How reading the Bible is encouraging me to make a ‘global impact’
As we begin another year, the world we live in encourages us to start new habits, set new goals, and accomplish new achievements. Whether this approach helps you or not, living with purpose takes intentionality, including engaging in spiritual disciplines.
Is this the year you take your prayer life more seriously? Is it time to increase your tithe after years of inconsistent giving? Is there a new ministry opportunity to step into?
About 15 years ago, my wife Sandy and I began doing a “read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year” plan. With many versions available online, we’ve been blessed to read the Bible from beginning to end, sometimes using the same version, and sometimes different ones. Now, people have challenged me that while it’s good to read the entire Bible, there is a risk that it can become routine and—for that matter—shallow. And they’re right—it can become legalistic.
But … that hasn’t been our experience! It has been such an amazing transformative spiritual discipline that has grown our understanding of God and his redemptive plan for humanity. We have read chronological plans, connecting Old and New Testament plans, and front to back plans.
Inviting the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to his Word creates a foundation from which to not only survive but thrive.
Here are five ways I’ve benefited from sticking with this discipline.
1. I gain a firm foundation for my life of faith. If I believe in Jesus and want to live with him as my life’s foundation, then consistently feeding on his Word can take me there. Inviting the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to his Word creates a foundation from which to not only survive but thrive in the years I have on earth.
2. I see the redemptive thread of Christ’s work. When you look for it, the redemptive thread of Christ’s work on our behalf is visible throughout the Bible. No matter what genre, the overarching theme of Scripture points to Christ’s sacrificial love for all his creation.
3. I fall in love with the person of Jesus. While my intellect has been sharpened in terms of theological understanding, my emotions have been engaged by falling more in love with Jesus every year.
4. I learn there is nothing new under the sun. Solomon had it right. People throughout all ages have been fallen, need saving, have hurt one another, and have found healing. God remains the same throughout all time, and he is still in control, no matter what global events are taking place or what personal struggles we are dealing with.
5. I am equipped for engaging the world around me. The heart of God is missional. He pursues us. He sees us. He weeps for the lost. He is patient, kind, and just. And we are his ambassadors to continue the work that he began. My time in the Word has increased my passion, compassion, and vision for reaching the world for Christ. May his kingdom come, and his will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
If you are reading this, God has given you another year to continue building your foundation on Christ. Don’t miss this opportunity!
