This year, we've read chronologically through the New Testament. We've spent 7 days meditating on the Mt. Rushmore of biblical texts - Romans 8. Then we spent 60 days going through "Creation to Christ" - the story of the entire Bible.
It's early October and we still have three months left in the year - time for a new Bible reading challenge. The next one this year is "50 Days of Praise," which will take us right up to the weekend after Thanksgiving.
There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, there's a spiritual reason! We need to spend time praising God. We Baptists, evangelicals - we like to study, preaching and think, but we are not that good at worship and praise. That's the job of those charismatics, right? (If I used those happy faces, I might stick one in there.)
These are tough times in the world around us, and it is good for us to spend time looking through the word of God just worshiping, praising, and examining the glory of God.
There is a second reason for this, one I hope you will understand. I have a lot on my plate right now and writing a devotional daily has been taking a lot of time. During these 50 days you will write your own praises! I need a little break to focus on some other things that I need to get accomplished!
I do a lot of writing, and most of the other things I write have a much larger audience than this Bible Reading Challenge. But I can tell you honestly that I consider this devotional post - challenging the members of my church to read the Bible - is what I consider to be my most important writing project.
I'm not planning to quit, just taking a break.
Finally, I strongly encourage you to use the comments. Scripture talks about exalting the Lord - give VOICE to your praise. Tell others how great God is and what he has done for you. Use the comment section to give glory and honor to the Lord!
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