The following is a little Bible in 90 Days inspiration from Bible in 90 Days graduate and Group #8 mentor, Crystal Senter Brown.
Visit the “self-help” section of your local bookstore and notice how many books are filling the shelves. For $14.99, you can learn how to be a better YOU. Some books have simple steps to success while others are more lengthy. But there is ONE book you have access to right now that is everything you will ever need:
The Bible.
If I had a dime for every time I stressed over my motherly/ wifely/ employee duties, I could quit my job today and retire a very wealthy woman. I used to spend a good part of every day complaining and worrying about things I couldn’t change. I’d stress if my housework was left undone or if I was given an additional assignment at work. My pity party was beginning to look like a gala. I was more disconnected from God than I had ever been and I didn’t know how to take the step back to my faith. I was attending church on a regular basis, but I still didn’t feel like God was a part of my daily life.
Last January (2010) I found myself feeling very scattered. I was stressed out about every aspect of my life: home, work and even my relationships. I was attending church on a regular basis but I still didn’t feel connected to God. I didn’t know anything about the Bible either. I had always wanted to read the Bible cover to cover but always stopped as soon as I reached the book of Numbers.
Because I spend a great amount of time online every day, I stumbled upon the MomsToolbox website and was immediately drawn to the Bible in 90 Days challenge. I was excited about reading the Bible with women from across the US and being able to share my thoughts online.
Once I decided to accept the challenge, I set aside 30 minutes each day to read the Bible (right on my Blackberry) and then I wrote a short blog post reflecting on what I learned from the passage. I did this every day for 90 days!
As I began to start my day with the Word of God, I noticed everything began to change around me. The little things that used to bother me no longer mattered. The stress I had once allowed to dictate how my day would go was no longer a factor.
The Bible literally changed my life and everything in it. But most of all, it changed ME.
Genesis helped me to accept change and know that God was with me every step of the way.
God told Abram: “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1)
The book of Ruth helped me to be a better friend and companion.
But Ruth said, “Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us!” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Proverbs helped me to be a better wife, mother and homemaker.
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long. (Proverbs 31:10)
The book of Daniel helped me to remember God’s protection when I was feeling attacked spiritually, mentally or otherwise.
O king, live forever!” said Daniel. “My God sent his angel, who closed the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me. I’ve been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I’ve done nothing to harm you.” (Daniel 6:21-22)
If you are reading this, you are less than TWO weeks away from finishing the Bible! I think that is amazing. Even if you don’t finish in 90 days, keep reading! What matters is that you finish, not how long it takes you.
As you get closer to the end of the challenge, you’ll notice that the devil will be very busy in your life. He’ll begin to try add additional stressors, challenges and worries to your already-overloaded schedule. Don’t you dare give him the glory! Instead, turn to your Father, the one who made you and who knows you best. Ask Him to help you to not only finish the Bible, but also to help you to learn how to apply His word to your life.
I am praying for each and every one of you and I am so happy that Amy has allowed me to be a mentor for this session. I am still learning every single day, and knowing that I am learning right along with such a committed group of women makes me even more proud to be a part of this experience.
God loves you and I do too!
Crystal also blogs at ShesJustaSmallTownGirl. Thanks, Crystal for sharing your thoughts and inspiration!
Leave a Reply