notebooks that belonged to my great-greats in the 1840’s. My great-grandfather’s diplomas from high school (“Normal school” at that time). It is on actual vellum.
Among the various photographs and papers is a packet of letters tied with a ribbon. Curiosity got the better of me one day, and I opened the letter on top and started to read. It didn’t take me long to see that it was a love letter, written by my great-grandfather to my great-grandmother. He was away from home, serving in the Oklahoma State Senate. It wasn’t a long letter, but his love for his wife and family was plainly evident. The rest of the letters continued in the same way, weaving a beautiful tapestry that continues through the following generations. These letters were cherished by my great-grandmother. I can imagine her re-reading them over and over again as the weeks passed while he was away. We have all heard that the Bible is a collection of God’s love letters to us written over many years and in many voices. Letters of poetry, wisdom, advice, warning, and sacrifice. Yet, how many of us have taken the time to read those love letters, much less re-read them? Some view the Bible as a to-do list of how to appease a harsh and menacing God. Some view it as a weapon to be used to justify their superiority and to oppress those deemed less deserving. Others view it as a myth or just a plain history book flawed with errors. Honestly, I have viewed the Bible in some of these ways. Things started to change for me when I accepted a challenge to read through the Bible in one year. The object was not to read it as a book, but to read it as if it was God writing to me to show me His love for me and all of humanity. I won’t tell you that it was an easy task. There were some dry days that were hard to see God at all. My mind wandered when reading through lists of names and genealogies. There were times when there was a lot of “smiting” and cruel acts. Truthfully, it was hard to see God’s love in some parts. I persevered and made it through the Bible in one year. Despite the doubts I had at times, God changed me. I was able to see the Bible as a whole story instead of individual books. As I have read through each year since, I have come to love the God who has revealed Himself to me in His word. He reveals some new facet of His character every day. I wake every morning eager to see what He will show me that day. As I go through my day, He will nudge me and remind me of what I have read. He will show me the meaning of what I have read in a seemingly mundane part of my day. He shows up increasingly as I take the time to look for Him. It is my wish that everyone would have this experience. I invite you to see God’s love for you firsthand. Several people joined me earlier this year. We started in Genesis on January 1st. We will be starting the New Testament on October 1st. Please join us. We are using the Bible Recap plan produced by Tara-Leigh Cobble. You can find information on how to start the reading plan here: https://www.thebiblerecap.com/start#how Look for Step 1. You can join using your YouVersion Bible app on your phone or tablet, print a copy, or both. There are even versions for kids and ASL. No purchase needed. I would love to answer any questions you have. Call me at (208) 449-7590, email me at [email protected], or catch me at church. I am excited to see what God will do in your life as He reveals Himself and His deep love for you in new ways through His Word. In His Name, Dan
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