Reading Bible Through

I did it! Finally in all these years I have read through the Bible. I’ve read my Bible for years but never have I read it all the way through. It was very enjoyable and I learned a lot.

One thing I gained from reading the Old Testament is that God is long-suffering. He could have wiped the earth clean more times than just with the flood and been done with the mess that the people caused but he didn’t. He is a very patient God without doubt. But another thing I gained was He says what He means and He means what He says. He keeps His promises. He warned the children of Israel He was going to destroy Jerusalem over and over and over, and He did!  The next thing I gained was how much God loves His children. Parents can’t hold a light to Him in the love He has for His children. And patient, how patient God is. Many of us wouldn’t have put up with the things He did for half as long as He did. There are lessons for us to learn from reading the Old Testament.

God was so disappointed in the children of Israel, his chosen children, and rightfully so. One can’t read about the Israelites without comparing them to us in today’s world. I’m sure God is disappointed in us and how reckless we are with life and His gospel. Why just think about His church and how He sent His Son that we might be saved. Look at all the different denominations popping up everywhere. They might as well be golden calves the people are worshiping because everyone is teaching a different doctrine. They are doing things their way. Ignorance of the scripture abounds. Near us is a newly formed church with a sign that reads something to the effect of “About God not religion.” Really? Again, ignorance of the scripture abounds.

It chills me to hear a person say, “I’m a member of the First Church.” Really? Which church is that? Does it wear His name? Does it practice His doctrine? Is it named in Romans 16:16?

I hope the Lord will be long-suffering and forgiving toward us when we stand before Him. I beg for mercy for not being as diligent as I should have been in telling others about Him. Life’s pages are swiftly turning and golden moments are being lost to a lost and dying world. “Lord, please help us to use our time wisely and recognize opportunities when they stare us in the face. Help us to be bold in sharing the Good News of Your Word. Help us to fasten our eyes on You and the eternal reward the faithful have waiting on the other side and conduct ourselves accordingly. In Jesus Name, I pray.”