A friend sent a message yesterday.  She wanted to know how she could read through the Old Testament.  She said something like this:  “Having read through the New Testament for the 90 day challenge, I’m hungry for the Word of God.  Do you have a plan for the Old Testament?”

Well, I do have a plan for the Old Testament.  It goes like this:  read 5 chapters each day until Christmas and you will finish the Old Testament.  Actually, there are a few days of grace in this plan.  Follow it exactly and you will finish prior to Christmas.  I call it “The OTX2011 Challenge.”

If you have already read through the New Testament for the 90 day challenge, by taking “The OTX2011 Challenge” you will have read through the Bible in the last year. 

This is something that you can do, and it will make an amazing difference in your life.  Over the last three years I have read the New Testament each year during the rest and refreshment time that First Baptist Church graciously grants me each July.  It is amazing what it does for my spiritual refreshment.  I believe that your taking “The OTX2011 Challenge” will provide refreshing for your life as well.  After all, the Word of God provides a lamp for our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

I have a deep concern for your spiritual growth.  Would you let me challenge and encourage you about the spiritual disciplines you can follow to grow in the Lord?  You may not be ready for the challenge to read through the Old Testament, but there are other ways for you to get started on a life with God.  Please let me know if I can help you to grow in the Lord Jesus Christ.  You can reply to this post to get started.  What ways do you use to stay connected to the vine (John 15:4-5)?