We love motivating people to read more of their Bibles. So since 2017, we’ve held an annual 90-day Bible reading challenge with prizes both material and immaterial. (Click here for explanation of the benefits of rapid Bible reading.) This year’s challenge just wrapped up, with 23 entries submitted for the drawing, and winners have been notified.
Congratulations to Abigail H. for winning the grand prize of a set of Scripture journals, and to Charles H. for winning a one-volume reader’s Bible! If you have not responded to me yet with a shipping address, you have a few more days to do so before we have to select an alternate winner.
One of the things I love about our annual Bible reading challenge is hearing what the participants thought of the experience. Here are some quotes from those who entered the drawing, identified by the length of time in which they read the entire Bible:
50 days: It was great! My previous fastest read was 6 months, and I finished reading/listening in 50 days with this challenge, and it was a different experience from any reading/listening plan I’ve done before, because with reading/listening to so much so fast, I was able to make connections I haven’t in the past, because so much of it was still fresh from the few days before.
90 days: This was a gift. I have tried year-long reading plans and never made it past February. This was my first time actually reading every word of Scripture. It has made me crave reading God’s word and stirred up a desire to know him more. I am so excited to do this again and invite others to join me.
88 days: This is my third year participating in this with you. I was really looking forward to it this year. It is refreshing to get the whole story tied together in the quick read. I have a notebook nearby to jot down verses, ideas, etc that I want to explore further and this gives direction for further study along the way. I’ve known for 60+ years that the Bible is one coherent story, but these past few years with these 90 day reads, it is becoming so real. More and more I see connections throughout, way beyond the basic prophecies focused on each December. Thank you again for issuing this challenge. I plan to keep it a part of my yearly plans.
89 days: The experience far outweighs my expectations. I was amazed how the Lord in His grace has provided me with so much insights into his word. I have always refused to do even a yearly overall reading of the Bible as I think that only a good deep study will reap more benefits than just reading. I have never thought I can learn so much through this fast paced reading of His word. So thankful I did this challenge.
74 days: I was surprised by how short the Bible was. (It is the equivalent of 4 novels.) I noticed a lot more connections between the Old Testament and the New by reading quickly and I felt like it was easier to remember the context of each book.
73 days: It drew me closer to the Lord! Always looked forward to reading it!
90 days: I like doing it at the beginning of the year because it helps me to establish a good habit and to set aside time to consistently dig into God’s Word throughout the year.
90 days: I really disliked reading Psalms and Proverbs so quickly. Those literary types did not do as well in big gulps. Overall, it was helpful for the rest of the books.
88 days: The more I do this challenge the more I enjoy reading large sections of Bible text each day. I don’t stop and ponder anything I read but somehow it sticks with me more than it used to. I used to feel lost reading through Isaiah and other prophets who have long sections of poetry. I think the way the CSB Reader’s Bible lays out poetic text helped to make it easier this time.
53 days: The more you read God’s Word the more you fall in love with the one who loved me so much that He sent His Son to die for me so I can be redeemed.
Many thanks to all who participated. Keys your eyes peeled in November for the launch of the 2024 Bible reading challenge!
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