The Essential 100 Challenge

Scripture Union USA has created a Bible reading plan that leads readers through 100 readings that paint the big picture of the Bible without getting bogged down. 50 passages are from the Old Testament and 50 passages are from the New Testament. A good number of people in my church accepted the challenge to read "The Essential 100" with me this month. If you'd like to join us, post a comment and I'll send you a copy of the weekly reading plan. It's not dated so don't worry about when you start.

Today I read the story of Jacob stealing Esau's blessing. The deceitful Jacob is certainly not the hero of this story, even though God repeats to Jacob the promise He had earlier given Abraham. "I am the LORD...the land on which you lie I will give you...in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed...behold I am with you..." Our gracious God is the hero. He chooses to show his love and faithfulness to people with messed up families like Jacob...and like me.

Reading this text today reminds me of this hymn: Grace Greater than Our Sin

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

To all my friends at Cornerstone Church who have joined me in The Essential 100 Challenge, keep reading! You can increase your enjoyment of God this year by faithfully reading His Word. If you think you've fallen behind in your reading a bit, please don't quit! God wants to meet with you today as you read the Bible and pray to Him. Please let me know how I can help you.