Summer Challenge

The Summer Challenge is a scripture reading and memorization plan that will go through the New Testament over the course of the summer. The reading plan starts on June 1st and each week will have a new scripture to memorize and daily chapters to read.  If you are interested in taking this challenge, you can download the entire reading plan click here: Summer Challenge

I am excited that the summer challenge is starting today! I will be posting a blog a week about the scripture that we are memorizing for the week so that what we are memorizing will make sense and you will know why you are learning. Here are some things I want all of you to keep in mind as we go through this reading plan and memorize.

1. We memorize scripture as a spiritual discipline. The purpose for memorizing is so that we can have God's word on our heart. As the psalmist will say "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on tablet of your heart. So you will find good success in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:1-4. So as you memorize see it as an opportunity to know God's word so that you might not sin against him. There is no merit in memorizing scripture besides getting to know the Lord in a better way.
2. As you read, meditate on the chapters that you are reading. This is going to take some time but how we learn God's word is by taking time to study it. At the bottom of this email I am going to direct you to some helpful resources to spur you along.
3. Lastly, spend time in prayer and ask God to transform your heart. He powerful and mighty there is nothing that the Lord can not do. So let this be an encouragement to you and I pray that you will grow deeper in Lord with God this summer.

Helpful Texts

• Study Bible (ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, NIV Study BIble)
  

•  How to Read the Bible for all its Worth by Gordan Fee
  

In order to help encourage you during the summer and keep track of who all is participating, please email Rashard if you want to take the challenge, rashard@redeemerlubbock.org.