About a week ago I finished reading the Bible chronologically in a year. This past year of studying God's Word has been amazing, life changing, eye opening, and really good for my relationship with Christ. He has taught me a lot, grown my faith, challenged me and created in me a new passion for Him. I, like many others I've heard say, always struggled with devotionals... when to do it, where to do it, what to read, so on and so forth. But when I decided to read the Bible chronologically and actually study the verses I was reading, God began to speak to me. I woke up every morning with a desire to read the good Word and spend time with the LORD. It was incredible! I think so often we read the Bible without actually taking in what it has to say and applying it to our lives. I think we often "read" the Bible instead of "study" the Bible. There is a difference. We should meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8). I would love to get better at memorizing scripture because I truly believe it is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Back in December last year when I was studying Proverbs and Ecclesiastes I came across an online blog: www.3yearbiblebookclub.blogspot.com and I have been referring to it ever since. I remember reading some of the entries for Ecclesiastes and loved what the blogger had to say. Here is one of my journal entries after reading it: I really pondered chapters 2 & 3 of Ecclesiastes. Most of the book is about us as humans finding meaning in life and wisdom. A part from God our human efforts are meaningless. Chapter 2:24-25 is the heart of Ecclesiastes. Only in God does life have meaning and true pleasure. Without him nothing will satisfy us, but with him we can find satisfaction and enjoyment. True pleasure can only come when we aknowledge and revere God (12:13). Ecclesiastes 3 makes me think of the song by Carrie Underwood when she sings the words "this is my temporary home..." God has made a beautiful world for us to live in and enjoy while we are here, but because we were made for eternity, the things of this world cannot fully satisfy us. I'm also reminded throughout these chapters that I can't take anything that I have here on earth with me. What God has blessed me with to enjoy is a bonus, a gift from him. It is not my right or guarantee to have nice things and have wealth. It is better to be content with what I have than go after my fleshly desires. Lord, show me what it means to fear God, have a true reverence of you. I pray you would teach me to be content and find true pleasure and satisfaction in you. Teach me your ways Father and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I'm so glad I stuck with it, even reading those harder to read Old Testament books! God is good! God is faithful! God is worthy to be praised! And I praise Him for teaching me all that He did in this past year! I challenge you to read the Bible chronologically in a year. I challenge you to really study the verses you are reading. I'm going to do it again. Are you with me?
Thankful for God's Word,
Kate
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