10 Reasons NOT to Read Your Bible this Year!

I took this off of my brother Phil Stern's FB Post this morning. I am challenged once again to read thru the Bible this year but in an excellerated way. Whatever way you choose.....just choose! Let this convince you!!!
Susan


10 Reasons NOT to Read Your Bible This Year

1. It might change your character. You may be inspired to treat people differently, to act on the behalf of those who are mistreated, downtrodden, or hated. You may act differently not because you are trying to be a better person, but because you encounter a God that loves you just the way you are.

2. It may change your actions. You may begin to think differently, and, therefore, act differently. People around you may see a difference in you as you begin to act in ways that are contrary to what the world holds as important.

3. You might think different about God. Currently, you may assume God is angry and disappointed in you, perhaps like someone in your own life. If you engage with the Scriptures, you may notice that this isn’t true about Him at all.

4. Might discover that you’ve mistaken religion with relationship. You may realize the bad religion that you’ve experienced in the past is in fact very different from the Jesus in the Scriptures. You may actually encounter the Jesus in the Scriptures.

5. You may give up trying to be perfect in life. As you see the redemption in store in the Bible for countless misfits and heathens, idol worshippers and killers, you may learn of the restoration in store for your life too. You may be surprised of all the jacked up people in the Bible that were used by God.

6. It may affect your relationships. You may begin to see people not for how they can benefit you, but instead how you can impact them. As you begin to apply what you learn in the Scriptures, you may see your relationships with others go to a whole new level of influence.

7. You may become unsettled. As you read stories of boldness and sacrifice through the lives of imperfect people, you may lose yourself in the stories. You may find yourself in the middle of a conversation from long ago. You may become unsettled with the life you currently live.

8. You may realize that people are still the same. Even though the world today is very different than in biblical times, you may find that people are very much the same as they’ve always been. You encounter people who are selfish, broken, and confused, but end up being selfless, healed, and filled with purpose in life.

9. You may want to involve others. The Bible was written over thousands of years by dozens of different authors, all I believe inspired by God. Its unique formation can make it pretty intimidating to understand at times. As you engage with the Scriptures, you may be compelled to bring in friends, family, or others to join you in your new quest.

10. It may challenge you to leave behind a legacy with your short time on Earth. You may be compelled to give your life to a greater cause, one that extends far beyond your pleasures or comforts. When you read the bible, it's all about a life that has purpose and meaning and therefore promotes legacy for your generation and the ones to follow in your footsteps.

Have an awesome year of change should you choose to read your bible!