“And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"”
- Mark 2:12
At the beginning of 2019, I decided one of my goals should be to read through my Bible in one year. What God-fearing Christian doesn’t make this type of New Years Resolution? I subscribed to a plan on my YouVersion app and started reading. In the first few weeks, I did a great job. However, gradually the excitement of starting something new fizzled out and I stopped reading my Bible.
In addition to reading my Bible, I’m working through a Bible study called, “Breaking Free: The Journey, The Stories” by, Beth Moore. As often as I could, I made time to work on my Bible study. Unfortunately, with each passing day, I completely forgot about my desire to read through the Bible in one year. Oops!!
Has this ever happened to you?
Even though, I haven't been able to stick to my Bible reading plan, God has used my Breaking Free Bible study to speak truth into my life. I am so thankful. Even when I fail, God is faithful!! Just the other day, I came across a verse in Isaiah, which I found very meaningful. I just have to share it with you.
“Return to me, for I have redeemed you..”
- Isaiah 44:23b
Return. To. Me.
Short and simple, but filled with such powerful truths!! God has been using this verse as a gentle reminder for me to return to Him and His word. Daily, I need to whatever it takes to get in God’s word.
Like I said before, I had been trying to read through the Bible in one year. I tried a plan on my phone, but it wasn’t my favorite. I prefer to use pen and paper. Thankfully, I was able to find a free printable on Pinterest called, “2019 5-Day Bible Reading Program”. I printed it out and put it in my Bible, so that I will remember to read God's word everyday.
That's right, I’m going to try again.
Yes, I’m starting my Bible reading plan in May. I realize it is almost half way through the year. Honestly, I don't think it matters when I start my Bible reading plan as long as I’m spending time with God in His word.
Today, I read Mark 2 and the verse below resonated with me the most!!
“And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"”
- Mark 2:12
The paralytic did everything he could to be with Jesus and be in His presence. He know it was the only place where he would find true healing!!
Sin separates us from God.
Genesis 3 describes the fall of Adam and Eve. Along with the introduction of sin into the world.
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”
- Genesis 3:8
Sin caused Adam and Eve to hide from God’s presence. Seriously, like He didn’t know where they were!? Going into the light of God’s presence means exposing our sins and being honest about the state of our heart.
Don’t let sin keep you from being in God’s presence. I hope we will be like the paralytic man, who did whatever was necessary to be with Jesus. We must be brave enough to walk in the light, because it is only through Jesus where true healing can be found.
Today, make every effort to come into God’s presence.
