Experimenting with Reading the Bible

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I have been experimenting with my Bible reading plan this year.  In addition to reading the New Testament and Psalms twice in one year with my CrossPoint family, I started an experiment on Saturday, January 1, that has invigorated me to read God’s Word with greater passion.

The experiment: reading through the entire Bible in 90 days.

What makes my goal even more daunting is that if the Lord is willing, I want to read the Bible in 90 days once a quarter during 2010. I am amazed at what I am learning from the experience.

What does it take to read the Bible in 90 days?

1.  Reading the Bible in 90 days requires a PLAN.

I began my reading plan in five different locations of the Bible:

Genesis – Pentateuch
Joshua – Historical books
Isaiah – Prophetic books
Matthew – Gospels
Galatians – Pauline letters

I read five chapters in each section of the Old Testament, and two chapters in both sections of the New Testament.

2.  Reading the Bible in 90 days requires TIME.

Reading the Bible that quickly requires, on average one hour of reading each day.  Most days I conclude my reading in the morning.  On busier days, I read 30 minutes in the morning, followed by another 30 minutes at lunch or in the evening.

3.  Reading the Bible in 90 days requires DISCIPLINE.

I have had to squeeze an additional hour into my day because of the reading plan.  That means I must be even more frugal with my time.  It also requires me to make note of where I end each day, so I know where to resume the next day.  It takes discipline, a lot of discipline to stay on top of such an aggressive reading plan.

What are the benefits of reading through the Bible in 90 days?

1.  Reading the Bible in 90 days INFORMS ME.

The Bible is, indeed, one continuous story.  It begins with God creating man.  Then it moves to man sinning against God, thus becoming an object of His wrath.  In the next scene God initiates redemption through the nation of Israel.  After the 400 years of silence during the Intertestamental Period, God accomplishes redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ.  The remainder of the Bible is devoted to God giving birth to the church and preparing the church for His Son’s return.

2.  Reading the Bible in 90 days CONSUMES ME.

David said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).  I have found these words to ring true for me the first 36 days of 2010.  I am consumed with the Bible.  Or, should I say the Bible has consumed me.  The more I read the Word of God the less I am interested in the things of this world. I find the more of God’s Word I read, the more of God’s Word I take with me.

3.  Reading the Bible in 90 days CHALLENGES ME.

I dropped behind in my reading last week preparing for the Men’s Weekend.  I was quickly discouraged.  Would I have the tenacity to catch up?  Would I be willing to make the sacrifice to get back on track?  I almost gave in and ended the experiment.  I am so glad I did not throw in the towel.  I read for two hours last Sunday evening, and I found new energy, new enthusiasm in my reading.  I was reinvigorated with the effort.  Yes, it is a challenge to read that much of God’s Word each day, yet the payoff is well worth the effort.

4.  Reading the Bible in 90 days REFRESHES ME.

The more I read, the more I want to read.  Thank goodness I purchased a new Bible for this experiment.  I have been ripping through the pages, making notes, underlining key passages, recording insights.  There are times I am fatigued when I open God’s Word.  Regardless of where I am and what I read, reading the Bible refreshes me.

I have one friend who desires to track along with me when I kick off the experiment again on April 1.  Perhaps some of you would like to join me.  If so, I will be publishing more information in the weeks to come.