Every Wednesday through the Lent season I will share a few reflections about the #LentChallenge. THANK YOU Margaret Fienberg for initiating this 40 day bible reading challenge.
I’ve been reading Mark Batterson’s book The Circle Maker
along with the #LentChallenge Bible reading via YouVersion. To say it’s rocked my world would be an understatement. I will share a brief summary in the next day or two. If you don’t have it click on the link above and get started. It WILL change your prayer life, which will change your life!
Batterson’s follow-up book, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge
What happens when you read the bible…
What happens when you read through the New Testament in 40 days? It’s like going from 100 feet above the woods to 10,000 feet and seeing the entire forest!
Here are 4 things that happen. And a few bonuses.
1. You get the BIG picture of the Bible
We read the whole book of Matthew the first 4 days. I can see Jesus’ mission to call and prepare His disciples for the mission. From walking on water, healing, multiplying bread and fish to preaching. Everything He did was for the benefit of those He was about to hand the whole enchilada to.
Imagine the risk of starting a new belief system that could end your life for believing, training twelve men that weren’t necessarily the sharpest crayons in the pack, and then leaving them to run it! (I know, Jesus had the authority and promised to be with them, but still!)
2. You notice things you didn’t see before
The immediacy of response struck me. In Mark 1:17 Jesus called Simon and Andrew.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Their response,
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. (v. 20)
Wow, didn’t notice that before. I want to respond to Jesus that way!
3. You get SURPRISED
In Mark 9 a man brought his son who was demon possessed to Jesus. He said,
If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.
‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Didn’t notice Jesus’ sarcasm before! I bet Jesus and the disciples had a good laugh about it around the fire that night.
4. You hear from God
Probably the most important thing that will happen as you read the bible is you hear God! You hear Jesus. And in Mark 9:7, the Father says, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
As you read the bible, remember it’s the Word of God. And Jesus is that Word. He is speaking through it. Listen. Then respond.
BONUS… what happens when you read the bible with your family?
1. You and your spouse have meaningful things to talk about
2. You and your kids have meaningful things to talk about
3. You and your family hear from God
My wife and 10-year-old son are all doing the #LentChallenge together. My 88-year-old grandmother is even doing it! She is a prolific author and significant spiritual influence in my life. You can read her blog HERE.
It’s been encouraging to share what we’re reading and experiencing around the breakfast or dinner table, or at night before bed. We highly recommend it!
QUESTION: are you doing the #LentChallenge New Testament reading plan? If so, what are you learning so far? If now, would you consider it? It’s not too late.