Bible in 90 Days Check In #11

Wow! It's hard to believe that we're almost 90 days into the "new year." And we're almost finished with our Bible Reading Challenge. I am a couple of days behind still, but I'm on page 928.
As I read the Gospels, I think it became apparent to me that I'd neglected reading them for awhile because (especially in Luke), I kept finding verses that seemed a little unfamiliar. I know I've read all of the Gospels through and several times at that, but my focus was different this time. I loved reading Jesus' monologue in John 10 and his prayer in John 17 again, and it was ironic because I had just received an e-mail asking for help to explain the doctrine of eternal security. In Baptist circles, it used to be called, "Once saved, always saved." I think it is more properly termed, "If saved, always saved." If we are in the Father's hand, NO ONE can snatch us out. What a joyful thought! We did nothing to earn getting into His palm, and we can't do anything (and neither can Satan) to get out.

That thought just reminded me of a porcelain sculpture that someone gave my sister when my niece was born. The sculpture was of a large male hand, and it had a little girl standing at the wrist of this hand, and her head was resting in the palm of the hand. What a beautiful reminder that we can rest in HIS hand!

My niece had a birth injury that resulted in Cerebral Palsy, and she wasn't expected to live but to 6 months old. My sister received some flack from people who professed to be Christians. This one particular lady asked my sister, "What did you do to deserve this?" She was asking my sister the same question Jesus was asked, "Who sinned, this man or his parents." "Neither," Jesus replied, "But this was done for the glory of God." And my niece? She'll be 35 this year, and God has used her life to make us all more compassionate, patient, loving people. I definitely would say that her life has brought more glory to God!

All that to say, how're you doing in your reading? Check in with Amy at Mom's Toolbox. If you're behind, don't give up! What can you (and I!) cut out this week to finish on time? If you're REALLY behind, don't give up! Keep going! And if you're on schedule or ahead (!), go encourage someone else listed at Mom's Toolbox.