Can you believe that for over 35 years of my life I had never read the Bible through cover to cover? 

I knew that this could be a bit tricky because I tend to be a legalistic type of personality.  I want to do what I'm supposed to do and sometimes my heart doesn't catch up to it.  So in the past when I've made commitments to read the Bible, it always turned into a checklist.  I need to get it done to say that I've done it.  The problem was that when my heart wasn't in it, I easily got overwhelmed, felt like a failure, and gave up.  I wanted that to be different.  Amazingly, the last three years I've been able to complete the whole Bible, (sure the 2nd time through took a year and a half, but that's okay!) and I am so excited to say that I just finished it again for the 3rd time!! When I say that this is one of the biggest accomplishments in my lifetime I truly mean it.  And it's not because I've read a huge book and I'm so proud of myself.  No. It's because each time through it strengthens my faith, gives me wisdom, takes away fear, and grows me in a deeper love and understanding of who God is.  And that is priceless.  So I thought I would highlight my 4 big takeaways to being committed to read the Bible daily. 

1.)  It paints a full picture of who God and Jesus are. 

I think so many people tend to stay out of the Old Testament because it can be hard, confusing, and sometimes even scary.  I mean, hey, I get it.  Leviticus almost loses me every year:) But wow what I have learned about God and what a patient and merciful God He is that I have missed for decades in the past.  You see, without the full picture, you can't understand or appreciate the lengths God went to woo his people to himself. And when we kept letting him down over and over again, He gave us the ultimate sacrifice, his only son.  Without reading the Old Testament, and truly understood the complete story line, I don't think I would have fallen as deeply in love with God as I have.  And it honestly has helped me to soften my heart to Him after so many years of being afraid of Him.  He is a good good God. He has the best intentions for those who love Him.  And over the last 3 years I have truly understood that.  And you guys, once you truly see Gods character, your devotion to Him knows no bounds.   

2.)  As the world gets darker, and moves away from all truth, I want my feet planted firmly in THE TRUTH.

It doesn't take much to flip on the news, check your iphone, or look around in your big box store to see that darkness is overwhelming the world.  Sin is being elevated and morals and truth are being not only hidden, but actually persecuted.  Grown men can now dress like little girls and are celebrated.  Babies can be killed up to full term.  Little kids can get their bodies mutilated because their parents want them to live their true selves.  It's all so loud and it's all happening so fast.  Grounding yourself in the word everyday not only leads you back to the ultimate truth, because aside from what the world wants you to think we do have absolute truth that we find clearly in the Word, but it also allows you to realize that God knew all of this was going to happen.  And not only did He know it was going to happen (there is nothing new under the sun) but He speaks on it and teaches us how to handle it.  He tells us..

"The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."  Proverbs 4:19

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."  Psalm 119:130

"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3

If we want to be bold in our faith and in our convictions, then we have to know what God says on hard subjects that are culturally prevalent today so that we can have a strong argument to lead others back to truth.  If we aren't sure how to answer or what God says on the subject, we can easily be swayed AWAY from truth, which is far worse for our spiritual wellbeing.   

3.)  Reading the Bible brings more peace than any other thing. 

Did you know fear is a currency?  News stations, newspapers, IG influencers, and beyond make top dollar off of you being afraid.  We will do what they say if they offer a solution. We will buy all the freeze dried food to ensure we don't starve.  We will keep our minds and brains pre-occupied with all the evil going on so we are "aware" sacrificing our peace for it all.  It is amazing how much freedom comes when you are able to see the full picture.  Not only does God tell us exactly what happens and how the enemy operates (aka fear & darkness) but He also time and time again reassures us that this world is not our home. And once you truly believe that death is not something to be feared, that eternity is going to be far better, and you have certainty of where you will be once you do die, the peace truly does flow over you like a river.  It gives you an eternal mindset that is so dangerous to the enemy because it completely loosens the chains on all of the things of this world.  I mean, just read these verses and tell me that you immediately don't feel lighter.  We weren't meant to do this world on our own. And I'll tell you what, following God is a far better alternative and living by His commands when He gives us promises like this than trying to do it on our own and ultimately being overtaken by the world. 

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you." Isaiah 26:3

"For to set the mind on flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."  Romans 8:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to god. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

4.)  I want to be obedient to God's commands. 

God makes it well known that one of His commands and guidelines to live the Christian life is to know his Word.  We need to clearly know what He says and obey it so that we do not sin against Him.  "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

 He even promises good success.  "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."  Joshua 1:8

So, I have found pleasure in reading the Bible knowing it is another way to honor God and to walk in His commands.

So now what?  So many times, people tell me they have never opened their Bible and they just don't know where to start or they have started but they don't understand it.  My first recommendation is to get a good study Bible.  It helps to have a little background and understanding in a commentary underneath if you are really struggling.  I love this one because it not only has commentary, it also has great devotions that go along with the reading and a bonus that it's beautiful.:)

I also recommend this overview of the Bible.  I just got it this past year, but it has been an amazing tool to dig in deeper and also to help the Bible come alive with the historical and cultural context that we can so easily miss.  I can't tell you the things I've learned and how stories have taken on whole new meaning after getting a little deeper look into it!  So many people are also telling me how amazing it is to read the Bible recap, a 5-minute overview after their reading.  It comes as a podcast but also in book form, so I think I'm going to try that this next time through.  You can find the book HERE.

But lastly, I will just say, START.  You won't understand everything.  You'll question some things, you'll be lost sometimes.  But it will all be worth it!  You will also see the full picture, understand who God and Jesus are so much more, and will gain wisdom, discernment and peace through it all! I have had so many people join with me over the past 3 years who have never read the Bible in its entirety and when they got done they have been so excited and can't wait to do it again!  Not once have I had someone say I wish I would have never read my Bible.  I guarantee you will be BLESSED because of it!  So, think about it, pray about it, and hopefully you will join me June 1st when we start our journey through the Bible again!