Encourage One Another

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Towards the end of 2008 I came across a novel idea (to me any way) of reading the bible in a year. Crossroads, a daily women’s devotional, was encouraging us to take up this challenge. They suggested a low cost, fairly modern translation, but in chronological order, set out specifically for this task. Also, they encouraged us to have someone to hold us accountable.

That Bible was duly purchased and January was eagerly awaited. The goal was shared with a few friends, one of whom offered to and purchased their own copy to read along. We decided to do weekly calls to discuss readings or simply just check and encourage each other to keep on.

As the weeks turned into months, the calls may have become less frequent, but the daily readings remained constant; calling when something touched a nerve or disturbed a long-forgotten memory.

The year is almost over—the book is almost finished. I tell my girls I wish I had done this many years ago, and taken note of the array names of ladies—names which have good meanings associated—but they don’t seem convinced!

Repetition is a recognised way of learning and the Bible several times recaps the entire history throughout the old and new testaments. I would encourage everyone to take a fresh look, or a first look, at God’s word chronologically.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as 2009 draws to a close let us take time to review the year and our priorities. May we go into 2010 seeking to draw closer to You and in turn be more like You. In Jesus’ name.
Amen

Study by Jackee Brown