Bible in 90 Days Blog

We've read the Bible from cover to cover! Please enjoy our testimonies!

2010-05-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of us have said, at one time or another in our faith journey, "I am going to read the Bible!" I have started several times in the past, only to give up after just a few weeks. The structure offered by this program, and the accountability of meeting regularly with a group, was the catalyst needed to help me finish. I feel like I have a much broader view of the Christian faith now - the history and prophecy of the promised Savior in the Old Testament - and the fulfillment of those prophecies in the New Testament. It was a wonderful experience, and I feel renewed and ready to learn more!
Nicole Trail

I am so grateful for this opportunity as I don't know that I would have finished had it not been for the class. This was a huge learning experience for me. Somewhere in the middle of the OT, it clicked in my head that I needed to accept that God is who He is, not necessarily who I want him to be. Through reading His Word, I realize that I have been ignorant about what it really means to truly be a Christian. This positive experience has definitely inspired me to participate in future Bible studies at WFPC and hopefully continue to learn more about God and how He wants me to serve Him. Alison Stigall

The last 90 days has been a struggle managing my commitments, to my church, my family, my work, my health or to my self. Perhaps one of the more challenging times. The commitment was not something I appreciated until I finished. I did not read everyday, favoring to catch up reading about 3 days a week. I never fell too far behind though I did not believe I could finish it until I reached the NT. There seemed to simply be a new light once the last verse of Malachi was behind me. Completing BIND, gave me a little different outlook, one that reinforces my perspective that its the whole of the Bible that is most important, not just a verse where context and meaning can very often be so plural. Its context, the 'rest of the story', the heart behind the words, that has the most meaning to me. However it does leave me with a sense that there is more homework to be done. The last 90 days has improved my foundation, and that I am sure will help when its time to dig a little deeper. Bob Griffin

Reading the Bible from cover to cover was an amazing journey...and one I never thought I could accomplish. Reading 12 pages a day became a part of my daily life. I found that reading the Bible in order brought clarity to the Bible passages we hear in Church each week. It's a wonderful feeling when I remember reading the passage which is being discussed in the sermon. I would recommend this program to everyone! Lauren Paparone

This was a very difficult challenge for me; one that I really wasn't sure if I would finish (especially Leviticus!). Admittedly it was a struggle to read without having the time to seek clarifications and a better understanding for what I was reading. But, I plugged along at snail's speed (typically behind in my reading) and through the accountability of a weekly gathering, with a DVD that provided much needed illumination for the blur of words I read each week, I will complete this journey and feel very satisfied in this accomplishment. While this method does not allow one to delve into questions that arise during the reading, it certainly strengthened my knowledge and appreciation for God's Word. Nan Holton

Reading the Bible in 90 Days has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. The BIND class has made me desire to continue to read the Bible everyday. I feel like something is missing from my day if I don't read. I find myself taking my Bible to soccer practice still or wherever I may have some "down time." Reading the Bible in 90 days also has made me want more in my spiritual life. I feel like I am just scratching the surface with completing the program, that there is still so much more for me that I need for my Christian life and for my relationship with God. I would highly recommend the program to anyone who has never read the Bible in its entirety. It is amazing to see how I was able to find the time to read that I never thought I had! What a wonderful way to show your committment to Christ. It is an awesome feeling! Marcia Boyles

This is an excellent program to kickstart your understanding of the bible. You readit quickly and like a novel. It has created an interest for me to know the bible in better detail now that I see the big picture. Matt Diehl

I am so thankful for the opportunity to participate in BIND. This provided me a chance to do something I had always wanted to do. I appreciated the accountibility and the sense of teamwork that was present. Knowing others were working on it with me, helped alot. I also have a new appreciation for the Bible as a whole and have come to believe we truly need to study all of the scriptures in order to understand and know God and Jesus. I would encourage all people to take this journey through the Bible. They will be transformed by it. Wendy Duncan

Ray Evans said during a group discussion on the benefits of BIND that he wondered how we could be Christians if we hadn't read the manual? I totally agree with him! BIND has made me thirst for more and I'm ready to take a deeper dive into the Bible. I also enjoyed the lively discussion during our weekly study group as well as with others that were participating in BIND study groups throughout the week. We all had a common thread and goal and it was neat to be able to share the journey through the Bible with so many people at the same time. Sharon Kucyk

This program helped me to read the bible from cover to cover especially the Old Testament. I use to have a negative view of the Old Testament but now I have a new understanding of God and his love and mercy and how Jesus fits in with the Old Testament. It has given me a new perspective on God and brought me closer to him. Kim Stamegna

Although 67 years of age and having been in church all of my life, I had never read the Bible through from cover to cover as a book. It was intriguing! I found it to be like any good book that you carry the characters with you through the day and look forward to getting back to see what happens next. It is a much different experience with the Bible as you read it through rather than chosen passages--a continuity that you don't otherwise have. God's power is awing as you read of the daily interactions with the people--the love and determination to be their God with the willingness to forgive and take them back over and over. It is a challenge to find the time on a daily basis but well worth the effort. Gail Williams

Reading the bible in 90 days has been energizing and so rewarding. I have learned so much more than I have learned in a lifetime of bible studies and sermons. The class discussions were so helpful to me because so much of it was not clear until after the discussion. Our group was so supportive and encouraging as the weeks went on. I look forward to my next Bible study where I'll be able to apply the lessons we learned. Melinda Stevens

I never have tried to read that much of the Bible in so short a time. My reading really helped me put the Bible together, as one Book, showing God's redemption story. Lynn Long

This was a very rewarding experience. I have started reading the Bible completely before and had not previously succeeded. I will now, though it will be closer to 100 than 90 days. I gained a much better insight into who the Lord is and how I am to lead my life. The videos and discussion group helped keep me on track and understand what I had read. While there is much to read, doing so fairly quickly helped connect a lot of dots. It helped my understanding of some nagging questions I have had. For instance, I had always wondered why the Gentiles were not really considered as worthy of being part of God's plan until the New Testament. Going through the prophets in more detail than I ever have, I know the Gentiles were in God's plan long before the New Testament. As much as I have learned, reading the Bible in 90 days has also helped me know which books I want to start the next part of my journey in learning the Lord's Word. N Gazaleh

Before this challenge of reading the whole bible in 90 days I would go to Bible studies and treat the Bible like a text book or owners guide. Previous studies were informational as well as spiritually moving. I felt God working through his word to "open my eyes' on bits and pieces of what God is like and what he wants from me. Reading the whole bible in a short period of time helped me realize just how timeless and loving God is. I don't think it's a stretch to call the Bible, God's love letter to each one of us. Reading the Bible like a novel is exciting because each day you get anxious to see what God is going to do next. It also allows you to see how connected the Old and New Testaments really are. Remember the movie the "Titanic"? When it first came out people were saying, "How can this movie be any good, we all know what happens in the end" What they didn't know was the great love story built into the plot. Well, there is a great love story God wants to share with you in 90 days!
Rick Mayo

Reading the Bible is an excellent way to catalyze spiritual growth. There is almost no better way to understand God's Word than to read it! Reading the Bible allows one to get more out of the Sunday sermon's by better understanding the context of the passages from which the sermons are based. Improving our knowledge of the Bible also allows us to be better teachers to our children. David Joiner

It's been an amazing challenge to read the Bible in 90 days (well, ok, 90+ days for me!). The experience has personally affected me in so many ways that it is difficult to capture and describe the many emotions, thoughts and endless questions such an adventure entails. However, I will share with you that I discovered a renewed faith in the goodness and grace of our Lord and felt a continuing sense of awe and wonder at the many human faces and means through which he has chosen to work his will. Even now, I feel it is certainly the small, seemingly insignificant among us that can rise up to become instruments of something much, much bigger than ouselves.
Mark Marshburn

You cannot appreciate the powerful message of God's worth by reading segments of the Bible out of context. Although scripture passages and the reading of a particular enhance Bible studies that target specifice topics of study, nothing replaces the power of the message when read from cover to cover. Stories that you assumed you knew take on new meaning and the New Testament delivers a much more powerful message with full backdrop of the Old Testament. Whether one reads it in 90 days or whether one reads it at ones own pace, the Bible is must reading for today's Christian. Paul Kucyk

BIND has been a very fulfilling experience for me in many ways. Reading the entire Bible is something I wasnâ€™t sure I would ever do, but using the NIV Bible made it much easier to read and less difficult to comprehend. Having our group meeting each week, to discuss what we had read, helped tremendously. Paul Kucyk did an excellent job as our leader. It is a lot of reading in a short amount of time, but not long into it I found myself looking forward to my daily readings. Brett and I sat at the dinner table each evening and discussed what we had just readâ€¦ with enthusiasm! That was a new concept for us, discussing the Bible instead of the ups and downs of the day. I encourage everyone that has ever thought about reading the entire Bible, and those that have not, to seriously consider BIND. Evelyn Patton

My BIND class was an absolutely wonderful class! I did fall behind and wasn't able to catch up by the end of my class. However, I'm hoping to be caught up by Sunday. I would recommend this study to everyone. It was awesome, and I would do it again at some point! Fran Swisdroll

It was a difficult task, though I am inspired to read the bible again!! Not in 90 days!!!!!!!!!! I have started reading the books I felt I didn't understand well after talking with my group and watching the dvd. Reading the Bible will be part of my life from here on out. I loved to read to my boys the children's Bible, now I am rewarding myself. It was very interesting to read the Bible from cover to cover - reading the better known stories in their context. I loved my class, instructor and miss them already. I would love to have more bible studies done on Friday afternoons. Thank you for offering this wonderful chance to grow in my faith! Brit Dotson

I would highly recommend this Bible study to everyone. I personally have learned an amazing amount and I am left with a need to continue studying and learning. It's a wonderful outlet for spiritual growth that comes with a built in weekly support group! Stacie Williamson

This has been very inspiring to read the Bible in 90 days. I wasn't really sure that I could do it, but being able to do it as a group or team has been very helpful. We kept each other on track and the feeling of accountability reaaly helped. It has sparked some good discussion with my wife and others in the group. It got me focused and in a good habit of doing a little bit everyday.I am a morning person. I found myself getting up early ever day just to get my reading in. Thank you for this class. Mike Honkomp

When I gave up smoking 20 years ago, I tried a variety of different quitting methods - each one got me a little closer to my goal. Even though I didn't complete 100% of the Bible through, it got me much closer to completion, much more so than any previous class. Rick Menzel

This is one of the best things I have ever done. I have always wanted to read the Bible cover to cover, but the task seemed too daunting. Even doing it in 90 days seemed like a challenge! But having a structured environment, plus the weekly classes and peers to hold me accountable made it fun, interesting and doable. I woudl highly encourage others to do this. You will grow spiritually and find yourself wanting to know more about God's word and how you can better apply it to your life. Ed Pulliam

I stopped reading after only getting through about a quarter of the Bible, but I still learned a lot from just that part. I intened to finish it on my own time and encourage everyone - Christian or not - to do the same. David Leone

Unless you are a regular attendee of a bible study class, I think we get a sporadic view of the Bible with insufficient focus on the Old Testament. This study put a lot of the things I learned in the past together and provided a great overview of the Bible that put many things into perspective. My wife asked if I wanted to take the course, and of course I said, 'sure!' It takes some discipline and will power, but what worth doing does not? Great investment of time and effort! John Paparone

I would recommend reading the Bible to everyone. It has brought me closer to understanding God as he reveals himself throughout the stories in the books of the Bible. I can see a relation to God in almost every situation now as I continue my journey here on earth. Suzanne Jordan

I would not have finished reading the bible if I had to do it in a year. I would have gotten distracted and fallen by the wayside. By reading it in 90 days, it forced me to be attentive and to be persistent. I am so glad that I participated in this effort and feel that it truly encourages you to want to study and learn more. Group participation was fun and very enlightening. Charlene Tice

In the beginning..... I thought it would be easy enough to read 12 pages a day. Wrong. They mean EVERY day....that's really hard to do. But it is SO rewarding to actually do this reading of the Bible, and I'm delighted that I stuck with it and actually did it! Our classes with Leigh and Wendy on Sundays made it even better with their insight as well as the comments of the other people in the class. Having been a Presbyterian all my life, I've really never been very knowledgeable of the Bible and have read only selected scriptures, never even a whole book at a time. This 90 day reading makes me feel like I sort of know the 'characters' involved in bringing us to the reality of Jesus and God's plan for all of us to know and trust him as we recognize him as our Savior. It is the most awe inspiring realization of how it all came about....what a beautiful plan. Linda Carroll

At first I was apprehensive. I haven't been able to get very far in reading the Bible before. I started this journey with a friend and that made it easier to get going. I was very surprised that with a goal the reading was more interesting. There were some days that I thought I would never finish 12 pages and then others I read straight through the 12 and on through some more. I feel that it has given me a different perspective on many situations and has helped me handle the good and the bad better. I still have a long way to go, but I at least feel I am moving in the right direction. I would definitely do this program again. I know that I would get more out of it since I have a better foundation to start with. Mandy Duguid

Unfortunately, while I was unable to complete several of the New Testament readings during these past 90 days, I was able - for the first time - to complete the Old Testament from cover to cover. This experience was especially powerful for me as I was less familiar with the entirety of the Old Testament. Additionally, by reading the Old Testament, I was able to draw connections to the New Testament that I had not previously seen. This was an invaluable experience. Also by reading together with my other church family members, we were able to discuss the Lord's Word with a great sense of passion, excitment and understanding. Many thanks for bringing this program to WFPC! Lydia Menzel

Reading the Bible - history? or HIS STORY? I have always been a New Testament kind of girl... God of Grace and Love ... who needs to dwell on all that stuff that happened Sooo long ago... prior to this experience of Reading the Bible in 90 days I have said "Why can't we start "Read the Bible" in the New Testament?" ... Now I know better.... HIS STORY is so amazing and as you read it HE comes off the pages and into your heart! Bonus - The New Testament is so much more meaningful now that I have read the Old Testament and have the WHOLE picture...! Please don't quiz me on the Old Testament.... reading at this pace is not quite like an in -depth Bible Study. I do have a mental road map of where to find what, and a much better understanding of HIS STORY than I did 90 or so days ago... Like many of my "Read the Bible" buddies from our small groups, I am thristy and hungry for HIS WORD and will do my best to keep plugged in and keep learning from My Heavenly Father! Amy Snow

Throughout my life I've heard stories from the bible. It is interesting now to see, through my reading, what happened before and after these stories take place. I think we all thought the bible would "answer all our questions".....in many ways it reaffirms what we as Christians already know in our hearts...but it also leaves you with additional questions. (Look out John!!) It makes you want to explore more,and take each chapter again more slowly in attempt to really understand it. The videos that accompany the weekly meetings are wonderful and inspirational. They answer many questions you have about the readings. We also had a great time in our group!! Carla Marshburn

Nothing helps you understand how to be a Christian like reading the whole bible. I found a few surprises and can understand books of the bible better now that I know the background. The Bible In 90 Days is a great program that I would recommend to anyone, I'll take it again. Rowland Boksleitner

The BIND program has enabled me to attain a life-long goal of reading the Bible in its entirety. The group environment plays a big role in interpreting and understanding Gods message. Brett Patton

After years of listening to sermons and reading only specifc passgaes as they realted to the sermon, I was always interested in learning more about the Bible but never took action. I really enjoyed the BIND program as a way to commit to reading the Bible. The videos that accompanied the readings helped to bring everything together each week. I do not think that the class would have been the same without them. Now that I have finished the BIND program I am getting much more out of the sermons and continue to find a deeper level of understanding in what God wants us to know. Rob Jack

Not only do I feel that I have gained an excellent foundation for future Bible studies, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the gospel readings and hymns on Sundays also mean so much more because I can relate them to what I have learned from participating in The Bible in 90 Days. Nancy Lilley

I always thought reading the whole Bible would take forever, and would not be exciting. Wow, was I wrong! I was able to recall teachings from my early Bible learning experiences, but learned so much more during this fast-paced reading and weekly review sessions. The scriptures certainly possess intrigue, mystery, sadness and excitement; but the Lord's love, grace and mercy is ever-present. Thanks for the opportunity. I will always remember the experience. Sandra White

Reading the bible has been a great adventure. I feel I have a much better understanding of the history and how our religion became to be. It also creates a lot of questions, that make me want to continue to learn and become closer to God. Dan Root

Prior to this initiative I had attended Bible study classes addressing specific books of the Bible. The BIND course was a wonderful way to read the Bible and gain an understanding of the flow of events and interconnection of the books. Although I did not finish within the 90D goal I will have read the entire Bible in a slightly longer timeframe. This undertaking has created a thirst for more Bible study within me. I know feel confident talking about what I have learned and absolutely get more from Sunday worship as the weekly passages are more familiar to me now.I would encourage anyone with an interest to take this challenge on. The discussions in class are very lively and entertaining as well! Caroline Chura

I would have never been able to accomplish this journey without the 90 day time schedule and support from my meeting group and family. In all it was a perfect. I would encourage others to participate in any future BIND programs. In fact, I would definitely consider going through this program again. There is so much information to absorb and retain, once it not enough. The journey was certainly well worth my time.
Ann Brackett

For me, Friday afternoon, is a good time to be able to attend a Bible Study, so that sealed my commitment to enroll in this program. It helped to be with a group of others that had similar questions, were understanding. It was easy to have open conversations with this group and the facilitator, Amy Callahan was great! I have enjoyed reading and learning about the Bible with my study group and hope to continue with another Bible Study going further.
Jenny Carrington

I was able to finish in the "88 days", and felt very proud when I did! It took a commitment and I had to plan for the time needed to read the 12 pages. It's not as easy as reading a novel, as some had said. But it's doable!
Melinda Keen

The discipline of reading 12 pages a day of the bible and not studying what I was trying to read frightened me. But if I could stay focused and just read, maybe a little highlighting, I might just make it. There were some disappointing days where I couldn't get the reading completed and oh those days of catching up. But with help from a podcast of the Old and New Testaments I didn't have to struggle with the pronouncations of some tough words. I really liked that other members were reading and studying the same study. Others knew what the commitment involved. It was good to encourage others and for others to encourage me. Great opportunity. Great learning experience. Great and awesome God. Sandie Buda

The reason I decided to do BIND was because I was struggling with the recent passing of my father. What I wanted was HOPE. I certainly got hope, and so much more. I've tried to read the Bible cover to cover lots of times before. I seemed to always give up early into the OT. Having the goal and commitment of 90 days, pushed me past the tough reading. Reading from beginning to end has helped me understand how history evolved, putting everything in much better context. Reading the entire OT gave me such a great base of understanding why the NT is so important. I know this will help me explain Bible stories to my kids more effectively. I am so proud to be able to say that I read every page of the Bible and in 90 days! I was sad when I read the last page. I didn't want it to end. BIND was an awesome experience!! It was a big commitment, but so worth it! Giving up a little TV watching in the evening was so worth the feeling of peace I have now. Jenna Diehl

My Lord,

In my heart of hearts, I hold a special place for you.

I clear it, tend it, and guard it carefully.

It is the garden where we meet, where life has its beginnings.

All is silenced by your presence;

nature stops its rhythmic discourse to listen with me.

The rocks of ignorance and fear no longer clutter my path;

your message is seen and heard in reverence.

Thorns no longer pierce my soul and blind your truths from me.

Your words are received by fertile soil that has been watered by tears

of sorrow and repentance;

tilled thoroughly by your love and grace.

Together, we pray with faithful, hopeful hearts.

Our crop is love and all of its fruitful manifestations.

This quiet place is where I go to find my peace with you,

my Lord and Savior Divine.

Pam Schulze

Reading Days 64- 70

2010-04-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Daniel 8:27 - Matthew 26:56
The Sign of Jonah
Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17
When the religious leaders asked Jesus to give them a sign that he was the promised deliverer of his people, he knew that they didn't really believe in him. So he said that the only sign they would be given was "the sign of the prophet Jonah." Jesus explained, "As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).

There are similarities and differences between what Jesus and Jonah experienced. The biggest difference is that Jonah was alive for three days in the fish, while Jesus was dead for three days in the earth. Jonah must have certainly expected to die when he was tossed into the sea. But in his mercy, God kept him alive. Unlike Jonah, Jesus was not spared from death.

But there is one important similarity. Both Jonah and Jesus came out of their three-day prison. The fish vomited Jonah onto dry land, and the tomb burst open on Easter to show that Jesus had conquered death. Because Jesus was raised to life, the deliverance given to Jonah is what happens to us as well.

Drowning and deliverance are symbolized in the water of baptism. We are united with Jesus in both his dying and his rising. All who are baptized are marked with a sign. Not the sign of Jonah. The sign of Jesus.

Peter Hoytema

Reading Days 57 - 63

2010-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 33:23- Daniel 8:27
Isaiah 53:3-12 (click to read)

The better we know the Old Testament, the better we know the meaning of Jesus Christ and what he came to fulfill. On this holy week, let’s fix our attention on the resurrection of Jesus as it was described by Isaiah 700 years before it happened. It’s important that we clearly see the content and confirmation of Isaiah 53. It’s important that we as Christians know the details!
Why? Because the details can be tricky sometimes. The muslims believe in Jesus but do not believe Jesus died on the cross for sinners and rose again. They believe there was a replacement on the cross, he escaped death, and later was taken to heaven. In general, they believe the central message of the NT is built on a mistake: Christ did not die, and Christ did not rise. We’ve lost many of our college students to Islam because we haven’t taught them the details. It’s important that we as Christians know the details!

In Isaiah 53 we see the prophecy that the Messiah would die and would rise again and that this death and resurrection are planned by God and necessary. What becomes clear in this chapter and from its fulfillment in the NT is that our sins can be forgiven, we can be declared righteous before God, and we can have eternal life….IF we believe in the details: Christ is God who died – and died explicitly in the place of sinners – and then was raised again to make intercession for us.
This is absolute truth. There is no gray here. This is black and white truth. This truth is why we call ourselves Christians. This is the heart and center of it all. The buck stops here. Make sure you know these details. Make sure you clearly explain these details to your children and grandchildren. If you are confused by these details, then now is the time to make an appointment with your pastor so he can guide you into the understanding of this truth. It’s important that we as Christians know the details!

Content and Confirmation of the details
John Piper* directs us to 10 statements included in Isaiah 53 describing why God planned for Jesus’ death:

1. Verse 4: "Surely our griefs He Himself bore."
2. Verse 4: " . . . And our sorrows He carried."
3. Verse 5: "But He was pierced through for our transgressions."
4. Verse 5: "He was crushed for our iniquities."
5. Verse 5: "The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him."
6. Verse 5: "And by His scourging we are healed."
7. Verse 6: "The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
8. Verse 8: "[He was] stricken for the transgression of my people."
9. Verse 11: "He will bear their iniquities."
10. Verse 12: "He bore the sin of many."

Christ died. He came to die in our place, for our sins. This death is not a historical accident. It is the purpose and plan of God.

Now what about the resurrection? Piper also points out that at least 3 times, Isaiah tells us that the sacrifice Jesus made in dying results in a resurrection:

First, verse 10b: "If He would render Himself as a guilt offering [which he did] . . ." now three things will result: 1) he will live to see his offspring – those whom he has saved by dying for them – and 2) he will live for a long time ("prolong his days"), by implication, forever since when death is conquered it can't defeat you again (Romans 6:9); and 3) God's great purposes will triumph in his hands – he will take the scroll of history and unroll it as the Lord of heaven and earth (Revelation 5:5). This is a picture of the Messiah who was dead and is alive and victorious forever as the Lord of all those who receive his salvation.

Then verse 11. Again three results from his dying for sinners: 1) He sees the fruit of his death and is satisfied. He is not dead. He is living and satisfied. His work is complete, and he is glad. He is alive and satisfied. 2) He justifies many – all those who trust in him. If you trust him, you are declared just and righteous before God. That is what "justify" means. A dead Christ does not justify. A living Christ justifies. 3) "He will bear their iniquities." Yes, he bore these iniquities when he died. But he goes on making intercession and bears them forever in the sense that as long as he lives it is plain that his death was utterly sufficient to pay for all your sins.

Finally, verse 12. God speaks. "Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because [there is the third statement that this resurrection existence is because of his obedient death for sinners] He poured out Himself to death." In other words, after he pours out himself to death he lives and divides the spoil with the strong – as though his death were a great triumph in war with much spoil.

All who trust Jesus as the Savior and Lord and believe and know the details will be forgiven and justified and live forever with him. May we be urged to pursue the knowledge of these things with all our hearts and all our minds. It’s important that we as Christians know the details!

Ingrid

*portions taken directly from John Piper's sermon, The Risen Christ: Satisfied with His Suffering

Reading Days 50-56

2010-03-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 14:1 - Jer 33:22
Congratulations!
All participants who are up-to-date with their reading have reached the halfway point in the program during the past week! Keep up the good work!

Personally, it’s going a lot faster than I thought it would and I really look forward to reading each day’s 12 pages.
Last week part of our reading assignment was the Book of Proverbs.
According to The Essential Bible Companion, “The purpose of Proverbs is to collect the wisdom of ancient Israel, offering insight into the wisdom that results from fear of the Lord."
This book is a personal favorite of mine because it contains what I consider my “life verse”. I came upon this term recently and it’s defined as a Bible verse that means so much to you that you find yourself referring to it again and again.

That verse for me is Proverbs 3:5,6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” NIV
That verse has gotten me through some pretty tough times over the years.
What is your “life verse”? Have we gotten to it in our BIND reading yet?
Throughout these remaining weeks of reading, please pray for all of the BIND participants and leaders as we continue on this journey together of attentively reading every word of the Bible.
Nancy Lilley

Reading Days 43-49

2010-03-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Psalms 89:14-Isaiah 13:22
Happy Advent!
I bet you thought we were in the season of Lent, but we BIND people, are running on a different calendar. By my calculations, Jesus will be born when we read Matthew Chapter 1, on April 8th. That means that Christmas is less than a month away, so we must be in Advent! (Don't forget your BIND teacher on you Christmas shopping list J).

Many of my favorite childhood memories relate to the anticipation of Christmas: decorating, searching the toy catalog, making my Christmas list, and mailing a letter to Santa. Do your remember those cards that had all the little doors that you would open one day at a time, and reveal a small picture related to Christmas? I loved those. Some of the pictures were more obvious than others (one might be a wrapped present or another might be just a bird). I have a similar feeling now, as we approach the birth of Christ, opening little doors, thinking about the little messages they reveal, and saying Yes! or Huh?

Here are a few of the Christ(mas) doors that I have come across lately, and I challenge you to keep your eyes open, because even though their frequency of occurrence will increase between now and Christmas (hint, hint Isaiah), they will also be easy to miss. Besides all the geneology which traced down through David and to Jesus, take a look at these, and you decide - is this wishful thinking on my part, or foreshadowing....

Job knew why Jesus was coming.... If only there were someone to arbitrate between us {God and Job}, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Job 9:33-34

Jesus knew the Old Testament too and quoted Psalms at his darkest hours, .... My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalm 22:1

And see how the rest of Psalm 22 came true during his crucifixion.... Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. Psalm 22:16

It continues.... They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. Psalm 22:18

In my final "little door," Jesus quotes a Psalm in his Parable of the Tenants, referring to himself as the capstone. A capstone is the smooth, attractive stone at the top of a stone wall, protecting the rest of the wall (us rough stones) from wear and tear, weather and other damage. This Psalm is also mentioned in Mark, Luke, Acts and 1 Peter.... The stone the builders rejected, has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22-23

So, keep finding and opening those little doors, and be joyful, because Christmas is coming!
Marv

Reading Days 35-42

2010-03-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Nehemiah 13:15-Psalms 89:13
Just One
Esther is my hero! It was through a study of her about 12 years ago that I decided to trust the Lord with all my heart. She helped me see that even I am important to God. Well, let’s jump right into her story where wicked Hamen is successful at influencing the king with his selfish agenda – let’s get rid of those Jews who won’t bow down to you oh arrogant king. And of course the king fell for it. Pander to a leader’s pride & he’ll be influenced every time (unless he’s standing firm in the Word). So here we are with the first Holocaust at hand and what is God’s solution? Send in one, just one, to stand in the gap. At first Esther wavered. But after Mordecai’s encouragement --- Stand. Speak. Die. but whatever you do, don’t be silent!(Esther 4:13-14)--- she owned the fight and said, “if I perish, I perish.” It’s like Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death.” This part of Esther’s response is challenging enough to us, but the other part of her response is even more challenging – she waited three days. She determined to wait on the Lord and allow Him to guide her thoughts and help her frame her words. During a waiting period such as this, God is not only working in our hearts but in others’ as well. It reminds me of Isaiah 40:31 (we’re not there yet but go ahead & take a peek). Waiting. Patience. Ugh! It’s definitely one of my weaknesses. The rest of Esther’s story is history.

God sent just one. Don’t underestimate the influence of one. Don’t underestimate you: your vote, your convictions, your determination to say, “I stand against (or for) this!” What does it matter if we get involved or not? It matters immensely – it matters to our character. I know you’re probably thinking that God has other ways to accomplish His plan. And yes, it’s true that God has other people He can use, but when that happens, WE end up the losers. When we have been called for “such a time as this,” how tragic if we’re not there to stand at that time. We are thankful for the just ones in history that stood in the gap when they were called: Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Wilberforce, Spurgeon, and Moody. How brave and reliant on the Lord they must have been.

We need to stop being so careful about protecting our own backside and stop worrying about what others will think. We don’t answer to them. We answer to Him. Only when we move from the safe shelter of assumption to the risky world of reality do we actually make a difference. We are great on evangelical, theological, and moral suppositions. But we are not “saved” for suppositions. We’re “saved” for doing something (Eph 2). God so loved the world that he did something. He didn’t select a committee. He didn’t stand around theorizing. He didn’t wring His hands in sorrow over our sins. He did something! He sent us Christ, just one. And in turn, the Son of God said to God the Father, “I will go.” We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, who died & rose again that we might live….and make a difference. Does just one make a difference? Did Esther? Does Christ? Do you? You bet!

Stay firm in the Word! - Ingrid

*portions taken from Charles Swindoll’s book, Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity-highly recommend any reading by Swindoll to enhance your spriritual growth!

Reading Days 29-35

2010-03-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

1 Chronicles 1 - Nehemiah 13:14
Worship
I’ll confess that some Sundays I would rather not attend church. Sometimes I end up either in tears or nervously trying to suppress them. I've agonized over why because I love my Sunday school class (thanks Marv!) and love seeing everyone each week. I definitely miss being there on the rare occasion that I miss a Sunday at WFPC. This behavior has been a paradox…..until I began reading through the Old Testament and surveying some of God’s called. Their behavior, when coming face-to-face with God, has opened my eyes as to why I attend church each Sunday. Take a look:
Abraham –when the Lord appeared to Abraham to confirm His covenant, he fell face down (Gen 17:3)

Jacob – after God spoke with Jacob he was afraid and exclaimed with joy and fear, “Surely the Lord is in this place. How awesome is this place. This is none other than the house of God!” ( Gen 28:16)

Moses – when the Lord appeared, Moses took off his sandals and hid his face because he was afraid to look at God (Ex. 3:6), and he bowed down to the ground in worship (Ex 34:8)

Joshua –when God spoke to him, he fell face down to the ground in reverence (Jos 5:14)

Elijah – when God came in a gentle whisper, Elijah pulled his cloak over his head and went out to listen to God (1Kings 19:11-13)

David – in response to David’s prayer, the people exclaimed, “Praise the Lord your God” as they bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord (1 Chron 29:20)

Solomon – after the dedication of the temple, the people saw the glory of the Lord. They knelt down with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord (2 Chron 7:3)

Ezra – after he read God’s Word, the people raised their arms in praise, then bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground (Neh 8:6)

Meetings with God in the Bible are awesome and terrible. When God appeared in his majesty, the worshiper was filled with reverential fear, was changed, and was anxious to serve the Lord. What does this paradoxical, joyful fear of the Lord mean? It’s a drop-your-jaw, fall–to-your-knees, hide-your-face-in-awe recognition of the greatness of the glory of God. It's genuine reverence. It's heart-felt humility. It's genuine worship, wherein God is given His due. The joyful fear of the Lord makes mighty men weep and grips us like no other emotion under heaven (John M. Frame).

We can be thankful that we stand before God in Christ who has accepted the fearsome wrath of God in our place. Knowing and remembering that truth as I focus on the cross hanging center stage causes the tears to flow as well as begs my attendance. I’m thinking that because I can come face-to-face with God through Jesus Christ, I darn well ought to fall face down in awe and reverence (Heb 12:28) and worship Him with a healthy fear and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11) - whether it be mentally or physically. Maybe those tears aren’t so bad after all. I think I’ll stop worrying about it and just grab some extra tissues instead!

When was the last time your jaw dropped at the wonder of the glory God? What literally drives you to your knees? I pray that as we come to worship God together on Sunday that our focus remains on the cross. Because……it’s not about us. It’s about Him. And that truth is not a paradox!

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him. (Joachim Neander)

Ingrid McHenry

Worship from BIND Team on Vimeo.

Reading Days 22-28

2010-02-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

1 Samuel 28:20 - 2 Kings 25:30
I have always admired Ruth.

From the first time I heard her story in a childhood Sunday School class, I have been in awe of Ruth's loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth was willing to leave behind her own family and friends and everything familiar to accompany Naomi to the elder woman's homeland.

Together, they fled a place marred by famine, death and painful memories. Neither woman knew what lay ahead. Yet Ruth - herself a young widow and an alien traveling into hostile territory - wouldn't let Naomi face it alone.

"Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you," Ruth said through her own tears. "Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried." (Ruth 1:16-17 NIV)

After I married and acquired my own mother-in-law, my respect for Ruth deepened tenfold. I studied this Biblical passage closer to see that it portrays a mother-in-law so despondent about her own loss that she wants to do something radical, like change her name.
"Don't call me Naomi ... Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty." (Ruth 1:20-21 NIV)

Naomi couldn't have been a very delightful traveling companion. If I'd been in Ruth's sandals, I might have chosen the path of the "other" daughter-in-law, Orpah, and high-tailed it back to my clan.

Ruth remained true.

And God rewarded her dedication.

"The women said to Naomi: 'Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. ... He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth." (Ruth 4:14-15 NIV)

One of my favorite parts of The Bible in 90 Days program is revisiting these familiar Biblical characters and learning more about who they were. There are so many compelling and inspiring details that we need to leave out of the stories we tell children. Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Samson and Ruth - all are more intriguing and complex than I ever knew as a child.
I appreciate the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of Ruth and Naomi and new, lesser-known characters, to see how God worked through them and reveals Himself to us today. I love the discussions about which people are instruments of God's plan and which are obstacles - and where we each as individuals fall in the spectrum.

But most of all, I appreciate knowing that not one of us is taking this journey alone. Like Naomi, we have a dedicated and loyal traveling partner in stride beside us. This companion knows the complexities of our schedules and the burdens and baggage we carry. He hears us when we complain and when we rejoice, when we are confused and when we are reluctant to take the next step. And like Ruth, He promises never to turn his back on us. Where we go, He will go. Where we stay, He will stay.

Glory be to our God.
Amy Callahan

Reading Days 15-21

2010-02-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

Deuteronomy 23:12 - 1 Samuel 16:1
Fellow Bible Readers,
I hope everyone is enjoying the BIND program as much as I am!

One thing that has really helped me with my reading each day is saying the prayer at the front of the BIND Bible. It seems to put me in the right frame of mind. I've included it below for those who are using another Bible or if you would like a copy to print.
"Gracious Father, Thank you for the gift that I hold in my hands. May your Spirit fill me and interpret your precious words for me as I read them. In your Son's name I pray, Amen"

Another thing I've noticed during my reading is all of the repetition in the Bible. I like that - it can't help but sink in when you read the same thing several times!

Is anyone else coming across a lot of words/terms that aren't familiar? Below are some of the ones I've found and their definitions - (all definitions are from either The NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible or Bible Dictionary & Concordance).

ephod - Exodus 28:6 - "sacred vestment originally worn by the high priest. Attached to the ephod by chains of pure gold was the breastplate. The blue robe of the ephod was worn underneath, having a hole for the head and extending to the feet"

offal - Exodus 29:14 - "dung, excrement of man or beast"

wave offering - Exodus 29:24 - "was a peculiar feature in the service of the peace offering. The right shoulder of the animal sacrificed was "heaved" upward, and the breast "waved", from side to side, before the Lord."

water of cleansing - Numbers 19:9 - "water for the removal of impurity" Please feel free to add to the list or elaborate on the words/terms.

The BIND team would love to have blog entries from participants as well as leaders. It's so interesting to hear other people's perspectives when reading the same material! Remember to keep praying for each other as we continue reading God's Word.

Nancy Lilley

Have fun with this:

The Deuteronomies from BIND Team on Vimeo.

Reading Days 8-14

2010-02-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

Leviticus 1:1 - Deuteronomy 23:11
Hello Fellow BIND class members,
This is week 2 and we are reading Leviticus, Numbers and most of Deuteronomy.
Lots of rules and laws, and not as many familiar stories – but hang in there, because when we get to Joshua, the stories start again. In the mean time, have you heard enough about burnt offerings and animal sacrifices?
I am always interested in all the laws and rules that are in the Old Testament. It is fascinating to see how much things have changed, or not. Starting with the strict end of the spectrum, have you noticed all the crimes that are punishable by death? To name a few: intentional murder, adultery, being devoted to destruction, homosexuality, being a medium, working on the Sabbath, being a blasphemer, and cursing your parents (look out teenagers!). That was a harsh time in which to live. Stay tuned for some clarifications in the New Testament by Jesus and Paul, thank goodness.
There are lots of gems in these books, but you have to pay attention to find them.
• Did you find the golden rule (Le 19:18)?
• Now I know what a scapegoat is (Le 16).
• Also, one of my favorite stories, about a talking mule – it almost belongs in a Super Bowl commercial. The thing I like best about it is that the rider, Balaam, talks right back to the mule, and never thinks twice about it. Wake up – your mule is talking! (Nu 22)
• There is also a lot of attention to mildew – how can a group of people, living in a dessert, with no indoor plumbing, be so worried about mildew? (Le 14)
• How about all the rules about what to eat? We are allowed to eat locust and grasshoppers, but not some of my favorite seafood (shrimp, lobster, scallops). (Le 11)
• Not sure about this one: Don't wear clothing woven of two kinds of material (Le 19)
• No Tattoos (Le 19)
• Eye for and eye... (Le 24)
• Keep watching in Deuteronomy, for one of my favorites (the 3rd time it appears in the Bible): “Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk.” (Huh?)
That's enough of my listing. I'll leave you with another gem and familiar Blessing: (Nu 6):

"The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."

Keep reading, keep watching!
Marv Baker

Reading Days 1-7

2010-02-03T09:57:00.001-08:00

Genesis 1:1 - Exodus 40:38
You know, God knew exactly what He was doing when He decided Genesis would be the first book of the Bible. What a way to grab your attention. Even though I've studied Genesis a couple of times, reading it through I've picked up on a few details I never noticed before.
• The Serpent was a "wild animal". This doesn't sound like it was a snake hanging from a tree in the garden like all of the pictures I've seen.
• There was some type of covering on Noah's ark. So, not only did Noah have to build the huge house boat, he had to make a cover for it too.
• Many names in the book of Genesis sound sort of red neck. Ham and Shem were Noah's sons, Uz and Buz were Abraham's nephews. Also, no doubt Esau was a red neck. He was even a hairy, red neck. As I read that story I could hear Hank Jr. singing "A Country Boy Can Survive".
• The whole story of Lot and his family, weird!! Especially since Lot and his daughters "settle in the mountains", imagine that!
• Abraham remarries after Sarah dies.
• Everyone has family issues and in-law issues.
Bottom line - my take away so far is that God loves ordinary, disfunctional people! He takes the nobodies and transforms their lives into incredible stories of faith and grace. For a small town country girl with some colorful relatives of my own, that gives me hope and promise for what God can do with me.
Keep reading you might find your family story there!
Leigh Appleby