Zondervan NIV Wide Margin Bible Book

Phew, it took a year, but I finally finished the entire Bible. Back in January, I decided to take the plunge and do something that I'd always wanted to - a reading challenge through the year to finish the whole Bible. And I must say, I'm looking at it in ways that I never had before. It's amazing to see the connections throughout the whole thing, despite the fact that there were forty different authors (from various generations) writing under God's influence. To see references to Jesus Christ all through the Old Testament, now that was something amazing.

I also found it fascinating to go straight from the Old Testament right into the New. After being pounded with the law and for so many centuries and told how, as sinners, we are unable to fulfill it, I saw for the first time just why it was so difficult for them to accept Jesus as the Messiah. But I could also see why so many were thrilled that He had finally come, after witnessing the amazing events of His life and the absolute compassion had/has for them/us.

More and more, especially after reading Revelations, am I grateful that Jesus gave us a way out. I actually read the last few chapters of the Bible in tears because I was so overwhelmed by what He had done for us and given to us. While reading it straight through was certainly a commitment, it was very much worthwhile in the end. I still love this book, but most importantly, I love the One who gave it to us. His compassion and understanding will never cease to amaze me.