Purpose and Introduction

Last year I read through the entire Bible. I'm sure I've read most (if not all) of it before - through devotions or Sunday school or church or 4 years of college (ministry and Bible degree) or 4 years of seminary. But never daily, systematically, the whole way through. It was really cool.

And I want to do it again this year.

Last year I used the "chronological" plan from www.backtothebible.org. It placed the readings in as close to chronological order as they could get them. So you read Job between Genesis 11 and 12, and you read Psalms and Prophets where they fit into the Kings/Chronicles stories.

This year I'm going for the "blended" plan. It takes a little Old Testament and a little New Testament each day. But not Genesis and Matthew - they mix it up - like Genesis and Romans. And Isaiah with Mark.

Last year I read through in the NRSV. I grew up mostly with NIV. At college and seminary I read others such as NASB and NRSV (as professors required).

This year I'm reading through The Message. It's a very contemporary version. Often referred to as more a paraphrase than a translation because it goes more "idea to idea" rather than "word for word." Similar to the Living Bible - only much more contemporary in language and style. I figured since I've read and studied the Bible quite a bit, this will give me a new way of seeing things. I can't do a "lazy read" because I'm overly familiar with a passage. I have to actually read it.

So we'll see how this goes. In any case, you're invited along for the ride. I doubt I'll post every day. SImply when something strikes me or God speaks to me in some new way. Which I am fully expecting. Feel free to go to www.backtothebible.org and read along with me and share your thoughts on the passages as well. Let's listen to God speak together!