Joseph McRae Mellichamp, Professor Emeritus
Management Science, University of Alabama
At this time of the year, most of us think of things we would like to accomplish in the next year. Some of us make a list of New Year’s resolutions; others assess their lives and formulate a plan and various goals. Whether we make detailed lists to check off, or simply affirm that we are going to undertake some project in the next year, the chances are that we have already begun to think along these lines.
What about goals for the spiritual dimension of our lives? In last week’s MMM, Mark Geil talked about taking his family through the Bible in a year. He mentioned the reading guide I had assembled; I thought you might be interested in the impetus for its creation.
I Wanted To Know All Of God’s Word
Several years ago, I decided to read through the Bible as a New Year’s resolution. I wanted to know all of God’s word. Martin Luther said: “If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.”
This may sound like a huge undertaking, one that would involve a large time commitment. It’s not. I discovered by putting together a spreadsheet to guide me, and reading an average of 85 verses a day (10 to 15 minutes) that I could complete the entire Bible in a year.
My 13th Year
In a few days I will finish reading all of the Bible for the 13th consecutive year, and I am chomping at the bit to start again in 2011. My wife Peggy will finish her 12th reading in a few days and many of our friends are also finishing up—some for the first or second time, others for the fifth or sixth or seventh time.
I have been blessed so much by this discipline that I am challenging anyone who will listen to join us. In fact, in our Christmas letter every year we close by inviting all our friends and relatives to join us and include a copy of the spreadsheet.
I wanted to see my devotional life deepen; reading through the Bible delivers. It has helped me become more consistent in my prayer life; a daily time in the Word opens the door to conversation with the Author of the Word.
As we begin the New Year, what could be more exciting than reading the story of the greatest Person of history?
© 2008 Joseph McRae Mellichamp