(G)Leaning on Grace

Here are some statistics from a Barna survey in 2018 that at first was encouraging and then became somewhat disappointing and disheartening. It’s hard to imagine that 80% of American homes have Bibles but so few actually believe or read them regularly. 50% agree that the Bible has answers to living a full life, but 46% NEVER open or read the Bible. Only 16% of adults read the Bible daily. It made me wonder, what is it that keeps people from reading what they claimed to be a source of wisdom and guidance for living a full life? Is it just believing they don’t have time? Do they think they won’t understand it? Is it boring to them? Maybe they don’t like to read? I hope that some of my responses to these concerns may be helpful to those who find interacting with the Bible challenging. If not having time is the issue given, then I would have to say, we all make time for what is important or a priority in our lives. We carve out time for movies, entertainment, Television, video game...

Beginning a new Bible reading plan for a new year is always exciting, if not a bit daunting. I’m excited to start something new with fantastic expectations of renewal, refreshing and response. But, then there seems to be that nagging thought that says, “Will you follow through?” “What do you hope to gain by reading a book?  A very old book?" Well, in response to those questions that flutter across my mind, I say this: “Yes, I intend to finish my plan!” “and I’m expecting God to work in my life, through His Word as He promised.”  God honors your faithfulness and if you ask him to speak to you, to do a work in you, in your heart, then, I believe that He Will! I chose to embark on a chronological journey through the Bible this year.  I have done it a few times before and read every word. For me, it helps put the narrative of God’s greatness, love, mercy and grace in perspective. It reads a little more like a love story through generations when it is in order of occurrence rather ...