Hi bloggers…

I just finished reading the book of Jude. That means that my next reading will begin with the book of Revelation. I’m looking forward, with great anticipation, to reading this book once again.

Since 1997, I have read the Bible 5 times. (will be 5 after I finish the book of Revelation!) Compared to some people I know, this is not a big accomplishment at all; I know people who have read the Bible nearly 15 times in as much or less time than I have read my five readings. On the other hand, I know people who confess the name of Christ who have not read the Bible in it’s entirety even one time. I try not to look at the accomplishments of others as a measuring rod of my own Christian walk, but I must look to a higher and quite different standard…the life, actions and person of Jesus.

I mention reading the Bible in its entirety only as a challenge for each of you who read this blog. To read the Bible through, beginning to end, will have a profound effect on your Christian walk, your spiritual growth and your understanding of God’s Word. Reading the Bible from ‘cover to cover’ is definitely one of the best things I have done to enhance and deepen my spiritual walk. When I completed reading the entire Bible and began to read the second time, from Genesis to Revelation, I was AMAZED at how much I had actually grasped and remembered from the first reading. With every new reading of this divinely inspired book, I have grown deeper and deeper in my understanding of God, of Christ, of His purpose and plan for me, not to mention a greater understanding of Jewish and Christian history and teachings in general. It has been truly, ‘eye opening’, not to mention “heart-opening”.

I first was inspired to read the Bible in its entirety, when a dear friend challenged me to do that very thing. He, being of the MALE species and an engineer to boot, had calculated exactly how many chapters he needed to read so that he would be able to read the entire Bible in a year…and he methodically accomplished that task many times! While I was not so concerned WHEN I would complete reading the entire Bible, I DID realize I had much to learn and knew that I truly WANTED to grow as a Christian. I accepted my friend’s challenge to begin to read the Bible from cover to cover and have NEVER been disappointed and certainly never considered my reading to be wasted time!

God’s Word has become very precious to me and I cherish it. There are days when I am more receptive than other days and there are times when the Holy Spirit seems to speak more loudly than other times, but EVERY day that I read God’s Word, my soul is nourished! Taking in God’s Word is much like consuming food, which is fuel for our body. When I ‘fuel’ my soul, I am doing something that will have eternal value and significance!

I encourage you to take a step and begin to read God’s word. If you have questions, please ask! To those of you who HAVE read the Bible in its entirety, KEEP READING! May you all be blessed abundantly for your diligence and effort!

Now, on to the Revelation of John!