Take a quick moment to look at Genesis 1 and then look at where you are this week. In the printed edition of The Bible in 90 Days, you have now read 420 pages of the Bible in 35 days. Amazing! And even if you’re a bit behind, the journey has been worth it. It’s very exciting to think that God is speaking to each of us in different places at different times through the same sections of scripture. What new insights have you discovered about God’s nature? What new facts have you treasured away in your heart?
Don’t forget to make a comment below and let us know what God has been doing in your life as you read through The Bible in 90 Days. It will be an encouragement for all of us.
After you wrap up Nehemiah this week, you will meet two of the Bible’s most interesting characters – Esther and Job. Both stories give us insight into God’s providential work, both within a nation and a single person. Finally, you’ll wrap up the week by reading through a majority of the Psalms – Israel’s songbook filled with honest lyrics that flow from the heart.
Nehemiah – Psalms: Themes
| Nehemiah Israel has returned from exile, rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, and begun to live as God’s people once again. And yet, by the end of the book, we see how easily they slip away from following God. Nehemiah reminds us that God will punish sin, but it also shows us that His “steadfast love” towards His people will endure forever. This doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences for sin, but it does demonstrate that those who are in Christ have a sure foundation.
Esther Though this book does not mention God directly, we see His providential hand working to preserve His chosen people. God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come from his seed and, despite the best efforts of Haman, God would not allow His promise to end in Persia. He uses a young girl named Esther to win the heart of the king to save His people. Hollywood doesn’t write fiction as good as this true story. Job Why do bad things happen to good people? Ever heard that one? The book of Job gives us a unique look into the spiritual dimension where we learn that God is always in control. Though our circumstances may often be challenging, the book of Job teaches us that God cares about His people. Often our suffering demonstrates God’s glory in our weakness. What we end up learning is that Job’s faith is the ultimate gift from God and no amount of suffering can separate God’s love from us. Psalms This ancient hymnal captures the high praises and deep laments felt within the hearts’ of God’s people. Every human emotion is on display as God’s people pour their hearts out to Him. Dr. Michael Williams writes, “We are reassured that within the context of our relationship with God the great King, these feelings are okay to have. No matter how and what we are feeling, we can tell God about it.” Through these inspired songs we can cry out to God and seek to have Him draw near to us. |
Encouraging Comments from B90 Readers
| THANK GOD! I finally caught up. I was 2 weeks behind. Saturday I was still reading 1 Samuel, but I pressed forward this weekend to finally get back on course! IT FEELS GOOD! Kathleen Texas
Both my wife & I have accepted the challenge to read through The Bible in 90 days. I am up to date & into the Psalms. They vary from praise & thanksgiving to God, to almost despair wondering where God is. But that, after all, is the story of my own life & I suspect of many others as well. Thank you, Haven, for issuing this challenge. I am using the Contemporary English Version I am finding it most helpful. Ken Seburn |
B90 Insight of the Week
| Jesus told His disciples in Luke 24:44, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Jesus knew and loved the Psalms.
In fact, many of the Psalms anticipated His coming. Some of them, like Psalm 2, clearly proclaimed the coming Messiah. It’s interesting that Jesus often quoted from the Psalms. Even on the cross, as He was suffering for our sins, He quoted from both Psalm 22 & 31. And of course Jesus fulfilled the Davidic promises found in many of the Psalms, like that in Psalm 45:6, where it talked about David’s thrown lasting forever. Obviously the Psalms were important to Jesus, so as you read through these Spirit-inspired songs this week, look for Jesus to show up. |
The Bible in 90 Days
Reading the Bible in ninety days is easier than you thought!
Once you break it down into bite-sized pieces, what may have seemed to be a formidable challenge becomes doable and enjoyable. And this specially designed Bible will help you get the most out of your experience. Fulfill what for many Christians is a longstanding ambition: reading through the entire Bible!
