February 2 2018 – Click here to listen
I’ve been re-reading the Bible yet again and I find it just as fascinating as the days I first read it. When I decide to read the Bible in its entirety I always begin by reading the book of Romans and then to Matthew and on through the New Testament to Revelation, then I read the Old Testament in its entirety, and keep reading through the New Testament again.
I take my time, underlining meaningful Scripture and stopping to reflect about certain verses and try to envision God deciding what to include. Sometimes I wonder why He felt it important enough to include a particular passage for all of mankind to see.
I’m often asked which version I read. I read them all, but this time I’m reading the Living Bible, the one that is paraphrased. I’ve read many different versions of the Bible, the King James, New King James, International version, translated Living Bible, American Standard and on and on. I learn from them all except for the Message which I think is pretty much garbage.
I urge you to read the Bible in its entirety. It is in fact God’s primary and almost exclusive way of directly communicating with us. It is amazing to read it and feel the Holy Spirit opening awesome wisdom to us. I wonder sometimes why people don’t take the time to read it. Does anyone really think they are too busy to learn from Almighty God? Or is it apathy?
This is not a book, but the word of God. I never tire of reading the Bible. I can’t imagine reading ordinary books multiple times and studying them daily for nearly five decades. I can honestly say that I have never had a question that could not be answered by researching the Bible, and/or a problem that could not be solved through its wisdom.
If you are not already on that journey, I urge you to begin today. Don’t be in a hurry as you go through its pages. There is no deadline that must be met. Just soak up God’s magnificence, relax, read, and reflect. Enjoy your special time with the Lord and ask Him to provide you with the knowledge that you need on any given day, be it sad or happy.
We all have a purpose in life. What’s yours? Let the Bible direct you . . .
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday. If you’re in the vicinity visit the Tabernacle Church in Sarasota where I will be offering my personal testimony. I think the service begins at 10:15 . . .