Thousands of people have joined in reading through the Bible during the 40 Days of Lent this year. People have invited their small groups, friends, spouses, neighbors, and co-workers to join in.
We’re already in Week Four of the Wonderstruck by Scripture 40 Day Bible Reading Guide. That means that by the end of this week we’re more than half way through.
If you’ve fallen behind, here are some tips on how to catch up.
As you’re reading and preparing your heart for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning, I want to offer you a jolly dose of encouragement.
God is doing more in you through this season of Lent than you realize! [Tweet this]
1. Notice What You’re Reaching For. Making a commitment to read the entire Bible during Lent is changing me—and I bet it’s changing you too!
When I have a moment of free time, I find that I’m not reaching for things like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the latest episode of my favorite show (Parks & Rec anyone?). I’m reaching for my Message Bible. I’m searching for windows of time in which I can read a few more chapters, play catch up on the reading plan, and every so often get a few chapters ahead.
Celebrate the transformation that’s happening in your life as you read—both in subtle and significant ways—during Lent this year. [Tweet this]
2. Remember that God is speaking to you. Tap. Tap, tap. Tap. Tap, tap, tap. Before you read each day, remember to ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate God’s Word to speak to you.
Be Encouraged: God wants to whisper and echo to you through the Scripture today. [Tweet this]
Words like “wonder”, “awe,” and “marvel” have been popping off the pages as I read each day. With each passing book of the Old Testament, I’m reminded that we serve a God who is full of wonders—displaying His power, glory, miracles and presence among His people in wild and unexpected ways. This stirs my desire to see God move in greater ways—not just in my life but the church, our nation, our world—that leave us wonderstruck.
3. You’re Getting Stronger. With each passing day of the 40-Day Bible Reading Challenge, I’ve noticed this sense of strength in my spirit. Maybe you have, too. Sure, on many days reading 30-plus chapters of the Bible is hard, stretching, even exhausting. The discipline feels like long distance running. Some days every step is belabored. Slow. Arduous. Plodding.
But with each passing day, our spiritual muscles are growing stronger.
Can I encourage you with a passage?
2 Chronicles 32:6-8 describes Hezekiah rallying the people. He encourages them:
“‘Be strong! Take courage! Don’t be intimidated by the king of Assyria and his troops—there are more on our side than on their side. He only has a bunch of mere men; we have our God to help us and fight for us!’
Morale surged. Hezekiah’s words put steel in their spines.”
As you’re reading through the Bible, know that God’s word will “put steel in your spine” and strengthen you for the days ahead.
4. You’re Further Than You Realize. Last week I challenged to you to “pinch your Bible.”
Pinch how many pages from Genesis 1 to where you are today and see just how far you’ve come. Don’t allow discouragement to settle in—even if you’ve fallen behind. [Tweet this]
You’ve read this much of the Bible already this year. You’re doing great. Don’t stop. Even if you don’t finish all of the reading by April 1, you’ll be done shortly afterward if you continue to persevere.
You’ve got this! Rooting for you like crazy!
Much love,
Margaret
Looking for a Spring Bible study? Email sampler@margaretfeinberg.com and we’ll send you FREE access to the first video and PDF lesson of each of Margaret’s DVD Bible studies–including Wonderstruck.
