December 27, 2022
Get To Know The Author In 2023
In 2021 I was given a devotional book on grace that was authored by a friend who is an associate Pastor at another church here in town. This lady is a very talented and gifted writer. She also has a fantastic personality with a heart of love and compassion for everyone. The more that I got to know her the more that I could see why she wrote a devotional on grace – it flows through her every day in every way.
Since I was already doing 3 other devotionals every day I decided to wait until 2022 to start reading her devotional on grace. It was worth the wait as every day that I read the devotional I was more inspired to experience grace and to share grace with others around me, no matter what the circumstance or situation. Since I knew the author personally, it made the reading each day more interesting.
I could just see her saying the things that she had written on each page. I could see in my mind the facial expressions and tone of her voice as I read her beautiful words about grace. I looked forward every day with anticipation to see what God was going to say to me through this friend’s writings.
So with that in mind let’s look at the greatest book ever written – the Bible. How often do you read it? Do you read it with anticipation of a blessing every day? Do you receive inspiration, joy, and peace from reading it? If you answered no to these questions maybe it’s because you don’t know the author. When you know the author you can see how God’s love for you is expressed every time that you take the time to read it and get to know Him better.
Why not start the new year off with an intentional goal to read the Word of God each day? I don’t mean to just skim it or read it to just fulfill a requirement to be able to read the Bible through this year. Take time to intentionally read the Word of God with the idea of seeing what the author, God, wants to show you that day as you read this love letter to you.
Since the Word of God is active and alive it means that the Holy Spirit used men thousands of years ago to write to you today. The Bible is the greatest roadmap to guide you when you are lost, it is the greatest encourager when you are depressed, and it is the only book ever written that can meet your needs in every situation of life.
So I encourage you to read the Bible every day with the intent of getting to know the author on a deep, personal level. As you read and meditate on the timeless words that have been written you will find 2023 to be one of the best years of your life. It can bring peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and your mind as you dwell in Christ Jesus and His holy Word. And in this troubled world, a healthy dose of peace can be found in the promises of God’s beautiful Word.
In love with Jesus – Gary Mimbs