WE NEED TO BE "PEOPLE OF 'THE BOOK'!"

I know that I've written something similar to this
before, but the timing is exquisite for another
attempt to get you into your Bible!
It's only January 5th, and there's plenty of time
for you to begin to read through the Word of God
this year! I have a plan.
I did the math, and I came up with 267 chapters
in the New Testament, and 950 in the O.T., give
or take a couple, perhaps.
That being the case, if you read one chapter in
the New Testament every morning, and 2 or 3
chapters in the Old Testament later in the day,
you'll probably finish the entire Bible before the
year is over!! WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!!
The only catch to it is this - if you are, or if you
become "a student of the Word", you may find
yourself spending some extra time in some
very interesting passages. "Falling behind" is NOT
a bad thing!
The idea is to get you to FALL IN LOVE with the
message(s) that God has had written and pre-
served for you! What a good way to start 2010!
There will be "snow days", vacation days, rainy
days, etc. when you can read ahead or even do
some catching up, but don't put yourself in any
pressure.
A notepad or journal next to your Bible as you
read is a good idea, as is another translation or
two. Feel free to make notes in the margins of
your Bible - you're further consecrating your
copy of God's Word by notating the invaluable
truths that He is showing you as you read!!
The reason for starting the day with the New
Testament is that it is "where you are" now in
life, with the words that you are living and
following now.
The Old Testament, replete with history and
prophecies, is still full of verses, psalms, and
soul-felt lessons from which you can benefit, too!
THE BIBLE HAS ROMANCE, POETRY, ADVENTURE,
HISTORY, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MUCH MORE FOR
YOU!! "Discover the Bible all over again", to borrow
a popular advertising phrase. You'll be the
better for it, trust me - you'll soon see!!

P.S. As helpful as your Pastor's sermons may be,
of those of the TV ministers, you need that regular
feeding on God's truths! Sunday School and weekly
Bible Study is helpful, too, but nothing can take the
place of you "hearing directly from God".
I'm praying for you.