I was about ten years old when the Catholic kid down the street “for some reason” one day handed me a paperback New Testament and said, “Read this…”. I took it home and threw it in my sock drawer. Some years later, on a boring, rainy day I rummaged through my dresser just to see what was there and came upon that New Testament. I was so bored I sat down in front of my space heater and opened it to the Gospel of Matthew chapter one, verse one and began reading. I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire Gospel in one sitting. When I came to the last verse where the risen Jesus says to His followers, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”, I wept.

I encourage you to go find that Bible wherever you last tossed it or find a good Bible app on your mobile device. Then, grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in. Check out Luke 1:1-4 and John 20:30-31 to see why Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written. Then pick a Gospel and read it all the way through in one sitting. If you try this, you will be opening your deepest places to the Spirit of the Living God and our Risen Lord Jesus Christ who promised to be with us forever (John 14:15-16).

Dear Inviting Lord,

            Your Spirit speaks through the Bible that is close at hand. You are waiting to show me Yourself. Help me notice Your gentle invitation to take, settle and read.