2 Samuel 6:23

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the seventh part "The Rise of Israel." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.

Have you ever noticed the difference between Michal and Bathsheba, David's two wives? Although they live next to the same king, their lives follow opposite paths. Michal clings to appearances, unable to open her heart to God, while, despite her failures, Bathsheba endured with dignity and depth. Their way of living their faith will lead them to opposite destinies: Michal disappears into oblivion, without a trace, while Bathsheba enters into the glory of the divine plan, becoming part of the Messiah's lineage.

The word extravagant comes from the Latin, extravagari, meaning to “wander outside or beyond.” It describes working outside of prescribed lines, even recklessly so. The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume was someone prepared to go “outside the lines” of what was deemed acceptable in her passion to demonstrate her love for Jesus. Read to learn more about a lifestyle of extravagant worship!

Has anyone spoken words against you that have broken your spirit? Have those words taken root and led to negative patterns like persistent disappointment, a critical mindset, illness, or even disaster or despair? This reading plan focuses on five areas of our lives where negative thoughts turn into areas of unbelief that can hold us back from experiencing peace, hope, and healing.