Day 99

Finish up any reading you may have left!

Let us know about your 99 day journey. We would love to hear from you!

Day 98

READ: Revelations 19-20

One more day!

What I love about Revelations is that God wins at the end! No matter what kind of day you are having or what struggles your facing, remember in the end Christ Jesus will remain victorious!

Day 93

Hey guys, sorry i haven't been on this for a few days but you should be caught up to day 93 now which takes you to Revelation 4-6. Keep it up, you're almost done!

Day 84-85

READ: 1 Peter and 2 Peter

CONSIDER: Peter really rips into false teachers and false prophets. He even indicates that some may be Christians who have gone astray. This is what he says about them..

2 Peter 3:17-19

These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

We must be careful to judge who is telling the truth and who is trying to deceive us or waste our time by speaking of ungodly things. Be on guard.

Day 77-83

READ: Hebrews, James 1-2

CONSIDER:

James 1:22-24 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

Reading the Bible will not bring you closer to God or make you more righteous. Doing what it says on the other hand is a different story. Don't be readers or listeners but doers!

Day 72-76

READ: 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Day 71

READ: 1 Timothy 1-3

CONSIDER: Sometimes in our Christian circles we talk about what should be changed, or what is wrong with other people and start controversies. Paul tells Timothy near the beginning of chapter 1 to stop talking about meaningless things but rather show love and faith. Because in the end, that is what really matters and that is what really changes lives.

ACT: How are your conversations today? Does it consist of gossip and controversy? Do you find yourself judging people more than anything else? Instead, what if you spent your time talking about loving others despite everything and took steps to show them? What would make the most impact? Talking about their faults or loving them regardless?

Day 70

READ: 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Tell us how God has been teaching you through Thessalonians. We'd love to hear from you.

Days 68-69

READ: 1 Thessalonians 1-5

Days 66-67

READ: Colossians 1-4

Days 64-65

READ: Philippians 1-4

CONSIDER: Do you have the mind of Christ? What does that mean and how do we get it?

Day 63

READ: Ephesians 5-6

CONSIDER: " Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

ACT: Have you been making the most of every opportunity, every day? If not, read about the armor of God in chapter 6 and come up with a game plan to give yourself a chance to give God everything, everyday.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Ephesians 6:13

Day 62

READ: Ephesians 3-4

CONSIDER: Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, accoring to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

ACT: Write this verse down and make it a goal to memorize it this week.

Day 59-61

READ: Galatians 1-6, Ephesians 1-2

Day 58

READ: 2 Corinthians 12-13

Day 57

READ: 2 Corinthians 10-11

Day 56

READ: 1 Corinthians 7-9

CONSIDER: Are you a cheerful giver? Do you give to God and others because you have to or because you want to? There is a big difference.

ACT: Give away something to someone in need today. Maybe its a few dollars for a drink, or maybe it's your time. Whatever it is, do it cheerfully knowing that God is being glorified when you do.

Day 55

READ: 2 Corinthians 4-6

CONSIDER: What an awesome couple of chapters! Paul is basically telling his readers to have a heavenly perspective. There is a hope in Christ Jesus that is beyond all understanding and though we might face trials and tribulations here on earth, in heaven we are citizens of God's kingdom! What a day that will be!

Day 53 and 54

READ: 1 Corinthians 14- 16, 2 Corinthians 1-3

Day 52

READ: 1 Cor 11-12

CONSIDER: What does it mean to show love and how are you living out that definition to those around you? Remember: Love never fails.

ACT: See if you can go all day without saying or doing anything negative. Every time you have the urge to get upset, fight, gossip or whatever, remember that love never fails.

Day 51

READ: 1 Corinthians 10-11

CONSIDER: In the beginning of Chapter 11 Paul says to follow him like he follows Christ. What would the church look like if everyone followed after God the way you do? Would it be healthy or sick?

ACT: If that is a scary thing to think about, perhaps it's time to evaluate your spiritual growth and get back on track.

Day 50

READ: 1 Corinthians 7-9

CONSIDER: What does it take to become all things to all people for the sake of the gospel?

ACT: Are there things in your life that are a stumbling block to others? Will you remove them so your life will point more people to Jesus?

Day 49

READ: 1 Corinthians 4-6

Day 48

READ: 1 Corinthians 1-3

CONSIDER: In these first three chapters, Paul addresses pride. The people in Corinth were bragging about who they were baptized by and who led them to Christ. In a sense they were trying to build themselves up saying "I'm better than you because I'm associated with this person." Today, many Christians including myself face the same prideful attitude. We say things like "My church is this size, we have this much money, guess who spoke at our Church," and on and on we go.. Paul tells us to boast in the Lord. It is through him that any church exists and stands. We have everything through him and nothing without him. Don't ever forget that. It's all about God.

Let us who boast, boast in the Lord.

ACT: Are you more concerned about God or yourself? Do you find yourself praising God or praising people? Ask God to humble you if your pride is getting in the way of giving God all the glory in your life. After all, isn't that what you wanted when you first decided to follow Him?

Day 47

READ: Romans 14-16

Day 46

READ: Romans 12-13

CONSIDER: What does it mean to be a living sacrifice?

Day 45

READ: Romans 10-11

Day 44

READ: Romans 7-9

CONSIDER: Check out Romans 8:37. Paul says that through Jesus we are more than conquerors. Think what that means, it can be powerful.

A conqueror is..

victorious

triumphant

fail proof

successful

champion

winner

(add you own)

ACT: Are you living with that kind of confidence? When we have God on our side we cannot fail. Let that rest with you today.

Day 43

READ: Romans 4-6

There is a lot here.. Please share your thoughts with us.

Day 42

Today we start Romans! Romans can be a pretty complicated book of the Bible so read slowly and carefully. Let us know if you have any questions. We might have some ourselves!

READ: Romans 1-3

CONSIDER: Check out Romans 1: 22-24 "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

When we become unthankful for what God has placed in our lives we can become foolish. When we are not thankful, we tend to act like we are God and try to create things that are more suitable to our lifestyle. This can lead to disaster as Paul explains.

ACT: Tell God how thankful you are for everything, for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Remove the things in your life that you have created because you were not satisfied or thankful with what God gave you.

Day 41

READ: Acts 27-28

Day 40

Read: Acts 25-26

CONSIDER: As Paul is explaining to the religious leaders how He became a Christian and who Jesus really is they all call him crazy. They can't believe what they are hearing.. but Paul is persistent. He wont back down, give up, or shut up about the one who paid it all for him.

ACT: Are you willing to defend your faith no matter who thinks your crazy, stupid, or lying? Is it your family, friends, co worker, or spouse that is holding you back from living a life full of the spirit? Are you willing to take a stand for Christ no matter what opposition you face?

Day 39

READ: Acts 22-24

Day 38

READ: Acts 19-21

DAY 37

READ: Acts 16-18

Day 35 and 36

READ: Acts 10-12 and Acts 13-15

CONSIDER: How awesome is God's grace to use Peter in such a mighty way? Just think.. not too long ago Peter was denying he had any relations with Jesus and now Jesus is working through him to heal the sick and raise the dead!

Day 34

READ: Acts 7-9

CONSIDER: Think about the dramatic conversion of Paul. A man who once persecuted and killed Christians is now proclaiming Jesus to everyone. What a powerful God!

ACT: Share your story with someone today. Pray that God would give you an opportunity and when it comes, seize it!

Day 33

READ: Acts 4-6

CONSIDER: Do you guys get as pumped as I do when you read Acts? A whole book about ordinary men inpowered by an extrodinary God.... amazing!

ACT: Do you believe that God can work through you like He did the disciples? What is keeping you from believing? Take a moment and ask God to increase your faith and boldness to live for him.

Day 32

READ: Acts 1-3

CONSIDER: Some of Jesus' last words while He was on earth was to "Go!"

ACT: Go tell others about Christ, go share his love, go serve others, go be a good example, go encourage someone, go make disciples, go teach others about him.. Go!

Day 31

READ: John 19-21

CONSIDER: When was the last time you had the reaction that Peter did when he thought of being with Jesus? In John 20 we read about Peter and the disciples out fishing in the sea. When Peter saw Jesus, he put his shirt back on and jumped into the water to swim to Christ. He did not want to wait any longer. It reminds me of the scene from Forest Gump, when Forest is in the boat and sees Lieutenant Dan on the dock. Forest jumps out of the boat and swims with excitement as he goes to meet him.

ACT: Do you have that kind of passion for God? What is stopping you from jumping out of the boat? Think about it and act.

Day 30

READ: John 16-18

CONSIDER: Jesus explains the job of the Holy Spirit in John 16.

1. He convicts people of their sin

2. Helps people live righteously

3. Gives glory to Jesus

ACT: When it comes to these three things, are you relying on yourself or the Holy Spirit? Who do you think can do the job better? The fact is we need the Holy Spirit for everything, and when we submit to him, God can do a great work in our lives.

Day 29

READ: John 13-15

CONSIDER: John 13:34-35 "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Does your love towards others reveal to the world that you follow Christ?

ACT: Make a conscious effort to show love to others today. Make an effort everyday for the rest of chasing99 to show love towards everyone you encounter. This includes your family, spouse, kids, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers. Make no excuses, show love and reveal to them the God you serve.

Day 28

READ: John 10-12

Day 27

READ: John 7-9

CONSIDER: In Chapter 7 Jesus tells the people that if anyone is thirsty to come to him and drink. Jesus calls himself "living water." In his day, there were pools or streams of water called living water. These bodies of water were used to cleanse oneself of any unrighteousness. If you had sinned that day you had to cleanse yourself in one of these pools to purify yourself and get right with God.

To put it in the right context, Jesus is not talking about a literal thirst, as if one needed a drink, but a thirst to be cleansed. A thirst to be pure and made right with God. Jesus said that if anyone would drink from him, they would be filled with rivers of living water. Jesus would make them whole and there would no longer be any need to wash oneself off in the pools or to do anything else to reconnect with God. Jesus in his love and mercy would do that for us on the cross. We do not have to continually try to make ourselves right with God, Jesus paid it all. We can come to him and give him everything, the good and the bad. Our lives are filled with the living water that makes it possible for us to have a relationship with our savior.

ACT: Are there any sins in your life that are not being confessed to Jesus? Are you aware that through Christ flow streams of living water in your innermost being? Release everything to God and let him cleanse you and strengthen your relationship with him.

Day 26

READ: John 4-6

Day 25

Welcome to the last book of the gospels! You will notice that the book of John is different from the other 3 gospels. John focuses more on Jesus as the son of God, so you may read things in John that you didn't in the others.

READ: John 1-3

Happy reading. Leave us your thoughts.

Day 24

READ: Luke 22-24

CONSIDER: Again we read about Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Has that gotten old to you or do you rejoice like the disciples did when they realized what Christ had done?

ACT: Jesus gave his life for you and for me. Did you thank him for that today? What is your response to an awesome and loving God?

Day 23

READ: Luke 19-21

CONSIDER: The last part of chapter 21 talks about the signs of the end of the age. In other words, Jesus knows our future. He knows what is going to happen, how it's going to happen, and who it's going to happen to. Jesus has it all under control. Do you believe that?

ACT: Are you a worrier? Do you constantly think about what will happen tomorrow instead of today? Remember that God knows the future and He loves you. We must believe that no matter what happens tomorrow or the next day, God has a good purpose for it. Besides, in the end Jesus comes back and reigns victoriously!

Day 22

READ: Luke 16-18

CONSIDER: Did you notice how much these chapters talked about money? Did you know that in the New Testament there are more references made about money and wealth then hell? Jesus points out several times that the love of money can prevent people from following God. When we hold on to our possessions it becomes a barrier to trusting God and letting him take control. How much you are willing to give to God is a good indicator on how much you trust him.

ACT: God commands us to give 10 percent of everything we make. Do you do that? What about giving to those less fortunate? How about to missions? What's stopping you from trusting God with your money? Do you trust that He is in control of your life?

Day 21

READ: Luke 13-15

CONSIDER: The parable of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the lost son. What matters most to God are those who are lost. What are you doing to share God's life changing message to others that desperately need it?

Check out this video our youth ministry made for a series we did a while back called "numbers."

ACT: We all know someone who is lost. Pray for them today and ask God to give you the opportunity to share the gospel. If you aren't sharing his love with others, what are you doing?

Day 20

READ: Luke 10-12

CONSIDER: I love the parable of the good samaritan. It's a story we've heard a thousand times but it's one that moves us with emotion. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed someone to help but no one was there? We can all relate on some level. We know how the needy man must of felt and the relief when somebody showed up to help. Christianity at is very core is all about serving others. This is how people will know that you love God.. by your love for other people.

ACT: When you see a need, are you moved with compassion? Are you willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus even when others aren't? Today, if you happen see a need, be the one to show Jesus to that person. You might be the only one that stops to help. You might be just what that person needs to experience the love of Christ.

Day 19

READ: Luke 7-9

Day 18

READ: Luke 4-6

Day 17

READ: Luke 1-3

Check out my friends site for some cool thoughts for todays reading: http://souledout247.blogspot.com/

DAY 16

READ: Mark 14-16

Feel free to leave your comments!

Day 15

READ: Mark 12-13

CONSIDER: I love the story of the poor widow who was recognized for putting in two small coins when others were putting in large sums of money. The fact is, the widow had more faith because she gave all that she had to give while others gave from their access.

ACT: Pray that you will have the same kind of faith the poor widow did.. one that is willing to give all you have to God. Then take action.

Day 14

READ: Mark 10-11

CONSIDER: Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem and is greeted by shouts of people praising him. In chapter 11:9-11 the people shout, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest."

What an awesome site that must have been..

Do you live a life of worship? Are Sunday's the only day you praise God for who He is and what He has done, or is that an everyday occurrence? Have you stopped today to thank him for what He has done in your life?

ACT: Check out this video that we are planning to show this Sunday at our church. Make everyday a time to worship God. Make it as regular as the air you breath and the food you eat. Live a life that praises Him!

Day 13

READ: Mark 7-9

CONSIDER: Jesus is concerned with his disciples because of their lack of faith. He said that life changing faith can only come with prayer.

ACT: At Chasing99 we talk a lot about reading the Bible, but how is your prayer life? Are you asking God for wisdom to help you apply the things you are reading? Have you talked with him today?

Day 12

READ: Mark 4-6

I hope all of you guys had a great day at church. Let us know what you think of the reading for today!

Day 11

READ: Mark 1-3

CONSIDER: When Jesus begins his ministry, people gather everywhere to be near him. Over and over again in chapters 2 and 3, the crowds surround him. Mark 3:7-8 says that a great multitude surrounded him from places like Galilee, Jerusalem, Idumea, and Sidon. Some of these places were over 100 miles away. For days these people would walk miles to be with Him. They did not know where they would stay or what they would eat, or what dangers they might encounter, but they came regardless. Their faith in Jesus allowed them to drop everything and just go.

Come follow me is what Jesus said and they did.. thousands of them.

ACT: Is there a limit to how far you would go to be with Jesus? Would you be willing to do anything or go anywhere if that's what God called you to do? What things in your life do you need to pursue to get closer to God? Will you go today?

Day 10

READ: Matthew 27-28

CONSIDER: Judas sells out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. It may seem crazy to think that someone could reject God for so little. But the truth is, we are no better then Judas. When we ignore God to fulfill our own desires we are rejecting Him. We do it all the time.. Thankfully as Christ followers, Jesus has given us an ocean of grace to swim in. We don't ever deserve anything that God has given us. We've all sold him over and over for much less than 30 pieces of silver, yet God loves us so much He is willing to do anything, even to die for us.

ACT: Today, think about how much God's love is for you. It cannot be measured, nor understood completely, it is divine and life changing. We owe him everything.

How He loves us, by John Mark McMillan

Day 9

READ: Matthew 25-26

There is so much to talk about in these two chapters. I want to hear what you have to say. Feel free to post comments, prayer requests, or anything else you want to share.

Day 8

Welcome to day 8 of chasing99! We have just completed a week of reading and are excited about what God has in store in the coming weeks. Again, feel free to comment on your reading and share with us anything God has laid on your heart and mind.

READ: Matthew 22-24

CONSIDER: Jesus rips into the Pharisees in Chapter 23 for being more concerned with what people thought of them than what God thought. He calls them names like blind guides, fools, hypocrites, serpents, and brood of vipers. They were so focused on what others thought of them they would go to extra measures to lengthen the tassels on their garments to get more noticed, asked to be called Rabbi to feel more respected, and pray out loud for long periods of time to seem more spiritual. On the outside they looked like devoted followers of Christ but on the inside was something different. Jesus says in 23:27, “They are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

ACT: It’s easy to become like a Pharisee if we’re not careful. Strive to have a genuine relationship with God even if it means sacrificing what others may think of you. Don’t base your worth on how people see you but on how God sees you. You are priceless to God already; there is no need to impress anyone.

Check this out if you have time:

Day 7

READ: Matthew 19-21

Feel free to share anything you learned from the reading today or any prayer requests you may have. We want to hear from you!

Day 6

READ: Matthew 16-18

CONSIDER: In Matthew 18: 21-35 Peter and Jesus have a discussion on forgiveness. Read it carefully..

ACT: Forgiving others can be hard sometimes but it is necessary. Is there something from the past that you've been holding onto? Do you need to forgive yourself or someone else?

DAY 5

READ: Matthew 13-15

ACT: Take some time to rest today, and get refreshed to start energized tomorrow! Feel free to leave any comments on your reading, praise, or prayer requests.

DAY 4

READ: Matthew 10-12

CONSIDER: Jesus gives some very strong language at the end of chapter 10 regarding the cost of being a disciple. Do you love God more than your own life? Have you abandoned what you want for what God wants?

ACT: Think what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Can you truly call yourself one?

Day 3

READ: Matthew 7-9

CONSIDER: Chapter 7 talks about the word of God being our foundation. There are two type of people that are pointed out here, the wise man and the foolish man. The wise man is the one who hears the word of God and acts on it. He built his house upon a rock, the solid word of God. When the storms in life came, and the waves came crashing in, he remained standing. The foolish man is the one who also heard the word of God but took no action in his life. He built his house upon a sand foundation. When the rain came, and the winds blew, he collapsed instantly.

ACT: When you hear or read the word of God does it inspire you to take action? If not, you could be building your foundation on shaky ground. Have you carefully considered what God has said in his word? Are there any parts you are ignoring? Pray that God would reveal those things to you, so your foundation might be strengthened and fortified.

Day 2

READ: Matthew 4-6

CONSIDER: In Matthew 4 Jesus prepares for his ministry by fasting for 40 days. In chapters 5 and 6 Jesus says some pretty radically things. Humanly speaking, the things Jesus points out here are pretty ridiculous and cut across the grain. But Jesus gives us a divine perspective on life and shows us that "radical change is required for righteous living." When we can live this way and show this much devotion to God, it is then when God's glory will be revealed to ourselves and the world around us.

ACT: What kind of radical changes do you need to make in your life? Sometimes acting on the most difficult decisions reap the biggest rewards.

Day 1

Welcome to Day 1 of our 99 day journey! If you have feedback or suggestions, please let us know! Our desire is to make this tool as effective as possible in helping you successfully complete your 99 day pursuit of God.

READ: Matthew 1-3

CONSIDER: In the first three chapters of Matthew we read about the faith of Joseph and Mary, the Magi, and John the baptist. These four people were passionate about God and desired to follow after him no matter the cost. Do you feel the same way about God in your life?

ACT: Make a list of things that might be in the way of your relationship with God and come up with a plan TODAY to draw closer to Him. To chase after God for 99 days will not be easy, but it will be totally satisfying.

Getting Connected

Blogs are up (obviously!), twitter has a chasing99 account, facebook has a chasing99 group, and we even set up a text service (reminder with readings for the day) and working on getting an iCal app for iPhone users.

we should have the schedules finalized soon, and published! if you have any feedback or suggestions, please send it to us using the feedback tab on the website.

Text messaging problems

For those who have tried to sign up for the text messaging service, we were having some technical difficulties. Please subscribe again and everything should be all set.

Thanks,

The Chasing99 team

Gearing up!

Our 99 day journey will start on 9/9/2009!

Things are starting to come together with people volunteering to assist and help pull this thing together! We are very excited about what God is going to do with this journey in all of our lives!

If you'd like more information, check out the website for resources & the schedule!