Saturday, April 25, 2021
The Revelations Challenge is to help people in all walks of life take time to grow closer to God and break off the fear of reading His Word.
I completed my personal "Revelations Challenge" last year (March 2020) by reading as many chapters of Revelations that I could at once. When I built up momentum and dedication, I would read six chapters in the morning in six chapters in the evening. At first, I tried to read chapters multiple times to dissect and study them. While doing this, God told me, "I don't need you to dissect my word right now. I need you to read and hear it." I can see now that He had me do it in this way because it was the only way I would read Revelations in the time frame that I did or possibly at all in its entirety.
I believe that many people, young and old, to this day, are going through the struggle to read Revelations. Maybe you heard that Revelations was scary, or you began reading it, and it freaked you out so much you have been putting off reading the rest of it. Whatever the reason, this challenge is to break off the fear of reading God's word. It is to challenge us to create better relationships with God so that we can hear His voice, be comforted by Him when we are fearful, and look to Him for understanding.
My routine when reading the Bible is usually:
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Praise and Worship
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Prayer
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Reading/Studying
Doing this helps me to clear my head, focus on God, and prepare my mind and heart to be receptive to what He wants to reveal to me.
I usually try setting aside about 1 1/2 hours for this both in the morning and before heading to bed. It is not about the length of time you set aside, but do make sure you have enough time to read where you do not feel rushed.
If you want to add studying into this, feel free. I would recommend reading the text by itself at least once without writing or underlining. If possible, I would also listen to it. Hearing it, for me, has brought a new level of understanding to some scriptures I have read all my life. I use the audio option in the Bible app.
I am not expecting anyone to read six chapters at a time day and night. Instead, the challenge is for a week so you can have about 14 study sessions. With good planning, you could read 1-2 chapters per session and finish by the end of the week. If you wish to do all morning sessions or all evening sessions, you could read about 3 chapters per day for the same result.
Don't worry if you don't finish in that time. It is my hope and prayer that this will be a chance for you to begin setting aside time daily to spend time with God, building routine and spiritual endurance.
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
James 1:12
The challenge will start Monday, April 26, 2021, which I know is short notice, but the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, so we have no time to waste. I will probably post a sign-up to see how many participants there are. I will also send out or post a study template to help you better keep track of your studying.
I am praying for you and will write to you soon!
