Read Through the Bible

As this Roman year draws to a close, a new one waiting in the wings prepared to make its entrance, I want to take a few moments and encourage you to read through the Bible.

I have been blessed with a Titus woman in my life for the last 14 (or so) years who has encouraged me to dig into the Word.  About 11 years ago, we were fellowshipping with some saints and an older woman stood up and gave her testimony of having read through the Bible for the last 50 years (if not more).

My friend and I took this testimony to heart and began a journey of reading each year.  At first we started with a devotional we had and used their outline.  Sharing what we had 'discovered' with one another.  Oh my!  What a delight that has been to our souls!  Each year we express to one another of how wonderful it is to be in Father's Word and to 'see' new insights.  I am constantly amazed that when I read through the Bible there is always a new discovery, or a deeper understanding of a previously read passage.  Father is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

The last 5 years we have been reading chronologically using the Reese Bible.  There are numerous plans out there, either to read through certain books in a year, month, etc.  Outlines to read the entire Bible in 2 years, 1 year, etc.  Reading through in a year doesn't allow one to 'camp' out, it does however, give one a great overview of God's plan of redemption and fulfillment from Genesis to Revelation.  All of the plans are designed to get you into the WORD - this is vital to our sanctification.

I would encourage you to take the challenge of reading through in a year, if you miss days, do NOT get discouraged, jump back into reading.  The enemy knows that when we read HIS Word we are drawing closer to Him and will stop at nothing to dissuade or discourage.  Find someone else as a partner, if you have already been reading, find someone else to join you.

Personally I would encourage everyone to read through chronologically at least once in your lifetime.  :-)  Seeing how the Word of God unfolds in a historic context has been explosive to my growth and understanding of who, what, when, where, how and why.  For example:  The book of Job is nestled within the book Genesis, with Job dying shortly before Rebecca is given in marriage to Issac.

I think some of the links I am providing will email a daily portion to be read.  To get you started:

Another site - http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/

One more: http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Bible-Reading-Guides.html

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read... (Isaiah 34:16)

"I can think of no greater admonition for all people today than this one from the pen of Isaiah. Reading Scripture was both an Old Testament practice (Exod. 24:7; Deut. 17:19; 31:11; Josh. 8:34-35; 2 Kings 22:8 – 23:2; Jer. 36:15; Neh. 8:8) and a New Testament practice (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27). It was performed by Jesus Himself (Luke 4:16-20). It was prescribed by the Apostle Paul (1 Tim. 4:13). Today, it is important for everyone to read his own Bible because Bible reading will bless the reader (Rev. 1:3). Bible reading leads us to know God’s plan of salvation (2 Tim. 3:15; James 1:18). Reading the Bible brings us to an understanding of God’s will for our life today (Eph. 3:4; 5:17). How one reads the Bible daily can vary. This article covers the method of reading the Bible in chronological order."

The paragraph above was taken from this website:  http://www.truthmagazine.com/?p=1502

May the Lord bless each of you as you seek to draw closer and more intimate with Him.  May the manifold blessings of our Father comfort and keep your heart as you seek to learn, read, meditate and keep HIS word.