Marine Corps Nomads » Bible in 90 Days

Bible in 90 Days: Wrap Up

Heather — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:02:01 +0000

It’s hard to believe that 90 days ago, Munchkin and I began the Bible in 90 Days Challenge ? We’ve had many ups and downs along the way. There were many times that I didn’t think that I would be able to complete this challenge. Munchkin had an easier time with it all that I did. It’s another reminder to me why Jesus welcomed children. The faith of children is truly amazing.

While I have read through the Bible before, reading it like a book has truly allowed me to see scripture through different eyes. It’s wonderful to see how the Lord used so many different people from all walks of life to share His Word with us. The story unfolds before our eyes and is all tied together even though these men wrote HIStory at all different times. His hand can be seen in every part of the Bible.

This was Munchkin’s first time reading through the whole Bible. It was a good experience for her. I know that she’s thrilled with this major accomplishment. While there were many parts of scripture that some would deem unsuitable for a 10-year-old, I felt it was good for her to be able to read through the Bible completely. She was able to come to me with questions/concerns whenever she wanted. I was impressed with some of things that she picked up on in the reading that I missed. It was a learning experience for both of us.

I look forward to being able to go back through certain passages and really dig into them now that I’m done with the challenge.

To see more final wrap-ups and to encourage those who are continuing on with it, head over to Mom’s Toolbox. There will be another Bible in 90 Days challenge starting up on July 5th if you are interested in participating the next time around.

How are you doing with your Bible reading so far this year? Whether you’re participating in this challenge or not, are you at least spending some time with the Lord daily? Please continue to pray for those who are striving to read their Bible daily this year.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 88 Check-in

Heather — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:00:39 +0000

Can you believe we’re at day 88 of the Bible in 90 Days Challenge ? The 90 Day Challenge has 2 grace days built into it, so we have until Wednesday to finish. I was able to finish up early due to being able to work and listen. Munchkin should be finishing up tonight if all goes as planned. I’ll be posting the final check-in on Wednesday.

Munchkin informed me last night that Revelation is one of her favorite books in the Bible. She said it is really cool because of everything that is talked about. I’m not sure why this surprised me, but it did.

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.“ ~ Revelation 21:9 ~

Working and Listening

Heather — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:08:10 +0000

Image from AllPosters

Ever since I found the audio Bible online, I have been listening to scripture while I do my housework or other tasks that do not require me to think. I can listen to the scripture passage and still get things done. I was struggling when I was trying to do everything plus read the longer scripture passages for the Bible in 90 Days challenge. Now, that I don’t feel the least bit stressed about it, I’m enjoying the challenge again.

I only wish I would have done this a bit earlier in the challenge. The funny thing is that I’m actually listening to more than the required reading daily since I don’t have to drop everything that I’m doing. I am also focusing more on the scripture than the chores that I need to complete. The key is to only listen while I’m doing things that allow me to focus on the scripture reading.

I am so thankful that I found this resource and for the new found joy in the challenge. I disliked that it felt like the reading of scripture had become a burden. Reading God’s Word should never be a burden. I am grateful that the Lord lead me back to having a joyful heart. The Lord is good and His patience is amazing.

This post is part of Thankful Thursday.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 81 Check-In

Heather — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:00:33 +0000

As I’m sure you have noticed, I have not posted a Bible in 90 Days Check-in for the last few weeks. I just haven’t been able to keep up with the reading. I’ve been reading every day, but I just haven’t been able to keep up with the schedule. In all honesty, I did not believe that there was any way that I could come close to getting caught up as I was that far behind.

On Saturday, I was able to get caught up some on my reading while Munchkin and D were riding their dirt bikes. Sitting in the quiet desert surrounded by the beauty of the Lord’s creations made the reading much easier. Unfortunately, I was still far behind in my reading.

Apparently, the Lord had plans in mind for me. Sunday morning, I woke up with a horrible headache. I wasn’t going to make it to church. I was too sensitive to light and sound. My head throbbed.

I thought about what several other people had said about listening to scripture since I wouldn’t be able to read scripture due to my headache. D and Munchkin left for church, and I quickly found audioscriptures.org. After I turned on the audio, I closed my eyes and started listening to scripture. I ended up listening to the scripture reading for most of the day. By the end of the day, I finished only 2 days behind (or right on track if I use my grace days). What a blessing!

I found that listening to the scripture being read made different things jump out at me. In addition, listening to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all in one day allowed me to really hear the similarities and differences in the gospels. (I told you I was really far behind!) It was quite interesting.

I do not have a specific passage in mind for this week. Listening to the gospel messages shortly before Easter was a real blessing. It reminded me of the great sacrifice of my Savior.

Munchkin fell slightly behind when she missed a few days in a row, but she’s right back on track. As soon as she realized she was behind, she set out to get caught up. She didn’t like being behind at all, so that was a good motivation for her.

It’s hard to believe that we’re in the final week of the challenge. By this time next week, Lord willing, both Munchkin and I will have read through the whole Bible!

Bible in 90 Day: Day 53 Check-in

Heather — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:27:57 +0000

It took me a good bit of reading to get caught back up this week, and then I got headaches which made reading difficult, so I fell behind again. You would think that after almost 2 months of reading this would be getting easier, but I think the devil is really fighting to keep me from getting into the Word.

By the grace of God, I was able to get caught up in my reading. That doesn’t mean that I won’t get behind again, but for now, I’m caught up.

Once again, there were many passages of scripture that I loved this week, so picking one is difficult. I took lots of notes, jotting down favorites as I found them.

A man’s heart plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

~ Proverbs 16:9 ~

Bible in 90 Days: Day 46 Check-In

Heather — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I was thrilled to be in Psalms for our reading this week. I often turn to Psalms when I need comfort or inspiration. It’s filled with so much emotion from hurt to anger to pure joy. The emotions contained within this book of the Bible are eloquently presented, and conversations with God are played out before our eyes. There is so much to be learned from this book of the Bible.

Honestly, Psalms is one of those books that is hard to go through quickly because there is so much there to digest. I did get behind as I soaked up the information. I will get caught up, but for now, I’m enjoying just reading through the scripture each day. Dwelling on what the Lord is placing before me.

D is currently studying Psalms in his devotional time at a much slower pace. Once I’m done with this challenge, I plan on going back and studying Psalms again as I want to really dig into the information that has been presented.

There were many passages of scripture that I loved this week, so picking one is difficult.

It is good to give thanks to the lord,

And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

To declare your lovingkindness in the morning,

And Your faithfulness every evening…

For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work;

I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

~ Psalm 92:1,2,4 ~

Bible in 90 Days: Day 39 Check-In

Heather — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:05:00 +0000

Munchkin is still ahead of schedule, and I am on target for my reading. Some days are easier than others to get the reading done. Some passages are more difficult to than others to read.

I have always enjoyed both the story of Ester and the story of Job.

Ester is an example of how listening to our elders and making the best of our situation can have a huge, positive impact on our lives and those around us.

Job is an excellent example to us of blessing the Lord, praising the Lord no matter what circumstances we are currently dealing with in our lives. Job’s wife is an excellent example of how we, as wives, shouldn’t act. She tried to tear down her husband instead of lifting him up and helping him through the difficult time. Even though Job had lost everything and had no earthly support, he knew that he could trust on the Lord…

Look, I go forward, but He is not there,

And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;

When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;

When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.

But He knows the way that I take;

When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

My foot has held fast to His steps;

I have kept His way and not turned aside.

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;

I have treasured the words of His mouth

More than necessary food.

~ Job 23:8-12 ~

We may not always feel the Lord’s presence with us, but He is there ~ watching us, guiding us, loving us.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 32 Check-In

Heather — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:02:00 +0000

I am up to date on my reading, but man, I struggled to get through some of the reading this week. I have a difficult time reading through all of the names even though I know how important lineage is in the Bible. I also had a hard time with Chronicles due to the fact of there being a good bit of repeated material from the books that we just read. (Just being honest.)

Munchkin is doing her reading each evening. She wasn’t as excited about most of the reading this past week. She looks forward to moving on to the other books of the Bible. (Once again, just being honest.)

I think what struck me the most about this week’s readings was the wickedness of most of the kings. There were very few kings that honored the Lord. Once again, we see how God knew what He was doing when He said that it would be best for Israel not to have a king. Yet, He loved His people enough to allow them to have free will to make choices ~ even dumb choices like having a king.

It makes me wonder how often I totally miss the mark in my life with my choices. His perfect will for my life would be awesome, but I make some dumb choices outside of His will and reap the consequences. I really need to make sure that I am actively seeking His perfect will for my life.

90 Day Challenge: Day 25 Check-In

Heather — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:03:00 +0000

This week, I was able to stay on top of the reading. There were a few nights where I really struggled to get the reading done because I was just so tired. Some other nights, I found myself reading more than was scheduled.

Munchkin continues to do her reading each evening. Since she started a few days before me, she is ahead of schedule. She thinks some of the passages are quite gruesome, and she’s absolutely right. The Bible is point blank about many topics including the horrors of war, and the gruesome act of sacrifices.

I always enjoy reading about David. He was a man after God’s own heart, but he made many mistakes. He praised the Lord, and he cried out to the Lord. He loved the Lord completely.

This passage always makes me smile:

The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let God be exalted,
The Rock of my salvation!.
~ 2 Samuel 22:47 ~

Growing up, we use to sing a song that came from this passage at camp, so it brings back many great memories.

90 Day Challenge: Day 18 Check-in

Heather — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:05:00 +0000

Munchkin is plugging right along with her reading. She (unlike me) has stayed on top of things and has done her reading each day. I, on the other hand, got behind when we had company. Other things, like making food and taking care of our guests, took priority for me. I was too tired in the evening to read like I normally read. So, I played catch up after our guests left. By adding a bit to my reading each day, I was able to get caught back up.

One of the verses that caught my eye this week:

When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken. ~Deuteronomy 24:5

Now, as a military spouse who had a husband go off for training not too long after she got married, that particular law sounds pretty good. Can you imagine having a full year with your new husband? Love it! Although I have read this passage several times in the past, it really struck me this time around. I realize that for some people this wouldn’t be as big of deal as they haven’t had to be apart from their spouses for any period of time, but as I sat here praying for our military members and their families… Well, the significance of having that one full year together really sank in.