On August 31, 2010 I made a commitment to read the Bible in a year. At the time it seemed like a daunting task, taking the time necessary each day to read.
But today I finished. Right on schedule.
In the past year I've had many emotional ups and downs, and many spiritual highs and lows. I've made countless mistakes, overcome numerous obstacles, and am still going through several struggles. Over the last 365 days so many things have changed - some for the better, some for the worse.
But through all this I have learned that I can always rest in the knowledge that the Lord and His Word have remained (and will remain) constant.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8, ESV)
Here are some of the themes prevalent throughout the Bible that stood out to me, and some of the things I learned this year:
- God is faithful. Story after story details what God said He would do, and what He did. Spoiler alert: He always comes through. (See Numbers 23:19 - http://bible.us/Num23.19.ESV )
- God loves me, even when I don't deserve it. (See Romans 5:8 - http://bible.us/Rom5.8.ESV)
- Following Christ comes with a cost. (See Luke 9:3 - http://bible.us/Luke9.23.ESV) I also encourage you to read "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman. It's a great discussion of this very topic.
- Grounding yourself in God's Word is truly an invaluable asset to a Christian. It really is a great way to start or end your day. (See Psalm 119:11 - http://bible.us/Ps119.11.ESV)
- Reading the Bible is a good place to start, but that's not where our action should end - that includes going out into the world and showing God's love and spreading God's word. (See James 1:22 - http://bible.us/Jas1.22.ESV and Matthew 28:19 - http://bible.us/Matt28.19.ESV)
I really encourage you to start a daily journey of your own through the Bible. Because when we're paying attention to what the Lord has said and done, we can see more easily what He is doing in our own lives - and that is something that truly is amazing to see.
