The Power of God’s Love Letter

On a Sunday morning in early 2020 just before the world turned upside down, Pastor Glen encouraged us to use the Bible Reading Plan. It occurred to me, an avid reader, that I had read so many novels cover to cover but I had never read the Bible cover to cover.

My husband and I left church that morning with the Bible Reading Plan in hand. I also bought a new large-print Bible, notebook, and markers, and began the task at hand. The Bible Reading Plan provided me with an outline that allowed me to know each day what readings were recommended from the Old and New Testaments.

God Keeps His Promise

You might be asking yourself, “Why should I bother reading the Bible?”

What helped me was the knowledge that I needed to approach this with a willing heart, and the expectation that I would learn something new about God’s holy, unchanging, faithful, gracious, and loving character. I also had a clear intention and commitment to read the verses daily and relied on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide me through this process.

God promised in His Word: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8a, NKJV).”

And He did just that. As I drew near to Him through the reading of His Word, He drew near to me.

Peace in Palm Springs

In March 2020 we were vacationing in Palm Springs when we heard the news that we had to return home early because of the pandemic.

The day before driving home my husband developed severe abdominal pain and was admitted to the hospital with appendicitis. Because of COVID restrictions, I could not go into the hospital, and they sent me back to the place we were renting.

I felt helpless and very much alone. I picked up my Bible Reading Plan and read:

“… Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you (Joshua 1:9, NKJV) …”

Over the next eight days, still alone, my Bible readings continued to encourage and strengthen me.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV).”

Through God’s grace, we eventually overcame those challenges in Palm Springs and my Bible readings continued to be a dear companion.

Join Us This Year!

Reading God’s Love Letter to us cover to cover was life changing for me.

I encourage you to build regular Bible reading into your life. Whether you join us in reading through the RMCC Bible Reading Plan for 2022, or you choose your own reading plan, I suggest the following:

• Pray and ask God to give you a desire for His Word.
• Build a time into your day to read Scripture and make this time a priority.
• Find someone to hold you accountable to your reading plan or start a reading plan with a friend.
• Focus on our Lord and His faithfulness, not on your circumstances.
• And as Pastor Glen said, “Ask the Lord to give you ears to hear what He wants to say to you.”

I encourage you to weave God’s Word into the rhythm of your life and I pray you will feel His nearness as you take His lead.

God Bless You!

Written by Donna Graham