Just a warning: There will be some tough love in this post. But it’s really in here for your own good. Or for your fellow readers’ good.
And I do love you just the same whether you finish with us in October or not.
Okay, here goes:
I feel compelled to ask the question: How is your reading coming along?
I just care too much about this and don’t want anyone to get left behind.
For some of you, you are cruising along, having the time of your life, feeling inspired at every turn.
Others of you are plowing through, making changes in your schedule and staying on track.
A few of you are also plowing along, loving it, but feeling a little behind here and there.
And then there are some of you who feel as though you are so behind that there may not be any hope in finishing with the rest of us October 2.
If you are in the last group, you may start to wonder if you should even try to catch up. (Although I hope Kari’s post last week on a mega almost-30-day catch up cleared that up for a bunch of you.)
You might start justifying stopping by saying “I’m reading more of the Bible than I have, so I’ll just switch to the one-year plan,” Or, ” I’ll pick back up in a few days and finish in 110. Nothing lost if I do that. I’m spending more time in the Word, so that’s okay, right?”
To this I say “No, it is not okay. ” (I warned you about the tough love.)
When you decided that you wanted to jump in and join us in this challenge, you did it for a reason. And that was because you wanted to commit yourself to read, attentively, every word of the Bible in 90 days with the rest of us. You likely also had a reason why you wanted that.
I’d like for you to think back on why you wanted to read every word of the Bible in 90 days. Write it down. And let’s make that happen. Together.
We don’t have face-to-face meetings as most 90-day reading groups have, so it’s a bit of a challenge for me and our team of mentors to encourage every single one of you individually. But every single one of you is important to us. And as a group we can encourage each other to get it done.
If you fall out of the group, you will lose the rest of your team praying for you and cheering for you. And you’ll lost the accountability factor which definitely leads to success in this program.
If you stop now, it is quite likely you will not pick back up again. And it is very likely you will not finish. Ever.
I want you to finish. For you.
So what can I do to help? And what can the rest of our team of readers do to help? Leave a comment with why you are struggling or how we can pray for you. And I’ll do whatever I can to help you succeed. Also, send your mentor a note directly and let her know you are struggling. She wants to encourage and help you, too. If you signed up using the B90 Days form a few weeks back and you don’t know who your mentor is, please send me a note and I’ll let you know. Or if you didn’t sign up that way and would like a mentor, I would be happy to set you up with one.
For those that aren’t behind, or aren’t in danger of slipping too far back, I have a few questions for you:
1. Why did you decide to read the Bible in 90 days and why are you sticking to it?
2. Have you seen any change in your life as a result of this commitment? If so, what?
Please, whether you are behind, on schedule or ahead, consider leaving a comment that might help someone else who needs it as your check in comment this week. Also let us know where you are in the reading. I promise no judgment no matter where you are, just lots of love.
And, as always, please feel free to email me anytime using the green button on my sidebar.
I really love each of you and want to celebrate in October with all of you after having read the entire Bible together. You CAN do it!
So… how’s it coming? Please leave a comment at the end of this post as this week’s check in and, if you are blogger, you know the linky drill: Be sure to link up directly to your blog post and also mention and link to this post on the post on your own blog.
You will be able to leave a comment on this post until I close the comments right after I wake up Tuesday morning. You will be able to join the linky until Tuesday at 2 a.m. CST. To view the comments once they are closed, click on the title of this post. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the post and click where it says “127 Comments.” This will open the comments up for viewing. There are some very encouraging ones, so I would encourage you to take a look if you have time.
I’m excited for each of you for having the courage to commit to this challenge. And I know your life will be changed by Him after reading the whole Bible, cover to cover, in 90 days.
Hope to catch ya tonight on Twitter from 8-9 CST using the #B90Days hashtag! Bring your questions and get ready to chat!
Comments
127 responses to “B 90 Days Week 5/ Day 29 Check In”
I am 2 days behind, but not stressing about it. This seems to happen to me once the weekend comes. I usually am caught up again by Tuesday. I first read about the Bible in 90 days on The Happy Housewife’s wesbite a few months back. I WANTED to do this, but wasn’t sure if I could. I am Catholic, and I was afraid that reading a different “version” was “wrong”. But after emailing Toni from The Happy Housewife, who put me in touch with Amy, who answered my questions, I realized that this would be SO RIGHT. I teach 6th grade religion, and what better way to encourage my students to grow in their faith than learning more about God’s Word? I decided that no matter what, I would join and commit to reading…and finishing!
This experience has changed me in so many ways already. I have prayed – whole-heartedly I might add – for people I don’t even know, people I’ve met through Twitter, people I will probably never meet in person. They’ve prayed for me and my intentions as well. I look forward to reading the Bible and praying daily. I don’t worry if I fall a little behind, because I know with God’s help (and all yours as well) I will get the daily readings done. I shared with my mom what I was doing, and she in turn was telling 2 family friends, who happen to be priests. They both thought the idea of reading the Bible in 90 days was a great one, and not to worry about the few books in the Catholic Bible that are included in the B90Days Bible I am reading, I can read them when I’m done. So I know I have 2 priests pulling for me and praying for me too, encouraging me on my journey.
All in all, these past few weeks of participating have been great. I’ve learned new things from the reading, from reading others’ blog posts and Tweets, and from the Twitter chats. Amy, thank you for all the encouragement. It amazes me that each week you comment on all the posts. I hope to be a Bible in 90 Days graduate and to someday mentor someone else on their journey.
And to answer your questions:
1. I decided it was time to actually challenge myself to read God’s Word from cover to cover. I have studied God’s Word all my life, but so far in reading it this way, have learned that I have missed a lot.
2. I have seen changes in my kids – I found a doll in the playroom reading the Bible the other day (just like Mommy!). I have also been much more attuned to the sermons at church and have shared quite a bit more openly with a few close friends about what I have been learning. I’m really enjoying the experience and am so glad that I took on the challenge.
Thanks Amy!
In my opinion, I’m falling behind, but I’m still about 5 days ahead of where we’re supposed to be. I just haven’t made the time the past few days which is my own fault. I’m letting school preparations and end of summer plans get in the way. So now I am off to read!
Still caught up, thanks. I had my first court date for divorce this morning. I prayed for God to be with me yet I experienced such anxiety and fear. I nearly passed out.
For many years before I was with God, I kept saying what is my purpose here? Well, is this it? My life changing completely, and not what I wanted. Just rambling, but appreciate you all being there praying.
Still on track!
I decided to read the Bible in 90 days originally in January because I felt called to do it. I also felt called to mentor in July and knew if I was going to do that I wanted to read again.
There is still so much God shows me anew each day!
I’m a little behind but not too far and should be back on track by tomorrow evening. While I’m struggling a little bit right now keeping up with all the kings, I feel a great sense of accomplishment and want very much to be able to say I’ve read the Bible all the way through…not in a haughty or prideful way, but because it is important to me as a Believer to read all the Scripture. Accountability is a powerful motivational tool for helping me stay on track…when my mother learned I was doing this she asked for the reading guide and started doing it, too. No way I want to admit to my mom that I dropped out! :)
Reading a way and feeling blessed! I am staying current but a have 3 or 4 past days to catch up on still. I am so happy to have the encouragement from all of you. I have tried so many times to read the whole Bible and finally I am doing it! With such a concentrated reading it really unfolds in a very beautiful way! Keep going everyone! we can do this!!
I’m behind. More than some, not as much as some others. I plan to keep making progress, and catch up when I am off for vacation. I just seem to have a lot of “life” going on now. But I’m thankful for this group, and will keep on going.
So far so good! I am daily amazed at how God has been at work helping me stay current as I reach this goal. Even though I have grown up a Christian (a preacher’s kid, actually), there is so much I am reading right now that I feel like I have never really paid attention to and I am LOVING IT! Thank you for all you have done to help me take this step in my walk with Christ.
Assuming I do my reading for today, I am right on schedule. I was a little ahead and then used up those days during my busy weekend. I am going to work on getting ahead again. It’s so nice having some flexibility and not stressing about being behind.
To answer the questions, I decided to do this because I’ve been a Christian my whole life and have never read through the Bible. I thought the 90 day format would work better for me than the year long ones. I’m sticking with it by the grace of God. Seriously. I’m not normally this disciplined. All the accountability, encouragement, and prayer has helped immensely!
Couldn’t join the tweet-up tonight…sorry! On vacation and about to board a flight. Amazingly I am still on schedule with my reading. Woot! Thanks for the prayers!
On track…
1. I decided to read the Bible in 90 days because I thought that it would be a good challenge for me and would kick my behind back into the Word. I’ve been neglecting it for far too long. I’m sticking with it because I’m enjoying it…my husband and I are doing it together and its time that we spend together every night. I love reading with him and discussing the things that stand out to each of us.
2. Changes…I’m becoming excited about the Bible and Bible study again…
I made it back from MN!!!! I’m half way through day 33! This has been a great experience for me. I recently quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids and moving to one income has been stressful. With two young children at home I don’t have a stretch during the day to read the 17 pages straight through, which for me has been a blessing. I’m reading about God’s blessing through out the day and that is what I’m focusing on!!!!
Thank you so much and Blessings to you!
thanks for the tough love.. i got frustrated at being behind, but am almost caught up now.. i should be caught up in he morning..
i am doing this to get me back into a habit of reading my Bible, not just studying a few verses here and there.. really reading the Bible..
i am caught up. it was so nice sunday in church when the preacher was talking about jacob wrestling with God all night and i knew what he was talking about! Genesis 32:24
Still a day or two behind. Have been traveling and will be for the next two weeks. Just checking in!
Well, I’m still here, still behind, but still reading. I got behind sort of early on when a migraine and back problems put me out of commission for over a week. BUT … I’m still reading. I may be behind all the way to the end, but I really want to finish with the group. However, I also feel like finishing a few days late is better than giving up. I am really loving reading such large chunks of the Bible at a time. I have begun to glimpse the Big Picture view reading it in 90 days can give, which is something I have not had in the past. That excites me, and encourages me to keep going.
After gradually falling more and more behind over the last 3 weeks….as of Friday, I was 10 days behind. I am now just 2 days behind. I utlized my Max McClean ESV Bible on MP3 to do some listening during errands and in my home office. I would alternate listening and reading a chapter. I found I really enjoyed listening to Judges through 2 Kings…
ok, i’m behind, and tough love not withstanding , i have to do what i have to do for my various jobs etc….. i will get this done, does it happen in 90 days??, who knows….
does it make a change in my life, not yet….
why am i sticking to it? who knows… because i said i would, but that too could fade
I am on track and loving it! It has been an awesome month. I want to do it again! : ) I am learning so much more this way, you wouldn’t think reading this much you would get anything out of it. But I really am. An overall picture is there, a bigger vision. Keep going ladies, it is really worth it! .
I am up to date, and even a day ahead. That helps me feel a bit easier about getting the reading done. That helped last winter also, knowing that I had a day of grace, but I never wanted to use it.
One day behind…I plan to catch up tomorrow!
I am ashamed, but I am behind- by alot. I am not giving up. Alot of things are off of my plate and I will NOT give up. NO WAY. I will catch up- I will finish on time. I have settled that in my heart, that’s just how it’s going to be :)
I’m here. Behind. But not giving up… definitely NOT giving up. I’m trucking along, well behind the group — but DETERMINED to finish WITH the group!
I need the tough love. Today. Well, everyday lately.
I.will.finish.
Well Im so enjoying reading the Bible Im learning so much….Im on day 32 so Im a little ahead but I started back to work today so things will slow down a bit.I pray that Idon’t get behind…I want to do this for me.The bible has been the best book I have ever read.
To answer your questions:
1. I decided to read the Bible in 90 days because after being a believer for almost 30 years, it was high time I read God’s word cover to cover. Why in 90 days? For the same reason I go to work when I don’t feel like it. I figure I can do just about anything for a short period of time. I don’t mean to sound callous, so don’t misunderstand me. Reading the Bible in 1 year is HUGE! I find 90 days very manageable – that’s my point. I’m sticking to it because I love it! I feel incredibly accomplished and I have become strangely addicted to it! (must be the Holy Spirit!)
2. A change in my life – absolutely! For the first time ever, when someone has an issue, I can actually relate something from the Bible to them and I don’t have to look it up to do it. The knowledge is just there – rattling around in my head! I find that very cool!
Well I am about 14 days behind but I picked my bible back up today so that is improvement :)
I’m about a week behind. I was doing pretty well and enjoying the readings and the change of perspective they were bringing but then we were out of town for 10 days and I fell way behind. I am trying to catch up and not get discouraged, I don’t like being behind. It’s hard to get back into our regular routines after being away but hopefully in the next few days things will settle down.
Keeping on track.
I got caught up! I was only about a day or two behind, but I kept only making time for one day’s worth of reading, so I did not get caught up until Saturday. I’m so glad to be on track right now…even if today’s reading was a bit difficult. I read it out loud to my boys just so I wouldn’t lose my place or track back. I thought the genealogy portion would bore a three and a two year old, but my older boy kept asking for Bible stories when I stopped. :)
It took me a long time to catch up just because I did things that I enjoyed rather than make the time for the best thing, spending time reading God’s Word. When I finally got my priorities straight again, I caught up quickly. Sure, I had to sacrifice a little of my free time, but this is so very worth it. I can’t believe that I have made it so far!
I am hanging in there, but not doing so hot…I am hoping to catch up!
1. Why did you decide to read the Bible in 90 days and why are you sticking to it?
I decided to read the Bible in 90 days because I have been less than motivated to spend serious time in God’s word. I tried to read the Bible in a year. That failed. I knew I needed a radical change, and I came across this challenge. I’m sticking to it because I know I can do this. I can read the Bible in 90 days.
2. Have you seen any change in your life as a result of this commitment? If so, what?
Well, a lot more of my free time goes to reading God’s word, and surprisingly I’m totally okay with that. I’m really seeing the Big picture of God’s word and how everything ties together. When I tried to read the Bible through in a year, I was constantly confused during the old testament. I still get confused every once in a while, but the old testament makes so much more sense when you read it this way.
I’m caught up, and this has been such a great experience so far!
I’m really behind & I’ve seriously thought of quitting. Right now I’m just reading what I can when I can.
I still have a few pages to finish up from yesterday’s reading, as well as to read todays. I plan to finish tonight!
I’m still here! On today’s current reading.
1. Why did you decide to read the Bible in 90 days and why are you sticking to it?
I’ve never read the Bible all the way through at one time. I’ve read all the different parts, just not all in order or at once.
2. Have you seen any change in your life as a result of this commitment? If so, what?
Yes, everything else that I do during free time is going to the way side. Tweeting, blogging, other reading, etc. I am keeping up with all my housewife/mom duties very well though. I’ve shifted my priorities drastically. Some of it hurts, but I think it’s worth it in the end.
I did not sign up for this challenge, but I wanted to just let you know I am making an effort to continue my journey to read the Bible through for the second time. I was also encouraged that my 5th grade boys Sunday School class seemed EAGER to start using the Bible reading chart which lists all the books and chapters to begin their Bible reading journey.
Im caught up, and am finding the recent readings very intresting.
Only 2 days behind, but I’ll catch up :0)
As of NOW, I’m a little bit ahead!! Of course, if I had checked in this morning, I would have been a day and a half behind, but I’ve been reading every spare moment just so I could check in and be on target!!
I am still here, and for the first time I have fallen behind. Not counting today, I am one day behind, so no worries. I will catch up before I fall asleep. Everything is still reading like a novel to me, with every page the twist of the narrative pulls me in. That’s why I know I will catch up.
Football season has begun for my younger son, so I will have two hours to read during each practice.
Well, I’m behind, but we’re home from vacation, so hopefully, this week I’ll get caught up! We’re also doing VBS this week, but either way, I’m NOT quitting!! I’ll finish October 2 for sure!
C’mon, ladies, it’s worth it!!
I’m caught up. Saturdays are the one day a week that I have trouble fitting in my study time b/c of the different routine, but I will read a little longer on Friday and Sunday to make up for it.
I have honestly loved every minute of this challenge. I’ve found some areas that I’ve bookmarked for studying more in depth later, and I’ve also been amazed at how quickly God’s people forgot about all of his promises. It seems so strange to be to Chronicles already where if you were reading it in a year you would only be to Levitcus or Numbers.
I’m so glad I have followed through with this and also so glad for the encouragement from Amy and my own mentor. I’m looking forward to the next two months and more wonderful study times!
I want to second what Amy said. Don’t Give Up! We’re all here to support and encourage you. Take advantage of this community and its strength.
I am caught up and have done better this week to stay on track daily… not as much catching up reading as the previous couple of weeks.
Reading the long lists of names in I Chronicles today, I was struck by the fact that God loves and cares for each of these people as individuals. We may breeze throught the list of names hurriedly, but each one was and each person who has ever lived is important to God. He desires each one to obey Him, love Him, and to do His will. He grieves when we do not, and rejoices when we do. And knows each of us uniquely. How incredible!
I cannot believe we are on week 5! I am right on track and so happy I signed up to do this. I’ve felt God prompting me for a while to read through the Bible. I tried once when I was in high school and I almost finished. I don’t remember why I stopped or even where I stopped. I love reading so much at once and I’m picking up so much more than I expected. My husband and I have had some very good conversations because of the daily readings. My only regret is that my husband isn’t reading it with me. Maybe some day in the future he and I can read it together.
>How is your reading coming along?
I’m behind… by about 1 week. Our week long vacation was just a KILLER to keep up my reading thru. In addition to all the FUN we were having, we also dealt with 1 urinary tract infection in our 5 yr. old… a tooth extraction in our 8 yr. old… and Roseola with our 1 yr old!?!
But I do not fear the idea of “catching up.” Things have settled down, despite the fact that we’re starting our homeschooling year a little earlier this year (like, TODAY!)
>Why did you decide to read the Bible in 90 days and why are you sticking to it?
I wanted to do this for me. To challenge myself in a way that I hadn’t been challenged in a while… and intellectually disciplined way.
>Have you seen any change in your life as a result of this commitment? If so, what?
I think so. I feel like I’ve become much more purposed in my Bible reading… and much more focused at getting certain things done during my day so that I *will* have the time to devote to my reading. :-)
I’m surviving. Some of the books are hard to get through but I’m happily chugging alond. Thank you Lord for your Word.
I decided to read the Bible in 90 days because I have tried before and failed. I have been a believer for over 20yrs. and I have never read the Bible all the way through. I’m sticking with it because I’m determined not to fail this time. It’s really important for me to do this. I have six wonderful children whom I’m always encouraging to read God’s Word. I want them to see mama reading the Bible as well. I have learned so much these past 30 days from this challenge. Also it’s a privilege to be able to freely read His Word and I need to take advantage of that.
I am on track with my reading and enjoying it. I wanted to read the entire Bible because it is something that I always wanted to do. I have tried year long readings but never stuck with it. I did not grow up in a church going, Bible reading family. Growing up I heard some of the Bible stories but never really knew the whole story to them. Since I started the reading of the Bible I have been able to read the stories and understand what people were talking about.
Some changes I saw are: my committment to the reading and how I need to really focus on God, and what He wants me to do.
Blessings!
I am caught up with my reading.
I decided to do this because it is something I have always wanted to do. I have started several times in the course of my life but have never finished. I believe that all Christians should be able to say they have read the entire bible.
I believe that doing this is helping me cope with the stress of day to day life. I thought that it might add to it but I have found it is right the opposite.
1. Why did you decide to read the Bible in 90 days and why are you sticking to it?
A friend did it the last go round. I was very hesitant because I was so busy in July. But she said I should do it simply *because* I was going to be busy. She was right. If I specifically decide to commit to something, I’ll try my best to hold to it. So even if I get so busy I can’t make church, etc, I’ll still be pushing to fit in the readings so I stay connected through the Bible which has been awesome.
2. Have you seen any change in your life as a result of this commitment? If so, what?
Commitment in general. Not sure how to explain it, but I feel like my heart is more open and I’m more accepting. I tend to be reading it like a history, which I guess it is, but I wish I were able to read deeper. I think I’ll have to read again. I also tend to be shy about sharing my faith at all, so when people say “what are you reading?”, and the answer is “The Bible”, I look at that as a start. hehe. :)
Currently I’m about 2.5 days behind. I’m the continually plowing through, but always a day or so behind type. No worries about finishing, just wish I didn’t always feel like I’m playing catch-up. All’s good though.
Still five days behind…I’m not going to give up though. I’m learning so much and I am doing this for me. This is between God and me – we’re working on it…
Thanks for all your support and prayers.