Mark Burgess gives us his thoughts from the 90 days

In reply to the questions I sent him, Mark gives us these thoughts:


1) Why did you decide to do the 90 days and did you think you would be able to see it through?

I wanted a kick start to get back into reading through the whole bible again. The fact that it sounded so ridiculous got my attention and then I realized that it actually wasn’t as crazy as it sounded. I did think I would be able to see it through – or frankly I wouldn’t have started it. While that wasn’t meant to be prideful, my pride is such that I would never have started if I thought I would have to drop out. In that sense, I think my pride was turned to something useful.

2) Did you have any sticky patches where you didn't think you were going to be able to complete it, and what helped you keep going?

While I didn’t have any patches when I thought I wouldn’t complete it, there were a few occasions when I got behind. The accountability that went with telling others I was doing the readings helped, but so too did the fact that I felt my resolve grow as I got through it. There is something very encouraging in seeing that bookmark move forward so quickly. My wife Jodi also encouraged me throughout (I know she and others were also praying for the people doing the readings) and made sure that any slack that needed taken up was taken up so that I could devote the time needed. Adam’s weekly check-ins at church helped too! Also I have no doubt that God kept me going through it in other ways I am unaware of. For me, the thing was to keep going with the plan when I fell behind – I also felt it easier to catch up rather than finish a few days ‘late.’ One thing that was difficult was to remain accountable without being legalistic.

3) What did you see during the 90 days that was new, surprisig, in a different light, challenging,encouraging and/or faith building/enhancing?

Not stopping at natural breaks, like chapter and book endings helped the readings take on different perspectives – for instance I have rarely (if ever) read Acts before straight after John. This made the transformation of Peter et al all the more amazing. Reading through fast without stressing about the more difficult passages was also helpful. The act of progressing through the 90 days was also encouraging in itself in that it helped make the task a lot less intimidating and built up my confidence.

4) Would you recommend the 90 days to other people, and if so, what advice would you give them?

Do it. Don’t be intimidated. If you miss a day – as you certainly will – just keep going in the readings. It really is not as bad as it sounds (can I say that about the bible??) and you will end up changed for the better in some way. Typically, I insisted on buying the 90 days bible – which was a bit of a rip off but helpful in that it is slim-line, had no notes, and had the readings marked off. It was helpful – although I am not recommending it as such (I figured I may as well set myself up to succeed as much as was possible) I would suggest using a bible with no notes and resisting the temptation to linger over what you don’t understand.