My boss caught wind of a bible that Zondervan recently published, called “The Bible in 90 Days.” As indicated by the title, the goal set forth by the creators of this particular bible reading plan is “To read attentively every word of the bible in 90 days.”
{Side note: It’s actually a really cool story about how the creator of this reading plan, Ted Cooper, Jr., went from being agnostic to believer as a result of reading through the entire bible at this pace. End of side note}
So, my boss decided to pitch the challenge to his friends and family, and to me, his assistant. I was reluctant at first, because I don’t like to agree to something until I’ve decided for myself whether or not it will be feasible. Ah hem…I don’t prefer failure.
It took a little promping, but he had convinced me within about 15 minutes that accepting this challenge would be beneficial for a multitude of reasons. When I excitedly agreed, he told me, “Good! I have two copies on hold at Lifeway. One for you and one for me. Do you want to pick them up on your way home?”
Ha! Sounds like my mind had been made up for me!
I began this accelerated reading plan on February 1 and have read through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and I’m currently breezing through 1 Samuel, and it’s only February 23rd. This is a change for me, because the way I am used to reading my bible is to stop and linger, to underline and highlight. With the 90 day plan, my goal has been altered: I simply read straight through (being sure to comprehend, of course).
What I LOVE about this method of reading the bible is that I am seeing and understanding so much more. I’m more in awe of our great God. I didn’t realize that I had sacrificed so much continuity in my reading, since I read a chapter here and a couple of chapters there. Reading through at this pace allows for so much more fluidity concerning who God is and what He was doing. It’s amazing! For me, the biblical accounts have been much more holisitc and powerful!
Now don’t get me wrong…there is (obviously) nothing wrong with reading the bible at a slower pace, but I am so excited and energized by this that I want to challenge you to do it as well! If you take the challenge, please keep me posted! I want to hear your insights and gleanings!
Like I mentioned, Zondervan came out with a bible specifically designed for this 90 day reading plan, but you do not have to purchase it to participate. All you need is your own bible and this downloadable bookmark (that has the daily reading agenda) that you an print by clicking here.
Happy reading!
WOW that is a fast read through. I saw the schedule for reading through in a year and I was pretty sure I would not be able to do that past… 90 days would kill me
Are you sure that I don’t need to purchase that? Is it written the same or is it easier to read and understand than the bible? I printed it but there was nothing in the 89 and 90 blanks is that right?
Good for you Heather! I heard this guy’s testimony on Moody a couple of weeks ago and he came to know Christ by reading straight through the Bible as a non-believer.
You have inspired me. I am going to ask Tim if he will do it with me. I love reading straight through but it takes me a lot longer than 90 days. I will need all the Bible I can get with 3 little boys!
I’m a little apprehensive about doing this with school on my plate as well, but then again, I always do find an excuse–don’t I?
I printed out the bookmark…I will let you know when I start. You better keep me accountable when we come out there to visit. You know how vacation and family time messes up a schedule. No offense
Love you, see you in a week!
I’ll try, but to be honest I usually fade out after a few days…
We’ll see what happens. Oh, did I tell you I’m moving to Florida? 
hey heather…thanks for this post. you have definitely given me something to chew on. i am actually doing an overview of the OT now, but i am printing out this bookmark for future reference. this is good, definitely different. i think there are different things to be gleaned when you are studying this quickly v. a more in-depth approach.
Hi, Heather. I read this post of yours a long time ago and I have recently been thinking about doing it. I thought it sounded great, but with all the chaos and transition we’ve been in over the last few months, I knew it would be fruitless, but now I’m in a place where I really want and need to do it. I printed the reading guide, but my question for you is about the workbook and group materials. Did you use them and if so, do you think they help a lot or is just reading sufficient?
Thanks for your blogs. I also enjoy looking at your craft blog from time to time.
Keri Young
keri @ allthingsyoung.com