“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
I thought it would take me forever, but I have finished.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
9 months have passed, and hours and hours, but finally, I have finished.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Thanks be to God for His Word, the water of life!
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
I began reading the Bible in fuzzy story-book form in my toddler years, but last summer I began to read the Bible all the way through, from beginning to end. My parents encouraged me to, and my brother and friends inspired me along the way, and just today I read the last words of the book of Revelations and thought about how far I’ve come.
- I’ve surrendered my future, my desires, my life.
- I’ve grown to love reading and studying the Bible.
- I’ve come to understand my own faith, on so many different levels.
- I’ve been able to share my faith, as a result of increased confidence.
- I’ve grown in character, which has always been my heartfelt desire.
As I traveled through the beginning of the Bible, I relished learning all the back story, the history, the “frame” for my faith. The Old Testament is considered boring by some people, but for me its rich and meaningful, always giving shadowy glimpses of the future in Christ. When I reached the four gospels, I was beyond excited to read about Jesus and see all the amazing parallels I had read about in the beginning of the Bible.
It all fits together, like a puzzle, and I have finished the puzzle for the first time. You know how you sit there in awe, after finishing a 5’000 piece puzzle, wondering at the hugeness and the complexity of it? You know that puzzle like the back of your hand. You’ve studied every piece. But all together, its beautiful.
It’s breathtaking.
But as soon as you finish it, it’s time to take it apart. But then after taking it apart, why not build it again? And again? Now that I’ve finished the Bible, I know I HAVE to read it again. And again. And again. To keep on building that 5’000 piece puzzle, until the edges are scuffed and the colors have faded. But the puzzle will still fit together.
It’s perfect.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
The sword of the Word of God has pierced my soul. Nothing can pull it out. Nothing will ever release the hold it has on my heart. It’s changed me and my preconceived indoctrination of what I thought life was, and I know that it will continue to change me.
Can I say something?
I want you to study the Word with all your heart. I want you to begin at the beginning. I want you to discover truth. I want this for you.
But it will be hard.
And YOU have to want it. YOU have to make the choice.
So I’ll just tell you that if you decide to read the Bible, it will change you. Because the Word of God is living and active, sharper than a sword, convicting you.
Maybe you don’t want to change.
But what if that change gives you more happiness, fulfillment, and real life than you’ve ever experienced?
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Yah's Girl 