Have you ever read through the Bible in a year? I have tried and failed, but this year I am now in James and almost to Revelation. I am so thrilled!
Now before you think I’m bragging, let me just say that I have been a follower of Jesus for 47 years now and have never read the Bible in its entirety. Well, maybe I have read every verse...I pray that I have, but I have never read it from cover to cover...beginning to end...and its been a personal goal for many years.
So in Fall of 2018, I was intrigued by a T.V. Program called Quick Study. This program is a family run ministry that focuses on reading the Bible in a year. I began watching each day and quickly realized how very much I loved it!
Not only is there a 30-minute daily program but a monthly study guide can also be requested. It walks you through each day as you focus on the specific scripture.
I decided that with the help of this program, on January 1, 2019, I would commit to reading the Bible in a year. I can say that I have loved this family and the program. I rise every morning...get my coffee...find my favorite spot on the couch and spend time with Jesus and the Hembrees.
Bible Discovery
Pastor Rod expounds on a portion of the scripture, followed by two segments by his adult children. One on historical facts and the other science... where tough questions are answered. Janice, his wife, usually closes the program with a very insightful thought.
As I was reflecting back on this very tough year, I thought how good God was to lead me to this ministry and have a partner to walk through the Bible with.
This year, of all years...God was leading me to be in His word daily.
When Rudy was in the hospital, I remember thinking how far behind I was getting in my reading. I realized how much God had been pouring into my heart and renewing my mind during my early morning time with Him.
Reflecting on Him
It is now December and I further realize that it was in those quiet moments with God that I saw His heart....My faith had been renewed as I pondered the faithfulness He showed to Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
I recalled the words of King David in Psalms 18:3:
I call the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
I recollected on how the book of Isaiah came to life as so many verses stuck with me. I particularly love this one that I may have already shared:
So that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isaiah 41:20
Precious Moments
I could go on and on with the beautiful words that God breathed into my broken heart this past year.
His timing....perfect. He knew what lay ahead for 2019 and that more than ever, I would need to take up the sword of the spirit as it says in Ephesians 6:17.
It is in these moments that I have felt God's loving arms around me. It is in these moments that He has whispered ever so gently that He indeed loves me and will never leave me.
In fact, He will be closer still...if I will only take the time to be still and press in and glean the truths He has for me...truths that will sustain me in Christ, continue to give me hope and give me enough strength to get up and face another day in spite of the dagger I feel in my heart every morning when I wake up.
Today you are probably not quite thinking about goals for the New Year as there is so much to be done before Christmas! But I thought I would share this in case you wanted to check out "Quick Study" which has been changed to "Bible Discovery."
You can find them at:
From there you will find information about their ministry and the many resources they provide. You can also order your January guide so you will be ready to go on January 1st.
Above all, I just want to encourage you to spend time with Jesus. He is the anchor for your soul in the hardest of things.
I never would have dreamed I would be "that mom" who lost a son. In spite of him having a heart condition...it never crossed my mind.
We don’t know what the year 2020 holds(hopefully all good things)but as the saying goes, "We know who holds the future." So go ahead and dive into the word and get to know this beautiful Savior who loves us more than we could ever imagine.
Bitter Sweet....absolutely.
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