Re: Are you making the 2010 Challenge part of your life?

Although I read my Bible almost every day, I decided to take this challenge and combine it with Route 365. I am familiar with hearing God speak to me through His Word, but I was surprised at how I heard God speak to me through the book of Judges. I wasn't just reading to complete the Route 365 assignment; I was intentionally seeking to hear from God each day. I needed to remember the reason why I read the Bible and whose word I'm reading. The 20/10 Challenge helped me remember. Thanks very much!!

Re: Are you making the 2010 Challenge part of your life?

Daily Bible reading has been part of my life for many years. However, what I have noticed recently is that my reading has had a tendency to slip just to that, reading. I can read any time. I have taken the 2010 Challenge as an opportunity to go beyond reading. I have used this challenge to slow down, to reflect and ponder what I am reading for the purpose of finding God, understanding His will for my life, and how He is calling me to follow Him. In the past month I have heard God speak in new ways and have found His strength sufficient to follow in new ways. I am looking forward to what God has for me in the days to come. It doesn't come all at once, but little steps each day are making great strides in my life over time.

God is so Good

Praise God for Pastor Rob and BCC for the 2010 Challenge. I am doing it along with readings form Psalms and the New Testament. God is closer than ever and Jesus keeps finding me in all that I do. May the peace of Christ fill your souls!

Re: Are you making the 2010 Challenge part of your life?

This is the 1st New Years Challenge to read through the Bible that has stuck for me. God has repeatedly and annually banged on the door... this time I openend it wide up. I am convinced it is the Prayer part that makes it work!

Re: Are you making the 2010 Challenge part of your life?

I have found these sections of Scripture (those in the 365 schedule) especially challenging as I seek to turn my reading into moments or minutes of immediate prayer. I have always tried to pray around my time in the Word but the 2010 Challenge has me reading with a deeper awareness and desire to allow the Word to speak to my life. God's words to young Samuel have become my desire, given shape to my experience of his Word ('Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'). I'm reading not simply to learn but to listen. What is God saying to me about the challenges or opportunities I'm facing today? What action might I need to take or refrain from? Who do I need to be praying for? In what small way is God calling me to bring His kingdom to bear in the world around me?

Re: Are you making the 2010 Challenge part of your life?

Although I read different daily devotionals and pray throughout the day; I now know God is calling me to the discipline of joining the 20/10 challenge using the 365 schedule with my brothers and sisters. God used Blake’s personal message of transparency yesterday (Sunday’s sermon about Hannah in 1 Samuel) to move me to surrender resentment I had towards my brother in law (also employer). I had ‘forgiven’ him but I was harboring resentment that I had not talked to God about. I knew there was something keeping me from having peace at work and from truly serving others at work…this was it.

I feel a sense of unity and deeper belonging to the body at BCC since just making the decision to join the 20/10 Route 365 challenge; I am excited to see how God is going to move mountains as we diligently seek Him together.

Peace Peace

Re: Are you making the 2010 Challenge part of your life?

I admit that I usually reject prescribed Scripture reading plans, preferring to read/study the Word on my own schedule. At the Lord's prompting, I decided to commit to following Route 365 this year and what a blessing it has been! By forcing me to read and reflect on a limited passage each day, I am reading somewhat familiar stories with new eyes, or should I say, new ears - the Lord is speaking to me so meaningfully through these ancient stories. For example, while reading I Samuel, the Holy Spirit has spoken to me about the "Kings" in my life (I realized up until now that I generally equated rejecting the Lord with intentionally turning to idols per Judges ). God is showing me that my 'Kings' are things/people to which I turn for authority/guidance (such as my own understanding, counsel of others) INSTEAD of the Word(s) of the Lord. Although these are not inherently bad (such as a King is not inherently a bad thing), when I allow them to REPLACE the Word of the Lord as my guide, I am rejecting the Lord. I am grateful for the 2010 Challenge and what the Lord is teaching me.