tell us about the consequesnce of a lack of faith during Jesus' ministry? What does this suggest about the relationship between faith and God's use of his power to, say, move mountains.

8. Where would you place YOUR faith on this faith meter?

9. How would you apply Jesus's statements in Matthew 21:21-22 to the "mountains" in your life? Based on your reading to date, is there a qualification to the promise in verse 22? If so, what is it? how do you or could you apply this in your everyday living?

10. For a moment, try to imagine setting aside all of your doubts and limitations. What would you do if you had perfect faith?

Books you'll encounter this week:

Romans - The first of Paul's Epistles, this is a letter from the apostle Paul to the early church in Rome. In it, he covers several foundational themes such as faith, life in the Spirit and God's acceptance.

1 Corinthians - Paul appeals to the church in Corinth to avoid division by following Christ rather than competing disciples. He then describes what it means to be followers of Christ and encourages people to give themselves always to the work of the Lord.

2 Corinthians - In a second letter to the church at Corinth, probably written within a year of 1 Corinthians, Paul is replying to an evidently chilly reception by the Corinthians to his previous letter.

Galatians - In this letter to the church in Galatia, Paul establishes his authority before warning the Galatian to accept no other gospel than the gospel of Christ.

Ephesians - Writing to the church in Ephesus, Paul focuses on unity in Christ and living as children of God.

Philippians - Paul core message to the church in Philippi is to imitate Christ's humility.

Colossians - Paul writes to the church in Colosse regarding rules for holy living.

1 Thessalonians - Following a positive report from Timothy about the church of the Thessalonians, Paul writes to encourage them to continue strong in their faith.

2 Thessalonians - Writing soon after the first letter, Paul reiterates that the Thessalonians should stand firm and not be alarmed by false prophecies.

1 Timothy - Paul writes to his protege Timothy to instruct him in his leadership while in Ephesus.

2 Timothy - Paul encourages Timothy to preach the Word, since all Scripture is God-Breathed and prepares Christians to be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Titus - Writing to another young disciple, Paul gives him qualifications for ordaining church elders and instructions on what must be taught to a variety of groups.

Philemon - In this brief letter to his friend Philemon, Paul asks him to free his slave Onesimus and charge anything Onesimus owes Philemon to Paul.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 12: Paul There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 11 - The Bible in 90 Days

Celebrating the fact that we are leaving the Old Testament and now entering the New Testament. We are making such great progress! I'm glad to be on this journey with you.

This week's reading schedule:

• Day 71 Matthew 26:57 - Mark 9:13


• Day 72 Mark 9:14 - Luke 1:80


• Day 73 Luke 2:1 - Luke 9:62


• Day 74 Luke 10:1 - luke 20:19


• Day 75 Luke 20:20 - John 5:47


• Day 76 John 6:1 - John 15:17


• Day 77 John 15:18 - Acts 6:7

Before we move completely out of the Old Testament, let's consider some "Minor" Prophets.

In the next 5 statements, there are 5 errors. Can you list and correct them?

1. God instructs Obadiah to marry Gomer, a woman God knows will be unfaithful.


2. Jonah is upset when he's swallowed by a big fish, but afterward he still doesn't carry out God's directive to prophesy to the Ninevites.


3. The book of Habakkuk has nothing in common with the book of Job.


4. Haggai 1:5-11 suggests that God doesn't react to the actioins of people.


5. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament contained many warnings. Have there been friends or loved ones in your life that have warn you about things but you've ignored it? Was there any possibility that this was God's way of getting your attention?

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about giving in secret. Have you given in secret during the past year? Spend a moment silently considering something you might secretly give in the near future.

Books you'll encounter this week:

Mark - The shortest of the four Gospels, Mark focuses on the ministry of Christ, beginning with his baptism by John the Baptist and ending with his resurrection.

Luke - Luke was a Gentile physician who traveled as a missionary with the Apostle Paul. He also wrote the book of Acts. In this Gospel, Luke provides "an orderly account" of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, highlighting Jesus relationship with many different kinds of people and emphasizing that Jesus came for all people, not just the Jews.

John - Harkening back to Genesis, the book of John Asserts, "In the Beginning was the Word and the word was with God and the Word was God" John portrays Jesus as the Son of God.

Acts - Written by Luke, Acts describes the coming of the Holy Spirit, the forming and persecution of the early church, the conversion and ministry of Paul, and the miraculous spread of Christianity.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 11: Jesus There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 10 - The Bible in 90 Days

Your heart should start rejoicing as we enter the New Testament this week! I know mine is! Keep going, don't give up. We are almost through the entire Bible! That should excite YOU!

This week's reading schedule:

• Day 64 Daniel 9:1 - Hosea 13:6


• Day 65 Hosea 13:7 - Amos 9:10


• Day 66 Amos 9:11 - Nahum 3:19


• Day 67 Habakkuk 1:1 - Zechariah 10:12


• Day 68 Zechariah 11:1 - Matthew 4:25


• Day 69 Matthew 5:1 - Matthew 15:39


• Day 70 Matthew 16:1 - Matthew 26:56

If we were doing this in person as a discussion group, we would pick one of the following and do a presentation on it. I will list them for you with the HOPES that you'll choose one and dive in, learing more and hiding more of God's word in your heart. Enjoy!

Isaiah

1. What periods are described in Isaiah and who was the original audience?


2. Describe God's call of Isaiah (ch 6). Note that the seraph/seraphim are angels. Their name translates roughly as "burning ones." Consider this for your presentation.


3. The following passages are often called the Servant Songs. What do they tell us?
   
   
   
   • 42:1-4
   
   
   • 49:1-6
   
   
   • 50:4-9
   
   
   • 52:13-53:12 (Isaiah 53:4-5 is a particularly good sommary.)
   
   
   
   


4. Does 55: 8-9 describe holiness? What is being communicated by these verses?


5. What is the main theme or message of the book of Isaiah?

Jeremiah:

1. What period is described in Jeremiah, and who was the original audience?


2. Jeremiah is sometimes called the "weeping prophet." How does 9:1 illustrate this description?


3. See 18:1-11 for an important and particularly poignant image. Consider this for your visual presentation.


4. What did the kings think of Jeremiah's warnings (36:20-26)


5. What does 31:33 tell us?


6. Does 29:11-14 sugest that there is any hope?


7. What is a major theme of the book of Jeremiah

Exekiel:

1. What period is described in Ezekiel and who was the original audience?


2. The book of Ezekiel is known for the strange visions described in it. Consider the following for your visual presentation:
   
   
   
   • The glory of God (chapter 1)
   
   
   • The watchman (3:16-21)
   
   
   • The valley of dry bones (37:1-14)
   
   
   • Cherubim (10:9-14)
   
   
   
   


3. Describe the prophecy of the new heart (36:26). What does it mean?


4. What is a major theme of the book of Ezekiel?

Daniel:

1. What period is described in Daniel and who was the original audience?


2. Vegetarians no doubt are excited about Daniel's refusal oeat the Babylonian diet. Do you think there's any chance he was just trying to eat kosher (1:1-18)? What else might his refusal to eat from the king's table represent?


3. Many popular sayings have their origin in the Bible. Two originate in Daniel. Describe these scenes and their significance and consider them for your visual presentation:
   
   
   
   • Feet of clay (ch2)
   
   
   • The handwriting on the wall (ch5)
   
   
   
   


4. Daniel includes two important instances in which complete faith is demonstrated. Describe them and consider for your visual presentation.
   
   
   
   • Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (3:8-30)
   
   
   • Daniel in the den of lions (6:6-28)
   
   
   
   


5. What does Daniel 2:20-21 tellus about God's presence in the world?


6. What is a major theme of the book of Daniel?

WHEWW...that is a lot to think about. But I hope you'll consider digging deeper and choosing at least one to learn more about.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 10: Haggai There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 9 - The Bible in 90 Days

At this point, my Bible reading wil be the Bible in 120 days. But, seriously, how bad can reading through the Bible in 120 days be? I generally read through it over the course of the entire year, but am finding this to be more helpful in getting me to read more. Even reading through the Bible 2 or 3 times a year has got to be very beneficial.

This weeks reading schedule:

• Day 57 Jeremiah 33:23 - Jeremiah 47:7


• Day 58 Jeremiah 48:1 - Lamentations 1:22


• Day 59 Lamentations 2:1 - Ezekiel 12:20


• Day 60 Ezekiel 12:21 - Ezekiel 23:39


• Day 61 Ezekiel 23:39 - Ezekiel 35:15


• Day 62 Ezekiel 36:1 - Ezekiel 47:12


• Day 63 Ezekiel 47:13 - Daniel 8:27

Biblical prophecy is not just about predicting future events. Much of it serves a distinctly different purpose. It provides an inspired perspective on current events. Keep this in mind and as you think about the following 2 questions.

1. Use a word or brief phrase to capture Jeremiah's description of godly people in the following verses:

• 7:23


• 9:24


• 22:16


• 24:7


• 29:11

Do you agree with this list? What would you add or subtract from it?

2. What attributes of God are found in the following passages from Jeremiah?

• 27:4-6


• 31:1-4


• 31: 34b


• 32:40

Add in 2 other attributes of God not described in the passages above.

Isaiah 58 describes "fsting". Many Christians have never fasted. Have you ever fasted? If so, what was it like? What kind of fast did you do? If not, would you consider fasting? Is the sacrifice worth the effort?

Books you'll encounter this week:

Lamentations: Poetic laments concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel: Initial prophecies warn of fall of Jerusalem. After the fall, he offers oracles of hope.

Daniel: Daniel and his 3 friends are exemplary representatives of God while in exile in Babylon. While there Daniel pens a number of long-range prophecies.

Are you behind in your reading? If so, keep moving. The main thing is to finish. It doesn't matter how long it takes you, just keep reading, enjoying, learning and soaking up God's wonderful word.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. Week 9: Daniel There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 8 - The Bible in 90 Days

We just finished up Proverbs! Wise words to live by. I hope you enjoyed it and applied it where applicable. Some of them deal with our faith - "Trust in the LORD", some of them deal with our actions. They all speak to the heart and make us wiser for it. As you read, keep in mind there are 4 types of proverbs:

1. Synonymous - the second line repeats the first line in a little different way


2. Antithetical - the second line is contrary to the first line


3. Synthertic - the second line adds to the idea of the first line


4. Comparative - a truth is explained relative to some experience or something in nature

This Week's Reading Schedule:

• Day 50 - Isaiah 14:1 - Isaiah 28:29


• Day 51 - Isaiah 29:1 - Isaiah 41:18


• Day 52 - Isaiah 41:19 - Isaiah 52:12


• Day 53 - Isaiah 52:13 - Isaiah 66:18


• Day 54 - Isaiah 66:19 - Jeremiah 10:13


• Day 55 - Jeremiah 10:14 - Jeremiah 23:8


• Day 56 - Jeremiah 23:9 - Jeremiah 33:22

Did you memorize a Psalm? Share that if you did. I love Ps. 46. Many know Ps 23. They are all awesome to hide in our heart.

Are you caught up on reading? If not, don't sweat it. I'm on target with listening, (I listen while I work) but this weekend....I have got to get some major catching up done on the reading.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don't pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 7 - The Bible in 90 Days

Wow, we are over half way done. This has been a wonderful experience so far. A huge commitment but well worth it. There is a verse that says Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I want to grow my faith and I believe it can be accomplished by reading through the bible every 90 days. That is my intention. What about you? Do you desire to grow your faith? Have you been reading? Are you up to date. *Looks Around* Shhhh... don't tell anyone, but I'm managing to stay a week behind. [whispers] BUT - that is OUR little secret! I know you'll keep that to yourself! ;)

Reading Schedule for the Week:

• Day 43 Psalm 89:14 - Psalm 108:13


• Day 44 Psalm 109:1 - Psalm 134:3


• Day 45 Psalm 135:1 - Proverbs 6:35


• Day 46 Proverbs 7:1 - Proverbs 20:21


• Day 47 Proverbs 20:22 - Ecclesiastes 2:26


• Day 48 Ecclesiastes - 3:1 - Song of Soloman 8:14


• Day 49 Isaiah 1:1 - Isaiah 12:22

Books You'll Encounter This Week:

Proverbs: This is a book of pithy sayings that highlight general principles about how to live wisely.

Ecclesiastes: This book is written by a wise "teacher" and contains a discourse on the meaninglessness of life, even for those who live lives of privilege. With this blead stage set, the teacher concludes the book by pointing to teh only true souce of meaning and hope.

Song of Solomon: Where Ecclesiastes contains some depressing thoughts, Song of Solomon is an iptimistic celebration fo love. Various interpretations see it as a love poem between lovers, a representation of Christ's love for the Church, or an illustration of God's love for his people.

Isaiah: Prophesying during the reigns of the later kings of Judah, Isaiah warns friends and foes alike. He foretells the coming of Christ, praises the Lord's faithfulness and offers comfort to God's people.

Looking forward to Jesus: foretelling Christ's Birth Isaiah 7:14 & Foretelling Christ as Savior Isaiah 54:4-6

Think about it:

1. As you read Job, a book in which Job's friends comfort him by advising him on the reasons for his distress, did you agree with any of the arguments made by his friends?

2. Have you ever felt a bit like Job? When in distress where have you gone for solutions? Friends, family, prayer, gym, self-help book, bar? All of these? Now that you are reading through the bible and have done so for several weeks, will the places you search for solutions change?

3. Did you notice that God is never mentioned in the book of Esther? Even so, there are examples of His work throughout. Can you list some?

4. Job is often associated with suffering and patience. Can you build a case supporting the contention that this book is about faith?

5. What is your favorite Psalm? What is significant about it for you?

6. Did the reading this week impact your thoughts on a current event or personal experience you are currently going through.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don't pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 6 - The Bible in 90 Days

I am loving the reading as well as listening to the Bible during this journey. At this point I'm thinking that it may be the Bible in 97 days, but really - is that a bad thing? It is a tough thing to do, but I'm finding it very rewarding to put in the time and effort.

I love the fact that new things are jumping out at me, that reminders are tugging at my heart and make me smile when I think to myself "oh....yeah, I knew that."

If you ARE keeping up, then you'll realize that I'm behind with the sessions as well. Not even going to make excuses here, just going to give you the information you need and SMILE real big and move on.

Reading Schedule:

• Day 36 Nehemiah 13:15 - Job 7:21
• Day 37 Job 8:1 - Job 24:25
• Day 38 Job 25:1 - Job 41:34
• Day 39 Job 42:1 - Psalm 24:10
• Day 40 Psalm 25:1 - Psalm 45:14
• Day 41 Psalm 45:15 - Psalm 69:21
• Day 42 Psalm 69:22 - Psalm 89:13

Questions:

1. Based on your reading so far, what are three or 4 ways God intends for us to benefit from the Scriptures?

God Reveals Himself to us ~ God instructs us regarding how to live ~ God demonstrates His love for us ~ God gave the Bible so we could have ready references to answer many of our questions.

2. What questions did your reading generate this week?

3. Imagine what the temple might have looked like. What would have been the most striking to you.

4. In his life and writings, Ezra adamantly encouraged people to follow the Law. Who could you encourage this week to read the Bible?

5. List and describe some of Nehemiah's leadership qualities. Would they be relevant for today's leaders? Did you learn anything that would help you as you lead others?

6. What is your favorite Psalm? Why? Do you have more than 1 that you turn to time and time again?

Books you'll encounter this week:

Esther - Describing events several decades prior to those described in Nehemiah, the events in Esther may have enabled those in Nehemiah. (This is my favorite book. Classic rags to riches - Cinderella story, as well as amazing woman risking her own life to save her country.)

Job- Scholars believe that Job was a contemporary of the patriarchs. In this philosophical idscourse, God allows Satan to test Job, then clears up some misconceptions of Job and his friends.

Psalms - One of the best-loved books of the Bible, Psalms is a collection of 150 hymns and poems, authored over a period of hundreds of years.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don't pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 5 - The Bible in 90 Days

We've come a long way through our Bible! I've enjoyed getting to know old characters again, being reminded that even though many failed and failed BIG that they were still mightly used by the Lord because they were willing to be used. I've enjoyed hearing many, many times - do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. I hope that you are enjoying the journey so far as well!

This Weeks Schedule:

• Day 29 1 Chronicles 1:1 - 1 Chronicles 9:44
• Day 30 1 Chronicles 10:1 - 1 Chronicles 23:32
• Day 31 1 Chronicles 24:1 - 2 Chronicles 7:10
• Day 32 2 Chronicles 7:11 - 2 Chronicles 23:15
• Day 33 2 Chronicles 23:16 - 2 Chronicles 35:15
• Day 34 2 Chronicles 35:16 - Ezra 10:44
• Day 35 Nehemiah 1:1 - Nehemiah 13:14

Books we'll encounter this week:

1 Chronicles Overview: Covers much of the same ground as 2 Samuel. This book was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended as an encouragement to the returnees. Its emphasis in on the more positive events/aspects of the reigns covered.

2 Chronicles Overview: Covers much of the same ground as 1 & 2 Kings. Like Chronicles, it was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended to encourage.

Ezra Overview: When Cyrus became king of Persia, the Lord led him to free teh exiles to return to Jerusalem. Ezra, a teacher "well versed in the Law of Moses" arrives several decades later to discover that many from Judah have been intermarrying with the neighboring peoples.

Nehemiah Overview: Whereas Ezra is a teacher and scribe, Nehemiah is a leader. The book of Nehemiah celebrates the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls against significant odds. The behavior of the residents when Nehemiah is in residence and when he is not harkens back to the era of the Judges.

Consider:

1. How does the Lord use the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12?

2. Does David immediately realize the significance of Nathan's story about the rich man?

3. What does David's response in 2 Samuel 12:13 say about his relationship with God?

4. What were the consequences of David's sin?

5. Has there been an "aha" triggered by your reading this week that you have been able to immediately apply to your life?

Do you know that we are going to be halfway through the Old Testament? *Clapping* GOOD for YOU!! If you have fallen behind, don't give up!! Keep reading. Keep at it! You'll be glad you did!

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don't pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 4 - The Bible in 90 Days

As we near completing our first month of Bible reading, I'm excited that this goal is actually possible. I'm still a little behind, but working diligently to catch up. I hope that you are still on track and are enjoying your journey. If you are behind, still work on it. Think about it...how bad its it to have read through your bible in 100 days? hmmm?

You can do this. I have faith in you.

Bible Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 22 1 Samuel 28:20 - 2 Samuel 12:10
• Day 23 2 Samuel 12:11 - 2 Samuel 22:18
• Day 24 2 Samuel 22:19 - 1 Kings 7:37
• Day 25 1 Kings 7:38 - 1 Kings 16:20
• Day 26 1 Kings 16:21 - 2 Kings 4:37
• Day 27 2 Kings 4:38 - 2 Kings 15:26
• Day 28 2 Kings 15:27 - 2 Kings 25:30

In the early 1990's H. Jackson Brown wrote Life's Little Instruction Book. His son was going to college and he watned to share some gems of wisdom that he had gleaned over the years. He collected 511 gems of wisdom that were to guide his son's life. For instance - learn to make great chili, never buy a house without a fireplace, overtip breakfast waitresses, be brave - even if you're not, pretend to be - no one can tell the difference etc etc.

His son responded enthusiastically and the document made its way to a publisher and became a best seller. It's hard to know whether anyone was transformed by this - but the Bible...that's a different story. Billions of people have been changed by its message of hope and salvation.

Books you'll Encounter This Week:

1 Kings - The book opens with the region of Solomon, a time when Israel enjoys a great deal of influence, wealth and worldwide recognition. Yet, even as the world's wisest man, Solomon is corrupted by worldly matters and the faiths of his wives and concubines. At his death the kingdom becomes divided.

2 Kings - Continues the account of the kings and the divided kingdom through the fall of Jerusalem

Reading Tips:

Many new people and names are introduced that can be hard to distinguish from one another. Some events are described more than one and the kings of Israel and Judah are handled in rapid-fire succession. To minimize confusion, slow down, read attentively. Notice the patterns of behavior by the various kings.

Discussion:

1. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between modern Christians and the Bible?

2. How is your perception of the Bible changing as you read each day?

3. What questions evolved from your readings this week?

4. Our reading shows us many instances when Israel only partially follows God's commands. What are some examples and the results?

5. Based on our reading to date, talk about what God tends to do whan a society turns to him for help.

6. List the tragedies and unfortunate events that befall Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth. Does any good come from all of this?

7. What are some examples of tragedy or hardship from which good has emerged?

8. Do you have any "life instructions" you'd like to share?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don't pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 3 - The Bible in 90 Days

Starting Week 3 of our Journey through the Bible. I have to confess, this is quite the challenge. Of course everything has gotten busier to the Nth degree and reading 12 pages a day is difficult. I have been reading everyday, but I must confess....I am behind. I will be caught up by the end of this session.

How are YOU doing? Are you ahead? Are you behind? What are your thoughts so far?

Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 15 - Deuteronomy 23:12 - Deut 34:12
• Day 16 - Joshua 1:1 - Joshua 14:15
• Day 17 - Joshua 15:1 - Judges 3:27
• Day 18 - Judges 3:28 - Judges 15:12
• Day 19 - Judges 15:13 - I Samuel 2:29
• Day 20 - I Samuel - 2:30 - I Samuel 15:35
• Day 21 - I Samuel 16:1 - I Samuel 28:19

This Week's Reading Tips:

Pay attention to the following people in your reading this week. How do these people interact with God? How faithful are they to God's will?

• Joshua: Joshua, Rahab
• Judges: Deborah, Gideon, Samson
• Ruth: Ruth, Naomi, Boaz
• 1 Samuel: Samuel, Saul, David

Books You'll Encourter This Week:

Joshua Overview: Moses' former assistant becomes leader of the nation of Israel. The book celebrates the many victories that God brings to the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. At the same time, the failure of the people to follow completely God's plans plants the seeds for future failure. KEY TEACHINGS: God kept his promise, giving the land he had promised to Abraham many centuries earlier. God is the one who brings victory; there is no foe that can withstand him. God expects obedience.

Judges Overview: this book clearly delineates the impact of leaders who follow God from those who do not. Some of the favorite Biblical personalities from children's Sunday School are found here - Deborah, Gideon and Samson. Key Teachings: God is patient, just and merciful. God is able to accomplish his plan even through flawed individuals. God held the Israelites accountable to his expectations of them.

Ruth Overview: Ruth's story of faithfulness is remarkable in its own right, made more so considering she was from Moab, a nation considerd an enemy of Israel. Ruth and Boaz are ancestors of Christ. Key Teachings: God remained faithful to his people even when the times were characterized by unfaithfulness. God provides for those who are faithful.

1 Samuel Overview: Samuel is not only a priest, prophet and judge, but a kingmaker. At God's behest, Samuel anoints Saul the first king of Israel after the people call for a king. God later directs Samuel to anoint Saul's successor, David, which sets up a series of conflicts between Saul and David. Key Teachings: God provided a king for his people. God Reigns! God's power and sovereignty are demonstrated through his king. God will punish even his chosen ones when they disobey.

Think about it:

"A young man asked God how long a million years was to him. God replied, it's like a single second in your time. Then the young man asked God what a million dollars was to him. God replied, it's like a single penny to you. Then the young man asked God, Could I have one of your pennies? God smile and replied, sure...give me one second."

God perceives time differently than we do. God gives us the same amount of time and the question isn't if we have the time to read 12 pages a day, it is if we choose to. How are we choosing to use our time?

Questions for discussion:

1. Are you reading the Bible instead of other things in your life or in addition to?

2. If you are still struggling with your reading, what activites can you eliminate? Where can you squeeze in more reading?

3. What advice would you give to others who are just beginning this journey or are struggling to keep up.

Digging In:

4. Refer to Leviticus and list the 5 main sacrifices

5. God lays out the elements and purposes of these offerings with some specificity. Is there too much detail here? What does this suggest about God's involvement with his people's lives?

6. What happens to Aaron's sons in Leviticus 10: 1-2? What does this tell us about how God expectus us to interact with Him?

Applying it:

7. In Numbers we find God's people wandering in the wilderness for several decades after failing to believe God would lead them to victory. Have you ever experienced a similar delay due to fear or similar lack of belief? How can we apply this to our lives today?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don't pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Session 2 - The Bible in 90 Days

Wow, what an exciting week we've had so far! I'm glad that you are along with me on this journey! Here is the main landing page for our study The Bible in 90 Days. It has all of the links of the various resources and will have each week linked to it at the bottom.

Here is a Free Study Guide for week 2. This has some great information. I hope you'll grab it. Here are a few thoughts taken from the study guide for this weeks reading:

Have you ever experienced a wilderness, a time of wandering and dryness in the desert, where you felt deserted by God?

• A financial circumstance that is burying you
• Waiting for an adoption to be finalized
• Lacking clarity after graduation
• Attempting to sell a house that has been on the market way too long
• An illness that won't go away
• A family member who is rebelling
• A dream that is turning to disappointment

Survival Skills for the wilderness - 1. Don't Whine Numbers 11:4-6 (speaking directly to me!!) 2. Get Help - Numbers 11:10-15 3. Grow Strong Numbers 11:16-18

These things and more are discussed in the free weekly study guide. Enjoy!

Reading Schedule for this week:

• Day 8 - Lev 1:1 through Lev 14:32
• Day 9 - Lev 14:33 through Lev 26:26
• Day 10 - Lev 26:27 through Numbers 8:14
• Day 11 - Numbers 8:15 through Numbers 21:7
• Day 12 - Numbers 21:8 through Numbers 32:19
• Day 13 - Numbers 32:20 through Deut 7:26
• Day 14 - Deut 8:1 through Deut 23:11

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

Here is the audio lesson . (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

Think about it:

Unless you've adopted, you don't get a choice about the children you have. One difference between God and us is that He does know who his children will be. Yet He creates us and gives us a free will, despite that knowledge. A question we might ponder while reading the Bible from cover to cover is, "knowing what HE knows, why would God create each one of us? Why did God create me?"

Reading Tips:

• Remember what our goal is: "To read, attentively, every word of the Bible in 90 days."
• As you encounter repetition in the Bible, consider it an opportunity to more firmly plant important writings in your mind.
• Do not obsess with capturing everything you are reading. Absorb what you can, God will bring it back as you need it.
• If you've gotten behind in your reading, don't give up! Catch up by reading a little more each day or take Sunday and catch up.

Leviticus Overview:

This book of rules gives direction to the Levitical priests in the rituals necessary to maintain holiness for the children of Israel. While modern readers may marvel at the seeming harshness of some directives, it also includes God's earliest command to "love your neighbor as yourself." (and we are always kind to ourself aren't we?)

Numbers Overview:

At the beginning of this book, the Israelites number 603,550 at the end they number 601,730. What occurs in between is a lessonin the pitfalls of failing to submit to God and his plan.

Deuteronomy Overview:

With the Israelites finally approaching entry to the promised land, many elements of the previous four books are revisited here, including the Ten Commandments. Moses gets to view the promised land from Mount Nebo but dies before his people enter it.

Some discussion questions:

1. What did you modify (if anything) this week to make sure that you did your Bible reading? .

2. When/how did you read? Did you do it all at once, break it up? Read in the mornings, evenings?

3. Ok...honesty time - you ready for this? Did you complete all of your reading? hmmm?? If yes, was it easy for you? If no, what can you do to try and get back with it? Please don't give up. We are in this together.

4. What are your suggestions to help others that may have found the first week difficult?

5. So many emotions in last weeks reading. Did you relate at all? Have you been angry with God? How do you handle it? Is the God you read about in Genesis and exodus the God that you "know".

6. Adam and Eve blew it. Cain blew it. What can we learn from it, because it's just a matter of time before we blow it.

7. Can you recall the 10 Commandments? You don't have to list them here, but just for the fun of it...try. Don't be afraid, because there is NO way your memory is worse than mine!

Please feel free to list any "aha" moments, any verses that spoke to you. I hope that you'll listen to the audio notes as far as the discussion goes. Speak yer peace....what say ye? hmmm? *grinning*

Session 1 - The Bible in 90 Days

The bulk of this study will be over at www.spreading-joy.org - as that is where I will be checking the most. If you follow here, you may want to unsubscribe here, and follow over there.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Bible in 90 days. I hope that you are excited and as we near the end, that you'll be thrilled to have made your way through the Bible from cover to cover. I'm so excited! I have a lot of resources for you to get started with, so let's dive right in!

Here is a pdf version of the schedule that you can print off and use to track your reading.

Here is a free study guide for this week.

Reading Schedule for the Week:

Day 1 = Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 16:15
Day 2 = Genesis 17:1 - Genesis 28:19
Day 3 = Genesis 28:20 - Genesis 40:11
Day 4 = Genesis 40:12 - Genesis 50:26
Day 5 = Exodus 1:1 - Exodus 15:18
Day 6 = Exodus 15:19 - Exodus 28: to end
Day 7 = Exodus 29:1 - Exodus 40: to end

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

Here is the audio lesson for session one. (You'll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd's but can't post them here...copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you'll take advantage of this free resource.

Story:

A deeply religious man lived in a house by the river, but one day the banks burst and the house was flooded. As the water level rose alarmingly, the man climbed onto the roof of the house. A Boat came by. "Climb aboard." called the captain. "No, I shall stay here," said the man. "God will take care of me." Twenty minutes later, the waters sill rising, the man climbed onto the chimney. Another boat came past. "Jump aboard," said the captain. "No, I shall stay here," said the man. "God will take care of me." With the water up to the man's waist, a helicopter suddenly swooped down. "Quick!" shouted the pilot. "Climb aboard!"

"No, I shall stay here," said the man. "God will take care of me." The water level continued to rise, soon the man was swept away from the chimney and drowned. Up in heaven, he sought out God. "I thought you said you would take care of me," he complained. God said, "I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What more do you want?"

Do you have any questions for me? If so, please ask away.

Group discussion questions:

1. Have you tried to read the Bible in its entirety? Did you make it? How long did it take?

2. What challenges did you face? If you didn't get all the way through, how far did you get?

3. What is the biggest challenge you are facing in this study (if any)?

4. What have you found rewarding so far in your attempts to read the Bible regularly?

5. If you've started to read through the entire Bible but have never finished it, what has kept you from finishing your goal?

6. What excites you most about the prospect of reading the entire Bible in 90 days?

7. Why do you believe it is important to read the entire Bible? What do you expect to discover in terms of practical living, spiritual growth, knowledge of history or other areas?

Reading Tips:

You'll be reading the Bible on your own. Set your schedule and plan to read each day. In 90 days, you'll have accomplished your goal.

We'll meet here on the blog post and discuss anything you need to cover. I don't claim to have all the answers, but we will find them together if need be. I'm hoping that as others chime in and discuss what they read, that any questions will be answered that way.

Try to read at different times to see what works best for you. Most of all, do not give up - even if you fall behind.

Understand what you can while reading, but remember - different things will "jump out" at you at different times.

Books you'll encounter this week:

Genesis - The adventure begins. Creation of the universe and all things in it.

Exodus - Slavery and the deliverance from Egypt.

If it's helpful to do so, print out this page, put it in your Bible and check off the schedule as you go along. Jot down some notes highlighting what you've read. Any knowledge gained, verses that spoke to you or just favorite passages.

Leave any comments, questions and items you'd like to discuss below. Also, please do take time to answer the discussion questions. You never know how you'll encourage someone to keep going after their goal!

If you are replying to someone, please include their name. If you are on twitter, please leave your twitter name, so others can follow you. I love getting to know others this way!

{{HUGS}} yall, let's do this!