I’M THROWING DOWN A CHALLENGE

We’re coming up on the end of the year.

That wonderful time of year when we give ourselves permission to have a

“do-over.”

That diet for 2010? Start again…

That exercise program? Do-over…

Clean out the garage (hey, this is mine…)? No better time than the present.

Give away those old clothes you haven’t worn in 5 years (and if we’re being honest, should NEVER wear again)? Goodwill, here I come.

Make a budget, fix the plumbing, get that physical – whatever it is, here’s the time to make those “New Year’s Resolutions.”

You’ve got your own list – we all do.

I don’t know about you, but I approach this time of year with the same feelings, every year – a little (sometimes a lot) of chagrin, regret, embarrassment, guilt – “just didn’t get “x-y-z” accomplished…”

And yet, it’s a NEW year!

I feel excited, invigorated, motivated, disciplined – it’s a chance to start over again – and this time “I really mean it!”

Are you with me?!

So, here’s the thing.

As you’re thinking over the things you did and didn’t get done in 2010 – and making a list of the things you want to get done in 2011 – I’m throwing another suggestion into your pretty little heads…

I’m issuing what I’m calling, “The Great Bible Reading Challenge of 2011!”

Yup, I’m exhorting all of you to take this year and commit to reading through the Bible. I’m doing it again – we can do it together!

It’s a wondrous thing.

You’ll learn things you’ve never known. You’ll see the whole story of God’s love unfold through history. You’ll hear God talking to you.

Does it require discipline? Sure.

ALL good habits require discipline.

Does it have rewards? You bet.

And that’s why I’m challenging you to join me. Because I truly believe that time is beginning to wind down on this old planet of ours. Wickedness is growing, the enemy is afoot. We believers are being called to take our stand against evil.

And we cannot fight without our greatest weapon – the Word of God.

So, does this seem like a daunting task?

Don’t be fooled. That’s just what Satan wants you to think.

It’s like looking at the scale, and thinking you want to lose 25, or 35, or 45, or more pounds. It’s a HUGE undertaking! But, those pounds don’t come off all at once. They peel away, one pound at a time, as we dedicate ourselves to a goal.

It’s the same with reading the Bible.

A lot of people start the year all “gung-ho” about this. And then…they get behind. And then…they get really behind. And then…they give up.

Don’t!

It’s just like losing those pounds. If you have a bad day, or even a bad week or two, don’t give up. Just start where you left off – and KEEP ON GOING!

Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…”

Ask God for discipline – ask God for strength. He’ll help you.

He’s SO eager for you to meet Him in His Word. He’s so excited to tell you His WHOLE story. He will reveal Himself in NEW ways.

There are plenty of one-year plans out there. Some are even two or three-year plans. Pick one. Start reading. Keep at it. Don’t give up – even if you get behind.

YOU CAN DO IT!

It’s time to pick up our “swords” and do battle – it’s time to go on the offensive. It’s time to use the weapon that Jesus Himself used in His battle “against all the strategies of the devil.”

Satan isn’t going to like this one single bit…that in itself just makes me smile!

Are you with me?!

Look at it this way…What could it hurt?

What could it HELP?!

(And to help you along, at the bottom of my blog I will have the Scripture passages for a one-year reading plan, updated each Sunday!)

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”