Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (The Message)
Mission accomplished. My commitment 365 days ago to read through the Bible is complete. How easy it is to make resolutions on January 1st but find that after a few days, the determination has been replaced with complacency. This year, I prayed that God would help me get over that hump and meet me with fresh insights that would draw me back daily. And He did. What did I learn? My life has been challenged as I read the stories of the patriarchs, the kings, the prophets, the women, the disciples and of course, the life of Jesus…each one mirroring some aspect of my life that needed laser vision to make the needed changes. I found comfort and encouragement during various trials and frustrations. I was riveted as I read of His continued love for His people, the Jews, and the great lengths that He went to restore them to Himself even as they continually strayed from Him. In fact, the whole book is the story of His love and how we may experience it by faith in Jesus. We bring on so much of the trouble in our lives by the choices we make; yet, time after time, He forgives us when we call on Him and turn from our sin and selfishness. He is always there with mercy and grace willing to give us the nudge we need to get us going in the right direction. And He is there to equip us for the tasks He gives us to do. And how do we know which way to go? By reading His word. It is a circle…a circle of love that surrounds us with what we need if we spend time with Him. New year—new challenge! Make a daily date with God and see what He has to say to YOU. Let me know how it is going…I will be praying for you.