Reading Through the New Testament

 Yesterday, oops, no, Saturday, I posted about being an ally. Yesterday I just did not post. The first day since I started that I just missed a day. Anyway, I posted about how my views have changed the more I get to know Christ. And I thought to myself: "What do I really know though?" "What in the world have I learned about this God I claim to know?" And the answer has been slowly coming. Last year some time.... summer time maybe?... I decided to take a proactive approach to my life and the emotional roller coaster that living with long-standing depression takes me on. And I started a little group on facebook that is reading through the New Testament. We are now finishing 2 Thessalonians. So we are clipping right along! 

Our little group just reads the chapter posted each day and responds. So there's not much structure. Especially considering that we don't all read what is posted on the day posted. I have a tendency to lag and catch up, lag and catch up. But it does something for me. This reading of the word of God. 

There are no rules. My mom is one those people who thinks you are not really reading God's word if you're not reading out the King James Version. It's a little bit exasperating. I know that the real, true God inspires me when I read the bible. It's not fake. 

I decided to take on this journey because for December 2023, I chose to participate in a group reading through the book of Luke. One chapter every day, respond to the reading in the comments. And we would finish the book on the 24th, just in time for Christmas. This reading took me through a dark depression and helped me to walk through it. 

Every day was not profound. Some days I read for the point of saying that I read it. No deep or profound thruths were imparted to me. I just muddled through. But all that muddling still added up to something. And I felt a strength returning to my soul. And I know I needed it.

The same as I need this now. Every day is not necessarily deep and profound, although I am awe struck at just how often I do find something deep and profound in what we are reading. Every day I don't see or feel my life changing. But I know it is. I don't always feel like a light and a friend. But I know that when my group-mates post what they read, they inspire me, encourage me, and challenge me. 

I am so grateful for this little venture we are on. Each of us on our own journey with God, and yet, each of us contributing to the walk of our pathmates. All of us seeking. All of us open to hear what spiritual truths might be nestled in those words. 

I am a NIV girl. I like the New International Version of the bible. It speaks to me. Much more profoundly than the KJV. You can give me your arguments for why you are right, and I might smile and nod, but I'm probably going to read out of the NIV today. and tomorrow. and the tomorrow after that. 

But I know God will speak to me. The same as He speaks to you when you read the King James Version. 

Today I am grateful for this small group. This little thing in my life. It helps to ground me. And it invigorates my faith. Thank you Lord for this little inspiration. Thank you Lord for caring for me.

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