Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 22 through Pentecost Sunday, May 27th, we are challenging everyone in our congregation to an exciting new adventure. This is to read entirely through the New Testament. There are 96 days from Ash Wednesday through Pentecost Sunday. If you are an average reader, (as I am), this wonderful goal can be accomplished by reading about 12 minutes each day for 90 days - thus the title "Our Daily 12." This is a very achievable goal and even gives six extra days to
catch up in case you get behind. In mid-February we will be distributing schedules of which books and chapters of the New Testament to read for each of the 50 days.
Of course for your daily 12 you may read any translation of the New Testament you choose; however we are going to make available copies of a recent translation of the New Testament called the Common English Bible. The Common English Bible was written to do just what it says - put the timeless and life-giving words of the New Testament into language that we can easily understand. It's important to state that the Common English Bible is not a paraphrase, rather it is a translation. The difference
is that a paraphrase uses everyday language that is true to the main focus of the scriptures, but may lose some of the important details in favor of being easily understandable.
A translation, on the other hand, is careful to retain all the details and the
original message of the earliest writings of the Bible .. Thus the Common English Bibles offers the best of both worlds - easily understandable language and careful accuracy to the earliest Bibles written. These Common English Bibles will be available for $5.00 each and you will need to place your order by February 8 by signing up at worship or calling Beth in the church office (752-3545). As part of our challenge we will also be offering a short time each Sunday, from 9: 10 am until 9:20 am (ca1led "10@9:10") in the Homebuilders Sunday school room for all those interested in gathering to briefly share questions, insights, and fellowship about our readings.
I also plan to write an e-mail blog at least a couple of times each
week about our readings that I'd love to share with you. If you're interested, just e-mail me pastorsteve@umcscottsburg.org. and I'll add you to my list. I expect a great deal of excitement as we open ourselves to God's Word daily and share what God has to say to us through His Holy Scriptures. When asked why they don't read the Bible more often, most people answer a lack of time. Llife is so hectic and demanding that many feel overwhelmed and barely able to keep up with challenges of everyday life. Yet God's Word calls us and promises us wisdom, strength and peace to meet our daily challenges.
12 minutes daily given to reading God's Word should be doable for all of us. Will you set aside this brief time as you begin your day,end your day or at a convenient time each day to give yourself to this worthy goal? You'll be amazed at the blessings you receive for
God has promised us the Words that lead to life.
- Pastor Steve