I finished!!!!! Bible in 90 days

I have now read through the bible twice. Yay! This time was a struggle. I visited California in January, and didn't read much while there. I've had some other projects going - I was in charge of rechartering our pack, and I've been making a quilt for a friend. I still need to work on a blanket for my nephew (it's taking much longer than I hoped!), but I'm still glad I took the time to read again this year. I forget about different passages and learn new things each time.

This reading was different than last years - my husband bought the official Bible in 90 days as a Christmas present for me. This meant instead of the familiar KJV translation, I was reading the NIV translation instead. I do have to say, it was easier reading. I only have a couple complaints with the translation: I don't agree with the verses left out. I believe they were part of the original text. And I don't like how the word Jehovah is not found in the entire book. (please correct me if I'm wrong!) Instead of Lord of Hosts, they put in Lord Almighty, and for Lord of Lords, they put in Sovereign Lord. I think some of the meaning is lost with those changes. Still, there were interesting changes in some verses, as well as some very interesting footnotes on alternate meanings. Reading this has really driven home the article of faith: "We believe the Bible to be true as far as it is translated correctly." The KJV has mistakes in it, as well as the NIV.

For my friends that have not read the bible all the way through - do it! Set a time to start and finish. 90 days means about 45 minutes to an hour each day. Consistent reading is the key to finishing. I was amazed at how much easier it was when I wasn't trying to catch up. And I love how the scriptures end up being in my head all day. I plan to continue this as a tradition for myself every year. Hopefully it will get easier each time I do it!

The bible in 90 days - #1

I decided to take the challenge from Mom's Toolbox, that I came across from a blog I subscribe to. I'm reading the King James Version, since that is what I'm used to. I am on day 4, and have just finished reading Genesis.

A few things strike me. First, is how many good parents have their own faults, as well as children that make terrible mistakes. Cain killed his brother out of jealousy. Lot's sons-in-law laughed at him. His wife turned back. And his daughters made him drunk so they could become pregnant by him. Isaac favored Esau, even though Jacob was the one who truly feared God. Reuben slept with his father's wife. Simeon and Levi killed a town because one man slept with their sister. Rachel stole her father's idols when they left his home.

What is to be learned from all this? Perhaps we need to be all the more watchful and vigilant in doing what is right. But also that we all make our own choices. I cannot force my children to be good, but I can teach them.

Today's reading was mainly the story of Joseph in Egypt. I seemed to understand more this time of why and how Joseph tested his brothers. He either hoped that they had changed for the better, or that he could keep his younger brother with him. It is amazing how much Joseph endured for so many years, and how quick he was to forgive his brothers. I hope I can become as forgiving.