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The Message 100 Devotional Bible: The Story of God in Sequence
Here in The Message 100 is the whole Bible—every single, moving word of it—laid out in 100 readings and arranged to chronologically reflect the unfolding story. Move through it at your own pace, and discover how God may be moving right there on the page, right here in your life.What moves you?Beauty?“God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!” (Genesis 1)Worry?“It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4)Injustice?“God was moved to compassion when he heard their groaning.” (Judges 2)Suffering?“Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant.” (Matthew 20)The Bible tells a story about moving—people moving from place to place, from good times to hard times to good times again. But more than anything, it’s a story of a God who is moved by love, and who moves—and who moves us—to make the world a better place.
- GenresChristian
3211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
33 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
432 books1,015 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 16, 2023
A beautiful way to read through the bible quickly! It has a nice balance of decent print size and carryable/packable size, with a bit of room in the margins for notes. The print is not broken up into 2 columns like traditional bibles, which makes reading easier on the eyes/brain and just more enjoyable for me. I did not read it in 100 days nor strickly in the order given. I used multiple page markers and read through some of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Psalms each day, as well as working through the rest of the bible in the order provided. It took me nearly a year to get through the 100 days, so I think I read about 1/3 of the suggested readings each day (along with Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Psamls). I ended up reading through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes 4x each this year. And finished Psams once and have enough time to spend a month reviewing my favorite psalms (which I marked as I went through the first time).
Note- this bible is inconvenient to use to look up specific verses as the books are not in the typical order, and the chapters and verse numbers are difficult to see (very small print off to side).
Note-I thought this was a chronological bible, a logical deduction based on the subtitle "The Story of God in Sequence", but it is not like any chronological bible I have read before where for instance you would read a little of Kings or Samuel, then a little of Chronicles, and then maybe if it fit a Spalm of David. This version never splits a book up. You always finish one book before reading the next. Also, It placed First and 2nd Chronicles after many of the prophets and well after the 1st and 2nd Kings. I guess it places books in the order they were written. This was a disappointment to me at first, but then it made sense. Chronicles was written later, it was written as a history book looking back on their heritage, the "good old days", so it makes sense to read it later in the story.
When I first started reading, I had some misgivings. It had been years since I used the Message version, and it was kind of a jarring change from the NIV I had spent 2 years reading. But I quickly warmed up to it and ended up connecting to the words more deeply and emotionally than I ever have before. I came to love Peterson's brief but often beautiful introductions to each reading. All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
Note- this bible is inconvenient to use to look up specific verses as the books are not in the typical order, and the chapters and verse numbers are difficult to see (very small print off to side).
Note-I thought this was a chronological bible, a logical deduction based on the subtitle "The Story of God in Sequence", but it is not like any chronological bible I have read before where for instance you would read a little of Kings or Samuel, then a little of Chronicles, and then maybe if it fit a Spalm of David. This version never splits a book up. You always finish one book before reading the next. Also, It placed First and 2nd Chronicles after many of the prophets and well after the 1st and 2nd Kings. I guess it places books in the order they were written. This was a disappointment to me at first, but then it made sense. Chronicles was written later, it was written as a history book looking back on their heritage, the "good old days", so it makes sense to read it later in the story.
When I first started reading, I had some misgivings. It had been years since I used the Message version, and it was kind of a jarring change from the NIV I had spent 2 years reading. But I quickly warmed up to it and ended up connecting to the words more deeply and emotionally than I ever have before. I came to love Peterson's brief but often beautiful introductions to each reading. All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
January 25, 2022
The BEST Way to Read The Message
I have read The Message in several ways and formats. Before discovering this chronological edition my favorite was The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year which combines commentary and a prayer from Eugene Peterson with a daily devotional reading split into 365 daily readings. One a day and you're through the entire Bible in a year.
I like this chronological format better.
That said, to perfect it, I read three Bible chapters a day to turn it into a One Year Bible - that's all you have to do. So there it is.
Again, and I always like to stress this, The Message is designed and only should be used as a devotional Bible due to its highly vernacular paraphrasing and style. Furthermore, as others have noted, Peterson occasionally lapses into commentary rather than translating - which can be good or bad depending on the passage or original language source. So this shouldn't be used for serious Bible study. And since this question always seems to follow whenever I give this caveat, my favorite "tight" translation of the Bible for study purposes is the New King James Version (NKJV) - this one in particular, NKJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Bonded Leather, Brown, Red Letter: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses.
But with that small caveat, going forward this will be the devotional Bible that I recommend to those who are new to the Bible. It's also useful for those who are familiar with the Bible but would like to read it like one does a good novel - this format fills both niches well, in my opinion.
I have read The Message in several ways and formats. Before discovering this chronological edition my favorite was The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year which combines commentary and a prayer from Eugene Peterson with a daily devotional reading split into 365 daily readings. One a day and you're through the entire Bible in a year.
I like this chronological format better.
That said, to perfect it, I read three Bible chapters a day to turn it into a One Year Bible - that's all you have to do. So there it is.
Again, and I always like to stress this, The Message is designed and only should be used as a devotional Bible due to its highly vernacular paraphrasing and style. Furthermore, as others have noted, Peterson occasionally lapses into commentary rather than translating - which can be good or bad depending on the passage or original language source. So this shouldn't be used for serious Bible study. And since this question always seems to follow whenever I give this caveat, my favorite "tight" translation of the Bible for study purposes is the New King James Version (NKJV) - this one in particular, NKJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Bonded Leather, Brown, Red Letter: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses.
But with that small caveat, going forward this will be the devotional Bible that I recommend to those who are new to the Bible. It's also useful for those who are familiar with the Bible but would like to read it like one does a good novel - this format fills both niches well, in my opinion.
October 19, 2020
Very disappointed in this translation. It doesn’t stick to the true meaning the Word of God and I am concerned for all who use this as a main translation.
March 4, 2025
First time I read a complete English bible. Love this book.
September 22, 2015
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale House Publishers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Message 100 Devotional Bible: The Story of God in Sequence
by Eugene H. Peterson
The Message 100 is a paraphrase of the Bible. Actual text from the Bible is not used, but rather a modern day style of the text and language is used to convey the Bible in Peterson’s own words. The intent of The Message 100 is to bring a more interesting and deeper understanding of the Bible’s content to those readers who may have some difficulty in grasping the Bible with a thirst and hunger from within themselves. The Message 100 is not meant to replace the Bible, but to be an enticement for readers to chase after the Bible once they have read the stories within The Message 100.
I will admit, at first I could not put a grasp upon how to take in and read The Message 100. It is not the Bible and it is not really fiction, so what would it be. The only thing I could relate it to was watching a movie about the Bible, but in the form of text and not video. I have actually found it to be an interesting read. However, in no way does The Message 100 replace my daily reading of the Bible as it was actually written. I still cannot see The Message 100 as a Bible, but only as a story of the Bible.
I recommend The Message 100 as a Bible storybook, but not as the Bible itself. I believe we are not to add or take away from God’s Word, so I am not comfortable with titling this as a Bible. It’s design is merely to ignite interest in a reader to pick up and read a Study Bible or actual Bible.
The Message 100 Devotional Bible: The Story of God in Sequence
by Eugene H. Peterson
The Message 100 is a paraphrase of the Bible. Actual text from the Bible is not used, but rather a modern day style of the text and language is used to convey the Bible in Peterson’s own words. The intent of The Message 100 is to bring a more interesting and deeper understanding of the Bible’s content to those readers who may have some difficulty in grasping the Bible with a thirst and hunger from within themselves. The Message 100 is not meant to replace the Bible, but to be an enticement for readers to chase after the Bible once they have read the stories within The Message 100.
I will admit, at first I could not put a grasp upon how to take in and read The Message 100. It is not the Bible and it is not really fiction, so what would it be. The only thing I could relate it to was watching a movie about the Bible, but in the form of text and not video. I have actually found it to be an interesting read. However, in no way does The Message 100 replace my daily reading of the Bible as it was actually written. I still cannot see The Message 100 as a Bible, but only as a story of the Bible.
I recommend The Message 100 as a Bible storybook, but not as the Bible itself. I believe we are not to add or take away from God’s Word, so I am not comfortable with titling this as a Bible. It’s design is merely to ignite interest in a reader to pick up and read a Study Bible or actual Bible.
September 17, 2015
What moves you?
Beauty?
“God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!” (Genesis 1)
Worry?
“It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4)
Injustice?
“God was moved to compassion when he heard their groaning.” (Judges 2)
Suffering?
“Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant.” (Matthew 20)
The Bible tells a story about moving―people moving from place to place, from good times to hard times to good times again. But more than anything, it’s a story of a God who is moved by love, and who moves―and who moves us―to make the world a better place.
Here in The Message 100 is the whole Bible―every single, moving word of it―laid out in 100 readings and arranged to reflect the unfolding story. Move through it at your own pace, and discover how God may be moving right there on the page, right here in your life.
I was very leery about getting this for review, at first I wasn't really sure what it was. (Was it a Bible or a devotional?) The answer is both! It has a short introduction to each of the 100 reading's then the reading. Its not in Biblical order, from what I can figure out it's in chronological order. ( Which the Bible isn't) I really love the way its written, basically in a poetry type of writing, made to be read like a novel instead of like a textbook. Overall I am very impressed and would look into it for your personal Bible time but not as an all the time Bible to take to church since it is not in chronological order.
I received this for review through Tyndale House Publishers.
Beauty?
“God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!” (Genesis 1)
Worry?
“It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4)
Injustice?
“God was moved to compassion when he heard their groaning.” (Judges 2)
Suffering?
“Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant.” (Matthew 20)
The Bible tells a story about moving―people moving from place to place, from good times to hard times to good times again. But more than anything, it’s a story of a God who is moved by love, and who moves―and who moves us―to make the world a better place.
Here in The Message 100 is the whole Bible―every single, moving word of it―laid out in 100 readings and arranged to reflect the unfolding story. Move through it at your own pace, and discover how God may be moving right there on the page, right here in your life.
I was very leery about getting this for review, at first I wasn't really sure what it was. (Was it a Bible or a devotional?) The answer is both! It has a short introduction to each of the 100 reading's then the reading. Its not in Biblical order, from what I can figure out it's in chronological order. ( Which the Bible isn't) I really love the way its written, basically in a poetry type of writing, made to be read like a novel instead of like a textbook. Overall I am very impressed and would look into it for your personal Bible time but not as an all the time Bible to take to church since it is not in chronological order.
I received this for review through Tyndale House Publishers.
January 29, 2016
Each time a new Bible is printed, the question that typically gets asked is, “Why?” Do we really need another Bible?
In our Twitter crazed, cut to the chase world, it’s not easy to convince people to take or make the time to study a book that’s centuries old. They struggle just maintain a 30 second devotion—how will they ever commit to 30 minutes?
Enter The Message 100 Devotional. Readers are invited to partake of a story: the Story of God. The point, of this devotional, according to the introduction, is to draw the reader in, right into the unfolding Story of God.
At the beginning of each reading there is an intro or explanation. They are inviting and encouraging. They seemed conversational and I liked them.
Many are looking for a new and fresh way to read scripture, and The Message 100 provides both. Reading out of the traditionally presented order is challenging. It’s enough of a jolt to push the typical Bible reader out of their familiar rut.
People often resolve at the start of the year to read the Bible all the way through, but burn out by the end of March. The beauty of this format is that readers will be almost done at the end of three months. A double accomplishment! Not only will they have realized a goal, but they will also gain knowledge and growth in their faith.
That’s a win-win in my book!
I highly recommend this Bible devotion.
I was given a copy of the The Message 100 in return for an honest review.
In our Twitter crazed, cut to the chase world, it’s not easy to convince people to take or make the time to study a book that’s centuries old. They struggle just maintain a 30 second devotion—how will they ever commit to 30 minutes?
Enter The Message 100 Devotional. Readers are invited to partake of a story: the Story of God. The point, of this devotional, according to the introduction, is to draw the reader in, right into the unfolding Story of God.
At the beginning of each reading there is an intro or explanation. They are inviting and encouraging. They seemed conversational and I liked them.
Many are looking for a new and fresh way to read scripture, and The Message 100 provides both. Reading out of the traditionally presented order is challenging. It’s enough of a jolt to push the typical Bible reader out of their familiar rut.
People often resolve at the start of the year to read the Bible all the way through, but burn out by the end of March. The beauty of this format is that readers will be almost done at the end of three months. A double accomplishment! Not only will they have realized a goal, but they will also gain knowledge and growth in their faith.
That’s a win-win in my book!
I highly recommend this Bible devotion.
I was given a copy of the The Message 100 in return for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
I have a lot of Bibles. Call it an occupational hazard. There are study Bibles. Bibles in various translations. Children’s Bibles, teen friendly Bibles, and Bibles I wonder where they came from. Many were gifts, others I purchased along my own journey.
When Eugene Peterson’s The Message first hit the shelves in October of 2002, there was a collective sigh of relief. People who had challenges reading any of the many translations of the Bible, now had, as Peterson himself calls it, a paraphrase of the Bible in today’s language.
The Message is one of the many Bibles I own. Mine is a small, compact Bible. I bought it when I started Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the University of Virginia. I needed a Bible that would fit in my white lab coat pocket.
Much as The Living Bible paraphrase a generation before had drawn people closer to God, so The Message does so. The gift of the paraphrase is that you are able to delve deep in the text, like a story. It provides a level of comfort where we are surely to meet God maybe for the first time, maybe for the first time again.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/the-message-...
When Eugene Peterson’s The Message first hit the shelves in October of 2002, there was a collective sigh of relief. People who had challenges reading any of the many translations of the Bible, now had, as Peterson himself calls it, a paraphrase of the Bible in today’s language.
The Message is one of the many Bibles I own. Mine is a small, compact Bible. I bought it when I started Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the University of Virginia. I needed a Bible that would fit in my white lab coat pocket.
Much as The Living Bible paraphrase a generation before had drawn people closer to God, so The Message does so. The gift of the paraphrase is that you are able to delve deep in the text, like a story. It provides a level of comfort where we are surely to meet God maybe for the first time, maybe for the first time again.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/the-message-...
December 17, 2015
This is a new Message Bible designed for devotions. I absolutely love Eugene Peterson’s translation/interpretation, known as ’The Message’, so I won’t comment further on that. It is a ‘The Message’ Bible, but with two ‘twists’ – the first is that it’s arranged in roughly chronological order (e.g. Job before Exodus, most major and minor prophets sandwiched between 2 Kings and 1 Chronicles); the second is that it is divided into 100 reading ‘chunks’. The idea is that it is a devotional Bible with a difference – you are supposed to read it through, at your own pace, seeing the story afresh.
I almost love this approach: but dividing it into 100 sections means that one of those sections (10-14 Bible chapters) is much longer than most people would allocate for a devotion. I found myself wishing they had divided it into 365 chunks, instead. But I know some people who swear by reading the Bible at speed, taking in the whole story and flow, and this would be the perfect tool for doing this.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which this is*
I almost love this approach: but dividing it into 100 sections means that one of those sections (10-14 Bible chapters) is much longer than most people would allocate for a devotion. I found myself wishing they had divided it into 365 chunks, instead. But I know some people who swear by reading the Bible at speed, taking in the whole story and flow, and this would be the perfect tool for doing this.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which this is*
September 11, 2015
The Message 100 is a unique Bible in that it takes the story of the Bible (redemption, grace, and salvation) and breaks the major themes into 100 daily readings.
By doing this the reader sees the story unfold in an easy to follow story-line. Instead of read accounts of various people, this Bible weaves the narrative to tell one story: the story of God and His love for his creation.
While this is not ideal for studying a particular book of the Bible, it is very effective in giving survey of the Bible for personal growth.
No study notes, no reference column, no concordance.
Just the Bible laid out as if someone was telling it to you.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
I also received this free from www.tyndalerewards.com. If you are not familiar with Tyndale Rewards I recommend taking a look.
By doing this the reader sees the story unfold in an easy to follow story-line. Instead of read accounts of various people, this Bible weaves the narrative to tell one story: the story of God and His love for his creation.
While this is not ideal for studying a particular book of the Bible, it is very effective in giving survey of the Bible for personal growth.
No study notes, no reference column, no concordance.
Just the Bible laid out as if someone was telling it to you.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
I also received this free from www.tyndalerewards.com. If you are not familiar with Tyndale Rewards I recommend taking a look.
September 18, 2015
I love how this book is laid out when I first got it I thought it was a regular bible but it is not, this bible gives you a more understanding when you are reading the book. When You start reading each part that you read starts with a overview, the reading are good and will keep you interested I love this book and I know you will too. Love this you need this and your bible with you at all times.
I received a book called: The Message 100 Devotional Bible, By: Eugene H. Peterson for free for my honest opinion from http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/ .
I received a book called: The Message 100 Devotional Bible, By: Eugene H. Peterson for free for my honest opinion from http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/ .
September 25, 2015
To have many translations of the Bible is a good thing, because I can track down the meaning of each story. Words are powerful tools and how they are applied will change the way I receive and understand.
The Message 100 Bible is not NKJ, but it does dive deep for devotional study purposes. The words describing the stories have the Medieval tone to it….at least for me.
The Message 100 Bible is not NKJ, but it does dive deep for devotional study purposes. The words describing the stories have the Medieval tone to it….at least for me.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews