Feast of Weeks

Tonight at sundown, the 6th of Sivan on the Jewish calendar, the Feast of Weeks begins.  You may know the Feast of Weeks by it's Greek name, Pentecost.  Pentecost means "fiftieth."  Pentecost comes 50 days after Passover.  In Hebrew, the Feast of Weeks is called Shavout.

What do you know about Pentecost?  I encourage you to explore these links.  There is much more to Pentecost than you may have known.

Biblical Holidays - Shavout

Koinonia House - Feast of Weeks

Biblegateway.com - Book of Ruth (this is the selection that is always read at this particular feast.)

Bible in 90 Days

I completed Day 6 of the Bible in 90 Days reading schedule today.  I am really enjoying it.  The daily reading takes me between 45 minutes to an hour (I think I'm a slow reader).  It seems to be about 16 chapters a day.  Now I do notice it's harder to get in my time on the weekends, so it may take me a bit longer than 90 days.

Reading such a large amount each day gives a broader view.  Certain things stick out to me that wouldn't if I were reading a smaller portion.  (Of course, when you read a small portion, other details stick out to you.  There is a time and place for different types of Bible study.)

When I first heard about this fast-paced reading schedule, I was skeptical.  But once I got going, the thought occurred to me that I read Les Miserables in about 3 months.  (One edition is 1376 pages, can't remember how many my copy had.  This schedule, if read in the official Bible in 90 Days version is 1048 pages.)  Why is it that the thought of reading through the Bible, as I would a novel, seems so odd?  Perhaps it's because it really is different than a novel, there are so many depths, you can never really fully comprehend the Bible.  I will be reading it for the rest of my life and getting new revelations.  Les Miserables was wonderful, but I doubt it would require more than a few readings.

That said, I've had to train myself to read a little differently for this schedule.  I purposely don't stop and hunt down rabbit trails or dig very deep into study.  Otherwise I would be spending at least 2 hours a day on this schedule and I don't have that amount of time.  It feels a bit strange to be reading just to get to the end of the day's portion.  However, at the same time, I did not want to approach this with a, "let's just get through these chapters and check them off the list," attitude.  I am looking to learn something new each day and so far I have.  Even today, when the majority of the portion was all about details of the tabernacle and priestly garments.

That brings me to another point.  When you read about 16 chapters a day, you get to go through the "so-called" boring parts quicker.  :)  I say "so-called" because I am one that believes that every single detail in the scriptures is put there by design and is relevant and applicable to our lives.  But I admit, some of it isn't as entertaining.

I do think that you will get more insight and revelation out of the smaller bites that you take.  See Isaiah 28:10.  That is why I am keeping a certain few verses out to meditate on throughout the day.  I'm also still doing morning lessons with my children, so I have to study a bit for those.  (That study does me so much good.)  As a family, we read through one chapter of the Bible at dinnertime together.  We are currently in II Corinthians.  And, I like to listen to my favorite Bible teachers whenever I'm in the kitchen (which is a lot!).  So I feel that even though I'm skimming through the Bible in 90 days, I'm also getting those little bites throughout the day.

If you want to check out the schedule, click here.

Bible in 90 Days

I have tried (twice) to read through the entire Bible, using the One Year schedule.  Neither time did I complete it.  I did stick with it, both times, at least 90 days.

When I first heard about this schedule to read the Bible through in only 90 days I was quite skeptical, but now I'm excited.  Partly because now that summer is here (today was our last day of homeschool), I feel like I have extra hours in my day, I want to use that time productively.  And partly because I really feel the need to read through the entire Bible.  I know some don't.  I don't think it's important for everyone, but for myself, it is a goal.

Starting June 1st, Biblegateway will post the daily readings.  I found the schedule here, at Biblein90days.com, so I am actually going to start tomorrow.  That will give me a couple more days grace and I also need to be done a little early, since school will be in full force by the middle of August.  The schedule is for the New International Version (NIV), but I'll just read the same passages in my New King James Version (NKJV).  I'm not sure how long it will take to read each day's portion.  I may consider breaking it up into two to three portions each day.

To get the schedule for yourself, click here and then scroll down and find the Family Resources box.  The schedule is the last .PDF file, titled Bible in 90 Days Adult.

If you are also taking this challenge, I would like to hear from you.  I will post updates along the way and let everyone know how it's going for me.

Tonight

I am so excited to go to the Joyce Meyer Conference tonight!  I have been listening to her radio broadcasts lately, they have been awesome!  I encourage you to download her podcasts (download iTunes, if you don't have it).  You don't even have to have an MP3 player, you can listen on your computer or burn CDs.  Her most recent topic has been so great--Keeping God First.

Verse For Today

Psalm 96:11-13

Let the heavens rejoice, and let

   the earth be glad;

Let the sea roar, and all its

   fullness;

Let the field be joyful, and all that

   is in it.

Then all the trees of the woods

   will rejoice before the Lord.

For He is coming, for He is

   coming to judge the earth.

He shall judge the world with

   righteousness,

And the peoples with His truth.

Special Guest

We had a special guest at church last weekend, Joe McGee.  I was in tears--of laughter, that is!  Joe McGee delivers such wisdom in such an entertaining way.  He is a mixture of scholar and comedian.  I was astounded by how much doctrine was packed into his message, but at the same time it was so practical.  His sermon revolved around a mother's duty, as it was Mother's Day weekend.  I encourage you to listen to it.  You can watch it at Church on the Move.com or download it from iTunes (Church on the Move Service podcasts).

Who Are You?

Last month I issued a challenge, you can read more here.  Part of that challenge was to write down what you believe about yourself.  What does the Bible say about you?

I did some study and came up with these 15 things.  I know there are more to be found, but 15 was a nice number to cover with my son.  I think we studied these over a 3 or 4 week period.  I used this opportunity to cover who we are, but also where we came from, a catechism of sorts.  I wanted to include some fundamentals of doctrine in this list.  I also wanted to start from scratch with this list.  I made a list of things I believed, but only kept the ones that I could find scriptural basis for.

Who Am I?

I was created by God, in His image.

Genesis 1:26-31

I am a spirit, I have a soul, and I live in a body.

Genesis 2:7, Job 32:8

I was born a sinner.

Romans 3:23

I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Ephesians 2:1-13

I am a new creation.

II Corinthians 5:17

I am more than a conqueror.

Romans 8:37

I am a child of God.

Romans 8:14-16

I am a joint heir with Christ.

Romans 8:17

I am seated together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6

I am dead to sin and alive in Christ.

Colossians 3:1-17, Romans 5:12-21, Romans 6, Galatians 2:20

I am an overcomer.

I John 5:4-5

I am an alien (you could also say stranger or foreigner) of this earth.  (My son is partial to aliens, so he chose to use the word alien in this list.)

Psalm 119:19, Philippians 3:20

I am an ambassador for Christ.

II Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 6:20

I am part of the Body of Christ.

I Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 1:22-23

I am a person with unique God-given gifts and talents.

Matthew 25:14-30, Ephesians 4:7-8, I Peter 4:10, I Timothy 4:14, II Timothy 1:18

This started as a way to teach my son some fundamentals, and I took for granted these beliefs that I held, but I cannot tell you how good this study has been for me.  I believe that seeds have been planted in both my children (9 & 3) through this study, but I have experienced revelation, breakthrough, and victory in my life as a result.  I went from comprehending to apprehending these truths.  See Ephesians 3:18, the verb comprehend, in the Greek, is also translated apprehend, meaning to lay hold of so as to make one's own.  These truths became my own.  It is when the truth of God's Word comes alive to you that it's power works in your life!

Next, we will study why we are here on this earth.

If you would like to read some of what I believe about God, see my earlier articles here, here, and here.

Book of Romans

We have been reading through the book of Romans, as a family, at dinnertime.  Tonight we were in chapter 12 and verses 2 through 8 particularly stuck out to me.

You've heard it a million times, Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

I think this verse is often quoted with the theme of not going along with what the world is doing and that is all fine and good, but I saw a bigger picture tonight.

Keep reading down to verse 8.  I saw a progression.

1)  You renew your mind through study of God's Word.  (vs. 2)

2)  You find out what God's will is for your life (vs. 2)

3)  You go out and DO it!  (vs. 3-8)

So if we were to reverse that, you cannot do what God wants you to do if you don't know His will and you cannot know His will unless you are spending time studying His Word.

See also John 17:17 and Ephesians 2:10

Questions, Questions, Questions

Did I open a can of worms with my challenge?

Did I bring up too many questions?

What if you can't even make a list of your beliefs because you have too many questions?

Questions are good, it is perfectly okay to question things.  In fact, it is the fool that accepts information without questioning it.

What you need to do is start a journal or notebook and list your questions.  Then, pray and ask God to answer your questions.  This is an idea I have heard Dr. Chuck Missler suggest, I think it is great.

God will answer your questions, somewhere, someday.  He has promised you wisdom if you will ask for it.  James 1:5  When you do get the answer to your question, write it down in your journal.  This is so important because then you will be able to look back and see all the times God has answered you.  You will see His faithfulness.  Chances are, if you don't write it down, you will forget that you had the question in the first place.

So start a journal today--even if you just write down one question.

Reading

Too many good books to read, too little time.

I bought a used copy of Our Father Abraham, by Marvin Wilson, the other day and read the first chapter.  I'm excited to read the rest, but it will have to wait a bit.  Read on.

I was perusing our local library web site and came across The Handbook of Today's Religions, by Josh McDowell.  I have always wondered what Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses believe that is different from Evangelical Christians.  If a Mormon or a Jehovah's Witness came to the door, I would not know what to say to them.  I have tried reading on Wikipedia to find out what they believe, but this book is better.  This book gives a brief rundown of each different religion's views, in light of scripture--and that is the important detail.

I would not suggest reading this book cover to cover.  I have read the chapter on Worldwide Church of God, because of certain family members, and the chapter on Jehovah Witnesses.  I will read the chapter on Mormonism and then be done with it.  This book also covers Satanism, Islam, Marxism, and much more.  I personally think it's a bit dangerous to read too much on this stuff.  Just the two chapters I have read so far have my heard swirling with what these groups believe to be true.  I wouldn't even read the chapters on Satanism, unless you have a friend or family member involved in it or you yourself are involved and are seeking answers.  That said, this is a wonderful reference.

I checked this book out from the library, but I think it will have to wait for a later time.  I heard Dutch Sheets speak the other day on The Joyce Meyer radio show.  He was talking about the authority that we have in Christ.  It really helped me, which is why I checked this book out, but no time right now.  :)

I just received this book in the mail today, I've been waiting on it for quite a while.  I think everyone should read at least one story of Christian/Jewish persecution, it will make you appreciate the freedoms we have in America.  I also recommend The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom.

I have been skimming The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren to help me in a study I've been preparing for my son and I.  I have been compiling a list of Who I Am and Why Am I Here?  I will share details of that soon.

And finally, I checked my library account today and saw that Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is now available for me.  Yeah!  I've been waiting on this one quite a while.  I will drop everything else and read this one.  I have heard great things about this one.

Please also check out the list of books I recommend on the right-hand side bar, below.

Verse For Today

Jeremiah 17:5-8

Thus says the Lord:

Cursed is the man who trusts in man

And makes flesh his strength,

Whose heart departs from the Lord.

For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,

And shall not see when good comes,

But shall inhabit the parched places

in the wilderness,

In a salt land which is not inhabited.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

And whose hope is the Lord.

For he shall be like a tree planted by

the waters,

Which spreads out its roots by the river,

And will not fear when heat comes;

But its leaf will be green,

And will not be anxious in the year

of drought,

Nor will cease from yielding fruit.