Strengthen Me According to Your Word

Besides the calling I have on my life to preach the Word, God also has a called me to strengthen you. One of the best ways that I can do this is by encouraging you to meet with God through prayer and Bible reading. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119. This Psalm is full of references to God's Word. In verse 28 the Psalmist says,

"Strengthen me according to your word."

It is my hope to encourage you to find the kind of spiritual strength that can only come through God's Word. Toward this goal I have already encouraged you to consider practicing a Day of Grace on the first of each month, so that you won't quit but keep on going. Today, I want to offer three other suggestions that may strenthen you in this project. There is an interesting proverb in Ecclesiastes 4:12,

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

If three strands make a strong cord, then I believe the following four can make your 2006 Bible Reading Project a success.

First, this year we are reading the Bible in chronological order. I am hoping that this will help you to make more sense of your reading as the passages flow into the whole of the Bible. You can see the various books of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural context.

Second, we will find a verse or truth each week that penetrates our hearts. Even though we will be reading several chapters each week we will try to focus one verse or short phrase. This emphasis is not so much on reading through the Bible but on having the Bible read through you. Hebrews 4:12 reads:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

It is my hope that the Word will transform our hearts and draw us nearer to God.

The third strand we have already discussed. It is the Day of Grace. I believe this can really combat the temptation to just give up if you fall behind. Rather than give up, on the first day of the new month just start all over wherever we are on our reading schedule, and press on.

Fourth, let's encourage others to join us. When do things together with others, it is not only more fun, but it also provides that special element of accountablility. You don't want to disappoint your friends that you have encouraged to start this project, so you press on.

Together we can do it. Let God strengthen you through His Word. Have a blessed day.