After one week of participating in the Bible in 90 Days program, I am confident in saying that joining in this challenge is one of the very best things that I have ever done for my spiritual life.
I have consistently gotten up every morning, walked downstairs, and sat in our sun room reading my Bible each day.
Each day I ask the Lord to speak to me through His Word.
And each day He faithfully does.
Sometimes something strikes me as I am reading.
Sometimes it doesn’t come until later in the day when I am meditating on the day’s reading.
I was initially excited, but nervous about attempting to read through the entire Bible in just 90 days. The task was a true challenge.
I feared failure more than anything else.
But I am learning that God works through our failures.
No, He doesn’t want us to continue in our failures.
But He throughout scripture, God has chosen to use failures….people just like me and you…people that are not perfect, that are in constant struggles to do what is right, to serve the Lord faithfully as He deserves to be worshiped and served, but so very often fail in these struggles.
In today’s reading, the Lord calls the Israelites, His very own people “stiff-necked” as His anger burned against them and He threatened to destroy them. (Exodus 32)
He called them “stiff-necked” because they were so stubborn in their own sin that they refused to bend {their necks} to obey God’s will. They were commanded that they should have no other gods before their God, and not to make for themselves an idol in the form of anything in heaven or on earth.
After Moses was gone away from them to meet with God, it didn’t take them long at all to turn to their priest, Aaron to make a god for them. Aaron made a golden calf and they worshiped it, sacrificing burnt offerings, presenting fellowship offerings, eating, drinking and indulging in all kinds of revelry before this idol.
After all of the miraculous signs and wonders that they witnessed, it did not take them long to turn their backs on God’s will. To fail in being obedient to their God that brought them out of slavery and suffering.
It is so easy to read and judge these people.
How could they turn their backs on God who called them out, who saved them from the Egyptians, who rescued them from the Red Sea?
How could they questions the commands that were handed down by God through Moses?
How could they so blatantly sin against God?
But then I look at my own life and the times I have struggled in my spiritual walk.
All too often, I can be labeled “stiff-necked” myself.
God has done so much for me.
He has sent Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem me.
He loves me even through He knows me…every ugly detail of me.
He forgives me so often.
And, yet, so often I take Him and His Word for granted.
I refuse to bend {my neck} to God’s will for my life.
I fail Him just as the Israelites did.
And, every single time, when I come to Him in repentance, He chooses to forgive me, to forgive my sins, and to continue loving me.
Just as He did with the Israelites.
I am His child, just as they were His special people.
I don’t understand His love and His forgiveness. It is beyond my human comprehension, but I am so thankful for it.
And I am thankful for the reminders of His love, mercy, and grace.
How is your Bible reading going this year?
If you’re participating in the Bible in 90 Days challenge and you’re getting behind in your reading, or feeling frustrated at the task ahead, stop by Mom’s Toolbox for some great tips and encouragement.
Also, Mom’s Toolbox recently launched a Bible in 90 Days Blog Frog Community where you can ask your questions and get support from others who are reading along.
I’m going to make it a goal to post more often about my thoughts during my reading. I would love to hear your thoughts and feed back as well….even if you’re not reading along. You’re always welcome to comment away!
Linked to: Your Life, Your Blog at Real Life Blog
Ann Marie @ Household6Diva says
(I am reading the Bible in 90 days too)
I LOVE this post. Thank you for sharing this insight!
I was thinking today during the reading how awesome the relationship between Moses and God. How they talked and worshiped… and how his face was so radiant the people could not look at him… God is amazing…
.-= Ann Marie @ Household6Diva´s last blog ..Mayo Blob. It’s Genetic. =-.
Teri Lynne says
Today’s reading was incredible, wasn’t it. I was profoundly challenged though by reading about the plagues … that they weren’t for the Egyptians but for the Israelites. How often do “plagues” happen around me and I’m waiting for “them” to figure out what God is saying while He is waiting for ME to focus on Him.
.-= Teri Lynne´s last blog ..Read the Bible in 90 Days ~ Wk 1 Summary =-.
Michelle says
I am always amazed at God’s faithfulness towards us. When I think back on who I was before knowing Christ, I was just like that Israelite, going my own way and taking pleasure in sin.
Even as Christians, we often stray or are not wholeheartedly devoted to Him as we should be.
Thank you for this, Monica.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Thoughtful Thursday’s Devotions- Assessment =-.
Amy @ MomsToolbox says
I can completely relate.
It is easy to point fingers and see the mistakes made in the Bible. Until I look at my own life… on any single day, and see that I also stumble way too often. I am truly thankful for the forgiveness that comes from Jesus Christ.
I am so glad that you are reading with us… Reading other people’s perspectives on the same passages is pretty insightful! Thanks for posting!
Erin @ Closing Time says
I’m doing the Bible in 90 Days too. Every single day I have been amazed at the things I have learned…the things that I’ve read before that are just jumping off the page this time. It’s life changing!
.-= Erin @ Closing Time´s last blog ..FYFS: How to Study the Bible =-.
LifeAtTheCircus says
I am not doing Bible in 90 days… I think it is a great idea, but I am already committed to BSF this year and honestly struggle to keep up with my hw assignments. I am thinking though this might be the perfect thing for me this summer. Do you know if I can download the tools and do the 90 days later in the year or is it just for now?
Linda@cookingtipoftheday says
I was really inspired by your post… thank you
.-= Linda@cookingtipoftheday´s last blog ..Recipe: Broccoli and Cheese Quiche =-.
Nancy M. says
I haven’t read today’s yet, I usually read it at night when everyone is in bed. I am so glad I decided to join in with y’all!
.-= Nancy M.´s last blog ..Faith and Courage =-.
Christy B. says
I was having this exact same thought this morning, but I am in Ezekiel. It’s amazing how often the people that God chose totally “botch it,” and it’s amazing how often I am in the exact same mess! His mercies are new every morning. Praise Him! Thank you for your transparency in sharing this message.
(Found you at High Calling Blogs.)