Though she may not know it, Bethanie Freeman is the inspiration for the title of this devotion and moreover, my
commitment to read the Bible through in a year. Bethanie announced to me, during one of our conversations in the narthex, that she wanted to try to read the Bible through in a year and that she was going to do it! That conversation was December 2019/January 2020 (can’t remember for sure) and to say that I was touched, moved and compelled by that statement is an understatement! Talk about a New Year’s resolution with some punch….I was down for that exercise.

But to Bethanie and to all of you, I must confess: I am on the two year plan!

However, at this writing, I am a little over halfway through the Old Testament and little over halfway through the New Testament. I am following the “Our Daily Bread” plan that is listed at the bottom of each “Our Daily Bread” devotional. My 93-year-old mother has decided to use this plan too. I told her I was on the two year plan…..she giggled.

There are lots of plans to read through the Bible and many are online, so that you can use them on your smartphone, iPad, or laptop and those are great also.

My purpose in sharing this with you, my church family, is to encourage you to give this a go, whether you have already read through the entire Bible already or not. For me, the important thing was to start – regardless of how long it takes. Once I started, I found myself longing for more time in the Word, more time with the Lord, and the enjoyment in reading, learning and loving God’s precepts and His promises. That is what has taken me so long – I find myself reading the notes at the bottom of my Bible to understand more and I am underlining/double underlining all over the place!

Psalm 19 and 119 remind us of the blessings and truth that come from the Word of God:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are
trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19: 7-8)

“Teach me, O Lord, to follow Your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.” Psalm 119: 33-35)

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts
therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path.” (Psalm 119: 103-105)

During this Lenten season, I want to encourage you to begin your “walk through the Bible” and if you do decide to do this, let me know so that I can pray with you and for you, as we journey through the Word together! (Thank you Bethanie!)

Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your Word that is flawless and true. I pray that as I read and study the Scriptures, Your Spirit would speak to my heart and help me resist every wrong path. Please teach me, Lord, that I might gain
understanding, keep Your law, and obey it with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.