Today marks the 20th time I have read through the Scripture in its entirety! Every time it is a joy! This all began when I was fifteen years old and had just come to Christ. My pastor at the time, Rev. Jake Thornhill, Jr., encouraged me to read through the whole Bible in the coming year. Now that was a huge challenge for me! Not only does the prospect of reading through the whole Bible sound daunting in itself, but I had never read through any book in its entirety!
By God's grace, I took up the challenge. It was more than tough! I was reading my brand new Thompson Chain Reference King James Bible! (My favorite for a long time!) I would often have to read large chunks in order to catch up with days missed, and I really didn't understand much, if anything. But God gave me the determination to finish! Having completed the Bible one time, it became less of an elephant to me. So I kept renewing that challenge every year. It has been one of the main constants and delights of my Christian faith and journey! I have listed below some of the benefits and joys of reading the whole of God's written revelation annually.
1. It gives me the full portrait of redemptive history.
2. It helps me make connections between the Testaments and build a sound biblical theology.
3. It serves to increase my knowledge of the grace and glory of Christ Jesus.
4. The increase of knowledge serves to inflame the heart's affections for Christ.
5. It has given me the opportunity to read through various versions and translations of Scripture.
6. I always learn more truths which excite my appetite for God and His Word. (This year it was the book of Joshua!)
7. God always speaks directly to my situation through His Word! (The Lord gave me many precious promises during this year of testing, especially Psalm 37:4-5!)
8. I always come away realizing there is a more that I don't understand, but sure desire to continue searching. (As I read Zechariah this year, I kept saying, "What?")
9. It is the highlight of my day. It is my time to meet with God and hear from Him.
10. It is greatly satisfying to know at the end of each year I have sought the Lord in His Word by giving attention to every part He gave to us!
I'd like to issue you the same challenge I received when I was 15! Consider reading through the Scripture this coming year. Here are a few points of encouragement.
3. Set a time when you can read and not be distracted by others, obligations, or tiredness of body. For most people, the best time is either first thing in the morning or before you retire at night, depending on whether you are a morning or evening person. However, maybe a lunch break works for you as well.
4. Don't be overwhelmed! Take it one day at a time - bit by bit.
5. Don't get discouraged when you miss a day! Just double-up the next.
6. Find a partner and encourage each other by reflecting on the day's reading together! This is a great idea for spouses!
7. Before you begin each day, ask the Lord to open you heart and open His Word to you.
8. Mark the verses that speak to your heart and memorize them and/or pray through them to God.
9. Keep a brief journal of what text you read that day and what you learned, what it said, how God ministered to you through it, questions you have of it, etc. The point is to reflect a few moments over what you've read. This exercise helps you take nourishment from the Word!
10. Share with others the exciting things you are learning and seeing and finding and seeking in the Scripture.
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