Summer Reading Plan

I don't know about you, but sometimes during summer I can find my normal rhythm of Bible reading to be disrupted. That’s why I am thankful for the summer reading plan our Community Life team put together! You can find it here. It’s not too late to get started. Why not try it today?

Throughout my life, God has used His Word to encourage, direct, convict, and teach. When I first started reading the Bible, I felt overwhelmed by how much I needed to read and learn. But I quickly realized it was okay because I had a lifetime to get to know Him. Here are just a few of His words that have spoken to me at certain times in my life:

After a family member moved away from Portland who was not walking with the Lord, I was whining to God about how I could no longer have influence in their life. God’s said:

“Do you think My arm is too short to reach her in her new town?” (Numbers 11:23)

When a family member remained distant and I was losing hope of ever being reconciled, God said:

“Even though you’re feeling hopeless, remember Abraham. He kept hoping to have many descendants even though his and Sarah’s bodies were as good as dead, his faith did not weaken. Hang in there.” (Romans 4:18-19)

When being accused of things that went against who I thought I was, God said:

“When they hurled their insults at Jesus, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Trust Me to be your Defender.” (1 Peter 2:23)

When I was complaining about some things, God said:

“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”  (1 Corinthians 10:10) (OUCH!)

When I made a big decision because of how I felt the Lord had directed, many people questioned if I was really listening to God. God said:

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
   but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Who are you going to trust?”

In so many pivotal moments in my life, it was God’s Word that gave me just what I needed. If you have yet to start a regular habit of reading the Bible, I want to encourage you to download the reading guide and start reading TODAY! It’s never too late and you're never too far to start learning about God and listening to Him.  

Blessings,

Shari Swanson
Pastor (BCC Cares, Prayer Ministry, Senior Life)