At the start of 2011 we encouraged everyone to spend more time in bible reading as part of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. We particularly encouraged people to try to read the bible in a year. Many of our devotionals through the year have followed the readings that we have included at the bottom of each day.
I wonder how well you have done. I have to admit that I have struggled at times and have not always completed the readings set for the day. I comfort myself by thinking I am probably not alone, but I would be delighted to hear from those of you who have been able to keep to it throughout the year!
The truth is that it is not easy to stick to a routine of bible reading but God's Word is worth persevering with – especially as we recognise that within scripture are words of life and eternal significance!
In 2012 during Lent we shall be following a programme right across m2o in all our services, Small Groups, youth and children's work and other activities, called 40 Days in the Word. My prayer is that this will be life changing for each of us as individuals, as a church, and as we serve our local communities in direct response to the Word of God, being not only hearers but doers of the Word.
Today's Psalm 141 reminds us in verse 8 that we need to keep our eyes on God – faithfully coming to Him each day, and reading God's word is one of the ways we keep our eyes on Him – and as our eyes are focussed on Him, so everything else comes into perspective and we are equipped to live for Him in all we are doing.
Esther was faithful against enormous odds and with her life under threat – let us keep our eyes on the Lord as we encounter Him in His Word day by day.
Martin Saxby
Read the Bible in a Year: Psalm 141:1-10; Esther 2:19-5:14; Revelation 3:7-22
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