Well, it's Thursday, December 17th, and by now you have chosen to participate in the Ponce’s Bible-In-One-Year Reading Plan in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps, undertaking this task brings to mind a time when you tried reading through the entire Bible in a year. Maybe, because of those "failed" attempts, you've made the decision to not even try another, similar reading plan. I can relate. I have also experienced the discouragement that comes with struggling to keep pace with a Bible-reading program. Sometimes, I've just given up. Of course, some are motivated by regimented tasks--they immediately start tackling the daily readings. I've experienced moments like that in the past, but it's usually short lived. If in the first three days you're flourishing, praise God and keep it up! But, if you've just begun the program and already find yourself behind, let me encourage you with a couple comments. (As we go, I'll be sharing one or two encouraging comments each week)
A steady "Bible diet" is important for our encounter with the Triune God, not a badge of accomplishment. So, if an encounter with the Lord is our goal, then God's redemptive grace is the foundation of our reading. In other words, encountering the Triune God through a "Bible diet" happens only because the Triune God gives it to us as a gift. Encountering the Triune God through the Bible is fundamentally not about our accomplishments, but God's. When writing to the Galatians, Paul affirms this fact through several rhetorical questions, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" If we were to rewrite what Paul says for our situation, we'd ask--"Why would you, dear Christian, believe experiencing God through His Word is about you? Wasn't it the Holy Spirit who drew you to God in the first place? Don't you believe it the Spirit who sustains your love for God?" Brothers and sisters, our efforts to read the Bible don't make us any more acceptable to our Lord Jesus Christ. But that's good news actually! We can relax. We can read the Bible out of a true love for God, not out of an obligation to somehow satisfy God. You weren't under the law before you were saved and you aren't under the law now.
So, friends, tackle today in the power of the Spirit. Pray that Our Father make Himself more real to you in the midst of your reading. Enjoy the greatest gift He has given you simply because He loves you--His presence.
Blessings—
Rev. Tolivar Wills