Session 6 – Bible in 90 Days

July 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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Session 5 – Bible in 90 Days

July 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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Session 4 – Bible in 90 Days

June 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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Session 3 – Bible in 90 Days

June 14, 2010 By 3 Comments

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.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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Session 2 – The Bible in 90 Days

June 8, 2010 By 4 Comments

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*

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Session 1 – Bible in 90 Days

May 31, 2010 By 10 Comments

Come Journey Through the Bible With Me

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. 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.

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!

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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