It’s been several years since I’ve read through the entire Bible, so I decided before I left for vacation several weeks ago that that would be one of my goals for 2006. Because I’m more interested in the story than the study this time around, I’ve been reading Eugene Petersen’s The Message. This will be the first time I’ve read The Message cover-to-cover, and I’m really enjoying it so far.

In case some of you may be interested in joining me on this journey, I’m using a book-at-a-time reading plan from the Discipleship Journal. The plan alternates between Old and New Testament books and includes a second reading through a chapter of the wisdom literature or Isaiah. There are also "reflection" days built into the schedule. That’s code word for "catch up" in my mind. Hopefully all of that will keep me from getting stuck in Leviticus. The great thing, of course, is that you can start the reading plan anytime during the year.

I’ll keep you posted and share highlights along the way. Let me know if you decide to join in the journey through God’s Word.