Good morning my beautiful blog family of two (so far),

A few weeks ago, I was in my office praying out loud… asking God to give me influence over my nation… and I was crazy passionate about it. During this prayer, I kind of committed myself to somthing ridiculously challenging. I was like, “Oh God, I don’t care what I have to do… anything, just tell me and I will do it. If I have to read my bible from cover to cover every month for the next twelve months, I will do that!” (not in some kind of legalistic way… just to make myself more effective by getting to know him better)

Have you ever committed to anything that exaggerated before when praying? Every once in a while I say crazy things like this… and no matter how hard I try to forget they were spoken, they just keep driving me crazy until I act in some way. So, after much consideration, I decided to read my bible from cover to cover in 66 days… maybe sooner. I’m reading one whole book every day until I’m finished. Obviously Psalms will be a rough one… and the minor prophet books and many of the new testament books will be a breeze. 

So far, I have read a book a day for five days starting with Genesis… just finished the first five books. I’m having a blast and I’m bursting inside with new insight!! This morning, I read Deuteronomy (the final book of the Jewish Torah) and came across something I want to give you guys.

In chapter 17, Moses was talking to his fellow Israelites about the day when they would have a King just like all the other nations. In verses 18-20, Moses gave a crazy command for all future Kings: He told them to hand copy these first five books, then keep it with them always, and read it DAILY as long as they live!

Then Moses explains the FOUR REASONS this is so important.

1. That they may learn to fear the Lord by obeying all the terms of the law.

2. This regular reading would keep them from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens.

3. It would prevent them from turning awayfrom these command in the smallest way.

4. It would ensure that they and their decendants would reign for many generations!

Good stuff huh? I thought so… and now I have passed it on to you guys.

Personal news: Emily is running a half marathon in Richmond tomorrow… go speedy girl!! Looking forward to the road trip! I just finished page 190 of the book last night… getting closer every day!!

Ok… hope you guys have a most outstanding day… i just finished praying for you!

Thanks for being my blog family,

Chuck