Hello Everyone!

Yes, I’m crazy. But that won’t stop me from presenting the idea and hopefully nudging you to come along with me.

About two years ago, I was tricked into reading the Bible in 90 days. At the time I remember thinking that I must have been out of my mind to agree to such a schedule. I read every word from Genesis to Revelation. I don’t remember any of the reasons for consenting, nor even why 90 days (instead of, say, 120, or 60…or 30—now that would be insane!). But, I set out to do it (if for no other reason than some day to be able to say, “Yeah, I did that”).

Not immediately, but somewhere along the way since then, I read through the Bible in another 90 day segment (I really set out to read it in 78 days, taking Sundays off, but the pace was too much, or slacking off one day a week was too disruptive, I don’t know, so I backed down to the 90 day schedule).

You may be wondering how there could be any benefit from reading so quickly. I wish I could make a list for you. But doing so is a little like giving a description of some exotic city without the aid of photos or artifacts to someone who hasn’t been there. You can do it, but you are very limited in portraying what you saw or did. The best I can do is tell you that reading at this pace offers a different perspective. Be careful—it is a perspective that every once in a while you might be drawn to again and again.

I have waited until now before going through the Scriptures this way again because I thought it would be something you might want to do as well. I also recognized that reading the whole Bible might prove to be too great a challenge for some (yeah, I know some of you are motivated by being told “you can’t”). So, we planned our Bible reading for this year to read through the Old Testament (without Psalms and Proverbs) between Memorial Day and Labor Day; May 29 to September 4, 2006, but didn’t spell it out until now to create an element of surprise. Surprise!

Monday we begin. I mean, I do hope you will begin with me. If you are reading this a few days after our start, fret not! You can begin whenever you choose.

To accomplish this will require your resolve (and God’s enabling). It is a challenge. It is, at times, difficult because we are weak in the flesh, there are so many other “good” things to do (especially in Summer), and our Adversary wants to keep us from ever reading the Bible. Don’t let these stop you!

Reading larger portions at a time is not impossible. It is also rewarding because you get the “bird’s eye” view of history and redemption that you don’t always get at a slower pace. And, reading a lot at a time is like taking mega-doses of vitamins. Our soul’s are usually so starved for nutrition from God and His Word that we become spiritually delirious. Forget the eye-dropper, drink the whole gallon!

Reading “quickly” through large sections of the Bible can be as profitable as the meditative style of reading we have been doing this year. One is not better than the other, they are different, have different purposes, and produce different results. Make a note to yourself that when you read this way, you are not necessarily looking for application. Don’t let finding an application slow you down. Just read. The Holy Spirit will give ample application, many you will have never noticed before (probably because we are “trying too hard”?).

So, how large is each section we will read every day? The daily readings are divided by length and chapter rather than simply by chapters to make each reading a little more even. An insert has been prepared so that you can slip it into your Bible for easy marking and reference.

You may already have your own reading plan, and that’s great! Continue to faithfully read God’s Word! If you have been looking for an alternative plan, this one may be for you. Who knows, after these 98 days, you might want to give the through the Bible in 90 days a try (after a little rest, of course).

Do you still think I’m crazy? Good! Let’s read! Normalcy resumes September 5, 2006.

Yes, indeed, I have returned from Wyoming. The lore of the Old West still captivates the passions of young and old alike. But, rest assured, I was neither surprise attacked by restless natives nor charged by wild bison (this time).

Getting there is half the fun, and my old mule didn’t disappoint me, demanding more water at the most inconvenient times. But, with a little persistence, the guiding hand of the Almighty, and a check-up at the “vet” is all that was necessary to return to familiar pasture.

It was a privilege to once again visit Don and Mary Thomas, their family, and those who have been added since the last time (spouses and grandchildren). While there, I enjoyed homemade tamales on Cinco de Mayo in the park with the Trinity Bible Church family, visited the expanded Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, showed slides to the church about our recent trip to Israel, trained a few in how to add to and make changes to their church website, and explored nearly all of Yellowstone.

It should come as no surprise to you that Don and I succeeded in shooting, bagging, and bringing home two grizzly bears with a canon that day. Why do I get the feeling you are looking at me as if I was Barney Fife who never successfully shot anything more than his foot?

Yessir, from our vantage inside the car, just behind the sage—there they were, only 25 yards from the paved road. Looking through my sight, until squarely aligned in the cross-hairs, I took aim, then I pulled the trigger. Once, twice&hell;ip;nine, ten. It was all over in a matter of moments! What a rush! O.K., so you’ve figured out the canon was a camera! At least we’ve got more proof than the hunters who shot their bear with arrows, then lost his trail.

The day after returning home, I had the privilege to attend the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary “cotillion” for Mark and Cheryl Schoenberger, he in his top-hat and she in her wedding dress. They had a nice reception at the Train Depot in Heritage Park (Santa Fe Springs) on a “Chamber of Commerce” Southern California day. Mark and Cheryl’s son, Erik and his friend provided all the toe-tapping, Virginia-Reeling music with a variety of instruments. It was encouraging to be a witness at Mark and Cheryl’s wedding in 1981. It is equally encouraging to be a witness to their continuing faithfulness to their vows today.

As you know Sunday was Mothers’ Day. Saturday was also my brother’s birthday. We (successfully) tried to combine these remembrances together with dinner out. You wouldn’t believe how many other people went out Saturday night celebrating some birthday. The parking lot was beyond capacity. The restaurants had unbelievable wait times.

What’s that? How do I know they were there for a birthday? I already told you Mothers’ Day was Sunday (not Saturday). Surely no one else would have thought to go to dinner Saturday evening instead of Sunday for Mothers’ Day.

If you believe that, I want to show you a grizzly bear I shot with a canon!