Read Your Bible

The best new year's resolution I can think of

Our former pastor Mike McIntosh, at Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, served as a chaplain at Ground Zero immediately after 9/11. I’ll never forget his subsequent sermon recapping that experience, where he admonished with emotion, “Read your Bibles!”

Reading the Bible for the first time in its entirety in my late twenties was easily the single most impactful thing I have ever done. I’ve joked with my husband and friends that it should be put on my tombstone, “she said to read your Bible.” If I’m known for any advice or admonition, I want it to be that one.

Some time ago, by the grace of God, I had a lovely conversation with a recent college graduate who sweetly asked me what the Lord had been teaching me lately. I shared with her how astounded I was that, despite probably over 40 times through the Bible at that point, the Lord just keeps teaching me more as I invest in the study of His word. She expressed her frustration with understanding it. This motivated me to share with others the advice I gave to her: read it chronologically. This puts its sixty-six books in historical and prophetic context and really helps with understanding, in my experience.

This conversation also motivated me to try to present a “book report” of sorts on each of the books of the Bible to help with comprehension for those reading along for the first time. My goal at the beginning of the year was to “stay ahead of the class,” but I quickly realized the magnitude of my goal. Also by the grace of God, I have mostly completed that task, so that resource can be found here.

As I’ve explained before, I now read two plans per year: one chronological and one that offers a daily Old and New Testament reading. People do tend to get bogged down in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), so adding the second plan, with a daily New Testament reading, offers some balance and doesn’t have you waiting most of the year to get there. When I read the Bible for the first time, I did start in the New Testament, advice I offer to new believers. Following both plans allows for seeing each book of the Bible twice in the year, offering new understanding the second time through.

Another valuable resource I recommend is Pastor Mitch Maher’s Clarifying the Bible. Among other resources, his two-hour summary video is worth the time investment.

It’s the time of year for New Year’s resolutions. Maybe find time to watch Pastor Maher’s video and maybe be ready to start a new yearly Bible reading plan when the new year begins?

Psalm 119:99 says, “I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.” That’s quite a promise that there is hope for understanding. God’s word assures us that blessings are abundant for those who delight in and meditate on it. Maybe unwrap this precious gift? Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.