All 66

Growing up I remember having “Sword Drills” at church and school.

In case you’re unfamiliar, the “drill” began by contestants, myself and classmates, holding our Bibles, or “Swords” (as described in Ephesians 6: 17), in the air. A teacher would state a reference (e.g., “Matthew 6:33”), which all participants had to repeat aloud, in unison. Then the teacher would say “go!” At that moment – not a nanosecond before– Bibles could be lowered. The first person to find the passage and begin reading it aloud was the round winner. We usually had several rounds, and the top few competitors would have their own single elimination competition that the rest of the class watched in suspense. Winners were always handsomely rewarded (think handfuls of candy; choice pickings from a treasure chest of toy prizes or even extra credit toward a final grade in Bible Class). Knowing the Books of the Bible from memory was essential for optimal performance.

Fast Forward…

Even now, when I’m looking up a Bible passage I always feel like I’m in a race (although now against myself) to get to it as fast as possible. The exercise reminds me how important it is to know where each Book of the Bible belongs. But after completing my read through the Bible in a little over three months this week, every Book I recite in my head on the way to finding a passage will mean more than before.

I truly believe that reading through the Bible for the first time is one of the most important completions of my life – and, like Sword Drills growing up, now has a significant piece of the larger story of my lifetime experience with God’s Word. Not only have I learned tremendously throughout the read, it will also revolutionize my personal time in The Word. I am so excited to share, right here, just some of the ways God has used the experience in my life.

God So Loved the World…

One revelation I’ve gained is such a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the whole world. In particular, the lengths that God went to pursue His chosen people, the Israelites, despite their boldfaced rebellion – the times He showed mercy, over, and over, again – make one of the most popular verses (if not the most popular) - John 3:16 – and verse 17 - come alive. As the whole story of Scripture portrays, God’s love is not limited to Israel, but extends to all of humanity.

After reading the Old Testament, I am so thankful to be on this side of Grace. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, I am no longer an enemy of God but am reconciled through faith in Jesus Christ. The Son took all my sin on Himself, and I now have direct access to the Father, and His Spirit lives inside of me. I am totally free to make the best, most godly choices– not out of an obligation to follow the law, but because I know that it is the key to honoring my Maker – who deserves all the honor – and to living the most wonderful, abundant life that only He can give. The Cross is more than just “insurance” for when I don’t follow the law or some commandments, it’s my access to a new, eternal life. I've been refreshed by this reminder!

God Loves Me and You.

The plans God had for Israel also have made me understand the promises that God has for me better. That popular verse, Jeremiah 29:11, says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” My New Testament corollary is 1 Corinthians 2:9, which gives us hope for both this life, and the One to come: “However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”

I really saw God use the read in my life so far beyond what I had imagined. At the start of this year, I spent time committing it to Him, including setting some spiritual goals. As I mentioned about that time, I had a goal to “recharge” my spiritual life by meditating on His Word deeper through Scripture memory. Reading God’s Word more was not near the top of my list– there were other areas of my spiritual health that I thought needed greater improvement – such as fasting and prayer. However, when my church started the “New Thru 30” read of the New Testament in 30 days, I really saw it as God, in His far greater knowledge of what I needed, answering my prayer to get deeper into His Word. I knew I had to embrace the challenge. As God opened my eyes to so many truths in His Word during that read, I also felt Him tugging at my heart to keep reading The Old Testament, and at that pace.

God used the stories in His Word about so many ordinary people like me to show me what He can do through me when I seek Him. He’s renewed my mind – and heart – to grasp the promises in His Word, and reminded me not to grow weary in doing good.

I’ve also seen Him bless the added time in His Word by working on the spiritual goals I set just a few short months ago. For example, in such a short period, I’ve gotten deeper into prayer both personally and corporately than I have in long time. He’s also been using me in different, new ways in ministry just the last couple months. I’m grasping more deeply what it means to abide – rest– in Him. It has truly been a very joyful time – my spirit is so light, and God is opening my eyes to even greater needs around me. If I could sum up where God has been taking me during my read in a few verses, they would be Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 119:105. The Word is awesome!

Witnessing the entire Story of Redemption, cover to cover (or, in my case, Part 2 to Part 1), has also reminded me that God knows exactly what He is doing – something that we can be prone to forget – especially when He does not do something when we, in our very limited knowledge, think He should. The phrase God spoke to me strongly about during this read is that “ He is not a dummy, He’s not slow, He’s not in a need of an attitude check” – things that most of us would never say to God directly, but things we say to Him indirectly when we don’t trust exactly where He has us in life – and behaviors that we, by contrast, display at some point. Reading through all of Scripture declares God’s glory and fame – and His power to accomplish any and everything He wills for us. And what He says, He does. Being reminded of this truth during my read has renewed my trust in all He does. His ways are never lacking!

The Whole Word.

Another thing I’ve gained is just a greater appreciation for the complete counsel of God’s Word. As one pastor put it, it can be so easy to, intentionally or not, be “salad bar” Scripture readers – pick certain sections, topics or passages in the Bible that resonate with us or “inspire” us most, while overlooking others that may seem boring, irrelevant, or off putting in some other way. Particularly, I think it can be easy to overlook Old Testament Books of Prophecy, or just focus on choice verses from those Books. My read has reminded me that God has so much to teach us in every single book of the Bible.

For example, the lessons available from the entire Book of Jeremiah. I love the ever-popular Jeremiah 29:11 (and am aware that I totally quoted it in this entry already, lol. It really does sum up that book exceptionally well- I know you did that, too- God:)) and verse 13, which is not far behind on the popularity index. However, reading the whole book I learned so much about what Jeremiah had to endure to tell the people of Judah the very unpopular message from God that they needed to repent or face judgment (I will hit some of my favs from this Book when I continue the Old Testament Awards). I don’t believe I had ever read this whole, awesome book before!

Or take the imagery God used in giving the Israelites another message through the prophet Ezekiel. I will never forget a childhood musical about the “dry bones,” but there’s even more symbolism to study in the whole book than a Shakespeare play or a tale by Edgar Allen Poe – and with far more importance and relevance.

I’m also excited to spend more time studying books such as Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – not just rattle them off in a speed contest to recite the last several books of the Old Testament. God’s Word truly stands forever, and there is more than enough material for us to study for our lifetimes.

Reading the whole Bible has also made me understand more how God’s Word displays His greatness. It’s fascinating to have read how God orchestrated – and preserved – the entire cannon of Scripture – every single book from Genesis to Revelation – over centuries – and how the entire story fits together for our good. Throughout both the Old and the New Testament, there are many stories that are repeated in different books by different authors who were all moved by the Holy Spirit. Before my read I noted this more easily in The Gospels – but I am much more aware of the repetition throughout Scripture. As one pastor put it, it’s not because God had amnesia – but because He wanted to remind us humans – the folks who do have a problem with forgetfulness – of principles from these stories that we need to apply in order to live righteous. I was reminded of the purpose of God's Word described so well (at God's direction, of course:)) in Romans 15:4:

4For (A)whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (NIV)

4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (NKJV)

For(A) whatever was written in former days was written for our(B) instruction, that through endurance and through(C) the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (ESV)

4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (NLT)

Praise God that every repetition in His Word is for our guidance – to which we must pay attention!

Campaign

Since starting my read I’ve been on a mission to share my testimony from it. As the pastor of Elevation Church, whose team created the “New Thru 30” program, said in his sermon series by the same name (a series I think is PHE-nomenal), reading through the Word at a challenging pace has been like a rigorous spiritual “fitness” plan or boot camp (like an “Insanity” or “P90X’ workout for your Life in Christ:)). As with those intense, short-term physical exercise programs, it’s designed for all spiritual levels – from people who need to tone existing spiritual muscles to those who need to shed serious pounds of spiritual fat – and everyone somewhere in between. Until we die, we can always improve our spiritual fitness level!

A question I’ve gotten while sharing my experience is whether I was actually able to absorb the average of 10-14 chapters of Scripture a day that are required for a short-term read through the Bible, and if in depth study of Scripture over a longer period is a better route. As this and other entries indicate, my answer is there’s a place for both kinds of reading – and I believe in doing both. As I’ve already shared, the purpose of a short-term read through the Bible is not to understand every single word and root word in Scripture – it’s to grasp the bigger picture of God’s plan for humanity – including your own life – in a way that you do not necessarily get from just reading – even dissecting – a few verses a day. And, also as I discussed, God divinely organized Scripture to repeat key lessons. Whenever you don’t get a story the first time you see it in a short-term read through the Bible, you might see it again – and again – or a similar principle – and get it the next time.

Moreover, because God’s Word is living - active, it's a good reminder that we can learn new things from reading the same passage many different times – we may do a really in depth study of a passage one time and learn something from it, but then have God teach us something completely different another time. And even if you revisit lessons you have already learned, it’s another chance to inventory whether you’re applying it. Reading His Word in different ways is an avenue for God to add another dimension to your understanding of Scripture – and increase your faith in the process!

On the other hand, the read is also good way to flag areas of Scripture that you’ve been neglecting for further study later. As I said, my read showed me that I need to spend far more time reading the Books of Prophecy. Another book on my study list is Proverbs. Also, as you read you can take notes about anything that really strikes you for further meditation (for me it’s how I came up with the notes to compile the “OldT” Awards that I’ll be continuing). We never run out of growth material from God’s Word!

Just Do It!

Further, if you’re worried about having time to read daily, you’ll also be reminded of another lesson: you can make time for anything you really want to do. For most days, you’ll need no more than one hour to complete the reading. Think of the amount of social networking, texting, personal e-mailing or phone calling, leisure reading, or television watching that you might do in a day – which probably amounts to at least one hour, probably more. Just transfer that time to Bible reading –perhaps 20 minutes in the morning, 20 during the day and 20 at the end of the day. You can make it happen!

Of course, this isn’t to say that you won’t ever get behind every now and then – but if you make a firm commitment never to lag more than a day or two, you will always catch up! The read is also an exercise in making a commitment and sticking to it – which we’re called to do in everything we say we'll do!

A short-term read of the whole Bible also challenges your perception of what you think “a lot” of daily Bible reading is, and makes it easier to make spending more time in God’s Word a permanent change. I can attest: after reading more than 10 chapters a day for a few months, I now have no problem with reading the three or so chapters of the Bible daily that I would need to complete a year-long read through the Bible. I couldn’t have said that three months ago!

Assists

If you’re considering the read and need a plan, here are some motivational links! As I’ve mentioned before, YouVersion.com has short and long term reading plans (including the “New Thru 30” and “Bible in 90 days” Plans). You can also modify any plan to your liking (e.g., do a 90-day plan in 120 days. Personally, I modified my Old Testament read by about 10 days). It’s Your Version! Additionally, plans are mobile device compatible (iPhone, iPad, BB, Android, Palm, Mobile Web – and more)!

I also recommend checking out the “New Thru 30” messages from Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church. They’re available here (“New Thru 30”, 1/8/10 – 1/29/10; Currently Nos. 72-68; No. 69 a guest) (on another note, I also really like some messages in their current series, “Mr. & Mrs. Betterhalf” – I think they’re worth checking out too!). You can also download from iTunes on your iPhone– Podcasts> Elevation Church, Charlotte North Carolina>[Download the messages]. They reminded me that God’s Word is the true source of wisdom – not age, life experience or anything else the world says!

Momentum

After this incredible spiritual workout, I feel the burn – I’m like, totally stuffed, yet trim, with revelation! It’s been so incredible that reading through the Bible will now become part of my spiritual fitness regimen – a “lifestyle” change, if you will. This next go round I’m going to slow my roll a bit and focus more on meditation with a longer program. But whenever I start to loosen up – or perhaps at the beginning of each year – I’ll go back to the more rigorous training schedule. I am excited to see what God has for me next! I’ll also keep reflecting on my completed read on this blog with the “OldT” Awards.

All 66

The promises of God – found in His Word – are what believers in Christ have to live by that no one else does. When we don’t know – and meditate – on God’s promises, our faith is on shaky ground. If we do not know the promises of God and live by them, we cannot expect to do “supernatural” things such as resist temptation; think or live different from the rest of the world; be joyful in all circumstances, rather than beaten by the trials of life; love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength – live full, abundant lives that honor Him.

Living – standing – on and by His promises - is what leads us to live our calling. If we truly want to follow Him every day, we have no option but to know His Word. It is truly alive, working and able to change even the worst issues in our hearts. And He wants to use all 66 books of it in the process.

OldT Awards, Part 2

I'm back to reflecting on my read through the Old Testament. I am excited to be rounding the books and chapters - right now I'm in Isaiah, and learning new lessons from that book, too!

VIEWERS’ CHOICE: GOD, “THE FAMOUS ONE”
Foreign Nations, to God

You’ve probably heard “Famous One” used to describe God. I hear it most often in worship songs. But before now I did not pay much attention to references to this description of God in the Bible. When God worked miracles to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, such as The Ten Plagues; parting the Red Sea and the pillars of smoke and fire to guide the Israelites as they fled; and later leading them to defeat their enemies in battle - often in instances where they were greatly outnumbered – The God of Israel received a reputation among other nations that inspired fear and awe. These foreign nations “viewed” – firsthand - His greatness.

A comment by one group in particular, the Gibeonites, stands out. Some of their men came to see Joshua, Moses’ successor, after God used him to lead the Israelites to conquer and possess Canaan, The Promised Land. The purpose of their visit was to deceive their neighbor Israel into making a treaty with them to avoid being attacked by Israel. Despite the "ruse" (v.4) by which they visited, the Gibeonites meant the words they said to Joshua about God in Chapter 9: 8-10 of his book:

8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua.
But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?”
9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.

I was so struck by that because I love reflecting on the many attributes of God, often revealed through His names in The Bible. The description of God as "famous" makes me understand His power, greatness and renown. I am filled with so much pride that This God of Israel that so many nations more than buzzed about is my God, too! And even today, Our God shows His awesomeness all over the world, in all creation. Famous!

BEST ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE A WAYWARD PEOPLE: “STIFF NECKED”
God, to the Israelites

One of the key aspects of reading through the Old Testament is observing God’s relationship with the Israelites. I have a better understanding of just how much of a heart God has for His people – and us – and just how many chances He kept giving them to change their behavior before they had to face the consequences of their sin.

Before God brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, he gave them laws through Moses. God implored the people to follow all of them carefully, not turning to the right or the left, and said, many, many times, that their obedience would be the key to their lives flourishing. Yet even before all the laws were given, the Israelites had already determined to go their own way. Just a couple sequences where “stiff-necked” is used to describe them:

Sequence 1

When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God in Exodus, God informed him that, down below, the people, believing that he had been gone too long, built a golden calf to be their god:

9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

Sequence 2

Despite their disobedience, God still gave the Israelites the land He promised their forefathers after they spent forty years wandering in the desert as a result of their sin, including their disbelief, until the older generation that had tested God in the desert died there. Not long before their children entered the Promised Land, God reminded the Israelites of their wayward character, describing it using the award-capturing adjectives (Deuteronomy 9: 5-7):

5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 6 Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

It’s such a great reminder of God’s faithfulness despite our sin, but also that we avoid wandering – and missing out on God’s amazing promises that will be fulfilled anyway, with or without us – when we choose obedience first. Obedience is life!

WORST DISS*: ISRAELITES, TO GOD
*Think middle school in the 90s

Entering The Promised Land after wandering in the desert forty years did not stop the Israelites from choosing death – rather than life – through sin.

As God had predicted through Moses and Joshua, the Israelites chose to follow the foreign gods the other nationalities in their new land worshipped rather than God. Their disobedience started the “Judges” cycle, described in that book of the Bible, that we have probably all heard about: After rebelling against God in spite of His repeated, repeated warnings not to go astray, He punished their sin by having other nations sweep in and attack them. Then, they would cry out to God, and, in His love and compassion, He would bring them judges who delivered them from their enemies. However, once all was well, they would return to their sins – often committing even more than before. After watching them desecrate His laws, He would deliver them into their enemies’ hands again, restarting the cycle.

Near the end of that period, God appointed Samuel (born of his previously barren mother, Hannah, who dedicated his life to God). Samuel served as both a prophet and a judge over the people. However, when Samuel got old and tried to hand leadership of his people over to his sons, who were wayward, the Israelites saw this as an opportunity to get a much desired regime change. They said to Samuel, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have” (I Samuel 8:5).

The Bible says that Samuel was displeased by their request (v. 6), so he prayed to the Lord about it. God said something in response that really struck me:

“Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” (vv. 7-9)

God knew that having rule by a king, a monarchy, rather than a theocracy, rule by Him, the people would become subjects to the monarch in an oppressive way.

As God instructed, Samuel explained the implications of a rule by a king. Just as had been done by Joshua and Moses, He told Israel that choosing their own path in spite of God’s warnings would not end well. In summing up his advice, Samuel said of the future king and the Israelites: “He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” (vv. 17-18).

Israel’s Response:

19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”
Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Everyone go back to his town.”

Reading this “Diss” reminded me of something I like to reflect on, lest I forget: God has a heart, too. He desired to lead His people, provide for them, give them all they ever could need, but they rejected Him, the All-Wise God, and chose what they thought was best for themselves - what everyone else had.

Imagine being in God’s position – wanting so much for your people to choose you, knowing that you would provide for them, even miraculously, just as your "fame" had in the past– but being flat out rejected -- and having to see your creations pave a path to unnecessary suffering as a result. That’s what Israel experienced in the years – and pages – that followed – and it’s just like what we do to God when we plead for things that He knows are not the best for us – and often, are not even good.

At times He gives us those wants, just as He did for the Israelites, to help us understand why we should not have had them in the first place. And, as evidenced through the lives of the Israelites, He may allow us to face the consequences of our detrimental wants - but He never stops loving us. This truth highlights still more about God’s character – His heart, and His patience. Throughout the Old Testament, these aspects of His character are repeated. Take Psalm 103: 8-10:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

I pray that through the lessons we learn from reading His Word – including the mistakes that were made, we choose to make Him enough – to trust His no, accept His yes, and experience The Abundant, Full Life that comes with giving Him total devotion. I think the words God gave Israel in Deuteronomy 30: 19 - 20 are so fitting for helping us make decisions His Way:

“…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life…”

This world already brings with it troubles that are not of our own doing – so let’s trust God that we don’t need to add any more to our short time on this earth! And let’s also thank God for His longsuffering and mercy when we do stray. What a Great God we serve!

The Awards Continue…