By 
Some Scripture passages feel like they should be shouted, don’t they?
And some feel like they should be whispered, like a secret God is revealing, too wonderful to speak aloud. Some passages seem as if they must have been a painful struggle to write, and some are glorious exaltations of a mighty God with a tender loving hand.
I recently finished the Bible in 90 Days reading program with a friend.
I had done it before, but this time was different. Before, I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit, B90 had been something to accomplish—like the mere reading of all the words in my Bible in 90 days added a gold star to my faith accomplishments.
This time I was reading it through with someone who had never read the Bible before. She knew some of the stories, a few little passages, but had never really read it. She wanted to know where Jesus was in the Bible; so we embarked on that journey together, and we met him on every page.
This time I found myself reading Scripture for what it revealed—not about the God I know, but the God I love.
How often do we allow God to renew our vision to see more of Him in Scripture—not reading to find an answer to a world-posed question; not for preparing a Sunday School lesson; not to tick a box in a reading plan. God gave me the gift of a friend who yearned to know more of Jesus in His Father’s Word. She asked questions that showed a purity and a perspective that had me thinking of Scripture afresh, and God used her to deepen my love for Him in an incredible way.
My husband and I have a theme verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV: For all the promises of God find their Yes in him (Jesus Christ). That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
This is one of those verses that I find my voice raising in exaltation! All His promises! ALL! It is an incredible verse that has me eagerly reading in search of each promise so I can say, “Yep! This one, too!”
Another verse that begs to be shouted, that Paul himself seems to interrupt his letter just to exclaim, is 2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV:Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Alleluia—right?!!
And when you read some of David’s psalms you can sense his anguish in his confession and repentance in Psalm 51, or his humbleness in the revelations of Psalm 139 when he is overwhelmed by the wisdom and authority and care of God.
I just love when God steps in and tells us like it is—like HE is:
To Job:“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth...when I made clouds its garment? …Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?” (Job 38:4,9,12-13, ESV).
To Israel:“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine” (Psalm 50:10-12, ESV). That section of Psalm 50 ends with God saying, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Not just Awe-some but Awe-full!!
I am grateful for wise men of old who advanced the richness of Scripture.
On the first day of my first Womenary class, Ross Strader prayed this prayer from Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury in the early 16thcentury:
“Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant us that we may in such ways hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace, and hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life which You have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ.”
I am so grateful for all the ways that God has given meaning and feeling to study of Scripture:
Womenary courses have deepened my understanding.
My friend partnering with me in completing B90 gave new and precious meaning to that accomplishment.
Attending women’s events at my church connect me with other women to talk about life events as fellow Christ-followers.
And all these are just the highlights that have enriched my own daily dive into His Word.
Maybe this fall’s reading list should include reading for God’s promises, or creating your own list of Scripture that evokes passion in you—for God’s aseity, for repentance, for His Son, for those who walked before us and let God use them to tell His Story.
May we all be blessed by such an endeavor—and be a blessing to others in turn! God be glorified!
Elizabeth Murphy
Elizabeth Murphy has been following Christ since she was 17. Although this road has not always been straight, she has seen God’s hand in every detour. She is blessed with and by her husband, John, and growing family. As an educator, she has been able to feed her insatiable desire to learn every day and share learning with others. Elizabeth became a student of Womenary in 2016. From the Bible to theology to cozy mysteries, She is always absorbed in reading. This still leaves time for enjoying travel with her husband, walking, old movies, and time with extended family and friends. Elizabeth loves to walk alongside fellow Christ-chasers—learning and laughing through life.
