I read through the Bible in a Year, every year. I began this practice many years ago when we were living in Pennsylvania. I remember how difficult it seemed when I first began. I was using a Bible app on my phone at the time and found that to be completely laborious. It felt disconnected and I didn’t really enjoy the scrolling. I hadn’t yet discovered the paperback version. But years later, I bought a paperback Bible in a Year…and it revolutionized my life.
I am a person who prefers to hold the book I’m reading. I love smelling that new book smell and I love turning the pages of a book. I love to hold and feel what I’m reading. The Bible is no different. Holding a book connects me with it so much more, and you can make notes and mark things that are really important to you. You can mark scripture with notes to notate the year God highlighted it to you and used it to minister to your life.
Recently, when I was doing my daily Bible reading, I heard my own life’s history speaking to me as I read the familiar passages. I remembered how desperate I’d been when I had read those same scriptures a couple of years ago, and then I noticed that now I feel a total release from that part of my life. I testified to myself as I read His word. Suddenly, reading the pages and seeing notes I’ve written over the years, in the margins, began to speak to my heart of how much God has done.
Then I realized one reason it’s so important to read scripture every day is because you will eventually see your life change and as it does, the scripture that sustained you during that time will testify to you. The scripture that ministers to you in one way one year, will show evidence of growth in another year. It’s so wonderful.
Friends, we build a relationship with our Savior and the Word. It can only occur over time and faithfulness.
I know I keep repeating some themes, and I’m about to do it again.
We must slow down and take time to tend to our relationship with Jesus. Not once a month, week, at a conference once a year…but every single day. Imagine how your other relationships would suffer if you didn’t tend to them regularly. My husband needs my attention and affection every day, not just sometime. My children need me all day long and every day, not just during summer camp. Are you getting the point?
He deserves everything. Our whole lives. All our time. He deserves to be our main focus. He is worthy of all our affection.
It doesn’t matter if people think you are overzealous because you include God in all your life. It doesn’t matter if people act offended or accuse you of thinking you’re better than them because they don’t like the way God takes preference in your life. When they act like that, they are voicing their own conviction. Their need for more of Him. They are reflecting onto you their guilt about not giving God all they know they should.
I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow. I will never turn back. Will you?
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation, I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1-10
365 Days in the Presence 