The Bible in One Year

Have you read the Bible? Okay, this is a trick question. Many Christians will say, “Yes.” But the question really is, “Have you actually read each and every book of the Bible in a concentrated effort to know and understand the Word of God we are to live by every day?” Hmmm…

As we enter 2011, people look to the New Year as an opportunity for a new start and a new commitment. I encourage you, my brothers and sisters and Christ, to make this your year of reading the complete Word of God. As we become more spiritually mature, we begin to realize that it’s not enough to know how to get to the books of the Bible and where to find popular verses that are often quoted. We need to really go deeper and read through all the pages of the Word we hold close to our hearts.

We live in a day and age—and most of us live in countries—where we have easy access to the Bible on a daily basis. And there are multiple translations available in our native tongue to help make it easy to read the Bible. But reading the Word of God in a year is not like picking up a coffee table book for a casual perusal. It takes a commitment. And it requires daily prayer for understanding. It means staying faithful even on the most difficult days of the year. And I for one can tell you that it’s not easy. But if you’re persistent, your reward will be immeasurable.

Thanks be to God that we live in a day and age where there are countless resources available to us. A simple online search will yield numerous programs that provide daily Bible readings that will help you accomplish your goal. My favorite can be found at www.ewordtoday.com/year.

There are a few things I enjoy about this daily reading program:
-- You can begin on the 1st or 15th of any month (but January 1st would be a great time to start, dear reader)
-- You can choose the type of reading program you want, such as cover to cover or a chronological series of events (tip: the chronological series really brings the events of the Bible to life!)
-- You can choose the translation you want to read throughout the year (I’m a big fan of the NIV for modern English speakers)
-- The readings take about a half hour or so, on average (before you begin your first reading, establish a dedicated hour of each day that you will turn over completely to God for the purposes of reading His Word and spending time meditating on it)

If you are truly considering reading the Bible in one year, turn your desire and intent over to God. He will guide you through it. While the task may seem overwhelming, keep in mind that through God nothing is impossible!

I thank God for each day in 2011 that I can draw closer to Him through His Word!

Merry CHRISTmas!

This is the time of year where pleasantries are exchanged on a regular basis. “Happy holidays” is said with a smile. “Season's greetings!” is proclaimed with a nod. But for me, there's nothing sweeter or more refreshing to hear than “Merry Christmas.” I’ve always found it ironic that there are so many efforts to be "all inclusive" during the holiday season—the result is the exclusion of Jesus.

Attempts to X out Christ begin with the terrible "Xmas" label and go as far as removing any mention of Jesus from the holiday celebration. Without Jesus—the Christ—the entire meaning of the Christmas holiday is lost. What is the song Silent Night without the refrain “Christ the savior is born”? Why have a tree without topping it with either the star or angel in remembrance of the arrival of the Messiah? No wonder so many people are left feeling as empty as their unwrapped gift boxes after the holiday is done.

Luke 2:11 declares, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Christmas, or “Christ’s Mass” is a celebration of His birth. Now what sense does it make to have a birthday party and ignore the guest of honor? A simple “Merry Christmas” goes a long way in showing you know Who the party is for.

When I hear and say “Merry Christmas” these days, I consider it a purposeful and direct acknowledgement of Jesus Christ. It may not be politically correct—but I’d rather not be spiritually incorrect!

Merry Christmas, dear readers!

Spiritual Multitasking

This may be a familiar scenario: You are busily working on your computer. The television is on. Your cell phone buzzes, letting you know that a text message has just arrived. Someone walks into the room and asks you a question. Your first response: “Huh?” While we like to pride ourselves these days on our ability to multitask, there are still things in life that require us to focus.

The human brain is exceptional. It can process millions of bits of information in an instant. And, yes, the brain does have the ability to handle a number of different tasks simultaneously. However, studies have shown that certain tasks should be given our complete attention. For example, it’s no urban legend that talking on one’s cell phone while driving can be deadly. And let’s not even get started with texting while driving! Without a complete focus on what’s happening on the road, you are vulnerable to every unexpected hazard.

The same line of thinking can be applied to our spiritual focus. With so much going on in our lives, seemingly at all times, we may often find ourselves spiritually multitasking: Sitting in church service, thinking about what to put on the table for dinner. Doing the daily Bible reading while listening to the traffic news or weather report for our morning commute. If at any point God were to say something to us, our spirit’s response would be “Huh?”

God makes it clear in His Word that He doesn’t want us to put anything before Him—or even alongside Him. Our focus should be on Him completely, especially at times when we are in worship, in study, or in prayer. When God made His covenant with the Israelites, He instructed, “Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.” (Deuteronomy 28:14) While the “other gods” back then were graven images carved out of wood and stone, today’s “other gods” may be our gadgets or other interests.

God demands and deserves our undivided attention. I’m going to make sure He gets mine!