"READ THE BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER"

            "READ THE BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER"

     Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a  love letter from your

soul mate. You recognize the handwriting at once and anxiously

tear open the envelope. As you enter the front door, youi toss the

bills, flyers , and junk mail aside before settling down on the couch

to take in every word of what your true love has to say. But you

notice that the letter is rather long. The print is small. And some

of the verbage is-- to put it bluntly--hard to understand. You  know

that every word has been choosen with care and written 

 especially for you, but you decide to read the opening

greeting and paragraph and call it quits. After all, you've gotten the

gist of the letter. You have more important things to do with your time.

Like check out the junk mail on the coffee table.

   If you haven't read the Bible from cover to cover, that's exactly

what you've done with it. You've skimmed a love letter that has

the power to change your life and your heart. Before you go to heaven,

get to know the One who's waiting there for you. The Bible introduces

you to God's character, how He works in the world, and His plan

for your life on earth and in heaven. Every word carries His finger

print. Every verse reveals His truth.

    Get aquainted with each and every chapter of the Old and the New 

Testament . You don't have to read every book sequentially,

beginning with book one. Mix them up. Many study- Bibles contain

a schedule that can help you read through the Bible in a year.

A good study Bible will provide insight into why, when,by whom,

and to whom a book was written. However, the ultimate study aid is God's

very own Spirit. Ask God to help you understand and apply what you're

reading. The better picture you have of who God is, the deeper your love

for Him will grow.

David Bordon/Tom Winters