When I was a little girl, I was taken to a beach mission every year. One of the songs we were taught was a very simple one that has always stuck in my head. The first line of this song, repeated three times in all, was this:

‘The best book to read is the Bible…’
How true!

Ever since I can remember, I have loved the word of God. I am hungry to learn new things about Scripture, enjoy teaching others the treasure I find and most of all, am in awe of how God reveals Himself through the pages. I did RE at GSCE, then A level, and then went on to study Theology at University as part of my teacher training Degree. I even attempted a correspondence course with St John’s Nottingham in Biblical studies some years ago… (I found I had to give up when the children came along. Too many nappies to change and not enough time to read Deuteronomy!)

Whilst at University a very common book amongst my Christian friends to work through was “Search the Scriptures.” A brilliantly disciplined, if slightly dry, way to read the Bible. I encouraged many people to use it and I think even made Jon work through it one year! It was a useful tool to enable you to read and study the whole Bible in one year.

I did that course twice… But that was, YIKES! about 11 years ago now. Mmmm.

I have noticed, in recent days that my Bible knowledge is not what it once was. Last night whilst I was lying in bed thinking about going to sleep, I read a short passage on my iphone. It felt unfamiliar and a bit prickly. I wasn’t sure of the context. I felt a bit out of my depth. Ever felt like that?

Good. I’m not on my own then.

Before I went to sleep, I came across a Bible reading plan on my phone which said ‘Bible in 90 days.’ Now you’re talking!
What a challenge! To read the whole Bible afresh in three months! As an extremist I respond well to things like that!
I felt the nudging of God as I saw those words.
Do it Ems!
Go for it Ems!

So, I am going to start from today to follow this ‘diet’ of reading. Its about 12 pages of scripture a day… roughly 40 minutes of reading. I am going to do mine in two or three chunks I think – to fit it in with other things. But I really want to make time to get God’s word where it needs to be: in my head and my heart.

What about you? How is your Bible knowledge?
How is your understanding of God’s word?

It only struck me recently that until we know what God says well, we can’t know God well. I desperately want to know God better than I do; to have Him impact every nook and cranny of my heart and every space in my life. I think part of the way I can help Him get to those places ‘that other things cannot reach’ is by soaking up His word.I reckon in 90 days I will be a new woman!

Why not join me?
Today’s readings are Genesis 1-16.