Three days to go

Just three days before we start, and possibly the full enormity of what we are undertaking is slowly sinking in, and second thoughts are taking hold. Is it really possible? Can I find the time? Will I take anything in when going at such a breakneck speed?

All these are legitimate questions. But I would answer like this:

1. It is possible - I have done it once. There is also this from the sleeve of the Bible which I used the first time - "Here's the secret: Forget about reading the whole Bible in three months. That's right - forget about so formidable a challenge. Instead think in these terms: - 12 short pages a day; about 45 minutes of your time - less time than many people spend commuting to and from work. Suddenly it's not so hard, is it?"
2. Finding the time is the most daunting part. My wife is talking about getting up an hour earlier to do so. But it is worth it - think of the extra time with God (90 x 3/4 hours = 67.5 hours over 3 months); the value of the spiritual discipline; the fellowship in doing this together with all the others at St Paul's ; the message it sends out to the heavenly powers, that here is someone serious about proclaiming the lordship of Christ in the heavenly realms.
3. It is true that you cannot expect to take in everything that you read to the same degree as if you study just one small passage a day. However, what you do get is a clearer picture of the majesty of God's plan for his people through the ages, a better understanding of how patient and gracious God is with his people, even when they are disobedient, and a greater depth in understanding the character of God as revealed through his whole word. Do not let the best be the enemy of the good - you will be amazed at how much you do retain, and the more you read, the more you want to read, and the more you see each time that you read in God's word.

Be encouraged - God has left us his whole revelation for our benefit. Let us revel in that, praise Him for His divine purpose and the fact that He wants to meet us as we read the Bible, and He longs to transform us into the family likeness - the likeness of his Son. It may seem like a sacrifice, a daily offering, but we have a God who deserves all we can possibly give, and even more amazingly, a God who is pleased to accept what we offer in that spirit.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)