“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” Colossians 3:16a
The first time I sat down to read the Book cover to cover was during my first year of marriage. I confess; I was ignorant of what the Bible had to say. Oh, I had learned Bible stories as a child in Sunday school, but since my attendance was sparse I knew that I had missed out on important truths. So I committed to reading through the Bible.
Reading the Bible is a privilege that some do not have. I recall a man who visited our church some years ago. He had saved up to come to a special evangelism seminar that our church was hosting. One of our men befriended him and in the next several days learned his story. Later all of us on staff learned his story too.
It seems that in his country it was forbidden to own a Bible. Many of his family members were not Christians, so he was repeatedly beaten and threatened. To them he was a disgrace, and they used these tactics to discourage him in his faith and force him to abandon it entirely. When he came to our country, his one desire was to obtain a Bible in his native language that he could take home. He knew that he would have to smuggle it through customs in order to keep it, but he was willing to take the risk.
His American friend prayed and through God’s intervention located a Bible for this man. He was overjoyed! Soon the time came for him to return to his homeland. We all prayed that he would be able to keep his Bible. When the call came, his American friend shared with us the good news! He and his Bible were safe at home.
Over the next few months, his American friend shared tidbits of news. He had begun a Bible study with a friend. Then one day word came that he had been severely beaten by his family members with threats that he would be killed if he did not stop teaching the Word. That was the last news we heard of him.
We take the privilege of reading our Bibles so lightly. God has much to say to us, if we will but pay attention. Let us not be too busy to read His Word, for in it we will discover the wisdom and encouragement to get us through life’s trials. It is our lifeline in our times of need.
I made it through my Bible in less than a year, choosing to read the paraphrased Living Bible. It gave me a good overview, but I knew it was time to keep my commitment by reading my King James. I confess that I had difficulties with the language. In total frustration I prayed and begged God for understanding. He heard me because after that prayer, I didn’t seem to be struggling any more.
Anyone can read the Bible if you set your heart on it. Start today with daily Bible reading to get in the habit. Between now and January, you could fit in the Book of Proverbs and some of the Psalms by reading a chapter a day.
In January, start in earnest using a Bible reading schedule. Do an online search using the keywords: “Bible reading schedule” and you will find a variety of schedules. I enjoy using the Bible reading schedule from Faith Baptist Bible College. A 2012 version will be available on request.
I encourage and exhort you to commit yourself to reading the Bible during the coming new year. It will change your heart and mind and your life!
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two—edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
© 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement
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