From the Lord comes deliverance (Psalm 3:8)
I have begun the new year joining friends at Bethel in a commitment to read the entire Bible (in my case, yet again!) during 2017. I am using the following book, the One Year Bible.
Several years ago, a study by the Willow Creek Association was done that suggested (I believe correctly) that the single most effective catalyst for spiritual growth is reading scripture regularly. Having a discipline and plan to read through the Bible and avail yourself of the "living Word" is the fuel source for the Christian life.
As Lutherans, we believe the Bible is inspired and authoritative for life and faith. And the words of scripture will bring deliverance from those chains that desire to keep us bound. The overarching message of the Bible is actually quite beautuful: God has, is, and will always be invested fully and completely in the lives of the people of the world and God's purpose for bringing new life out of death is ever-present and the heart of God's compassion. In a nutshell, God cares for you and is always working to bring you abundant life. Period.
Even if reading through the Bible in a year seems a bit of a stretch for you, I invite you to read the Bible more. Pick a book and read it through in one sitting. Pick a section (Gospels, Prophets, Psalms,etc.) and read through over the course of a couple of months. There are a ton of different Bible reading plans out there. Find one that works for you and see if having scripture as a daily part of your life doesn't change your life. I believe and know that it will.
Blessings,
PD
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