Scripture in its entirety

I've had a recent conviction. By recent, its actually been for at least a year or so, but am just coming to verbalize it certainly just coming to a point of really puting it into action.

Sidenote--I've realized that a conviction is hardly that unless you actually act on. Its just a mere thought unless you live it out. But thats another post for another day.

So this conviction of mine involves Scripture. I love Scripture. I love reading it, learning it, teaching it, knowing it. Everything. I want to know more and more and be disciplined in the Word. I want Jeremiah's heart when he 'devours' the Word (15:16) Just knowing that the Word is God is packed with truth and promises, it begs the question, why do I not go to the Word consistently and faithfully?

So here's the thing. Here's what breaks my heart and moves me to conviction. I only know parts of Scripture--dare I say, WE only know parts of scripture. We go to the same passages over and over and shy away from the confusing passages and difficult books. I'm not at all saying that its a bad thing to go to your 'go to's' I often read the underlines in my Bible. But I do however think its a big deal that you and I both nearly refuse to step outside to cultural Christianity boundaries to investigate God in the Bible's entirety. Have you ever noticed how often a pastors teaching starts out with "this is probably a familiar passage?" There is likely still much to learn from that, I'd just love to see not only our teaching but also our individual time touch the white pages--the ones we never read. It might take studying. It will take time. It will be challenging. But it's sure to be worth it.

I'll be the first to admit, its hard. I'm currently reading Isaiah and have never been more confused in Scripture. Yet I can also confidently say I've never been more amazed by God. Its fresh. Its new. Its real.

So let me offer a word of encouragement. Expand a bit and read the Bible in its entirety. Its good thru and thru. Not just the most popular passages are good. Even the Old Testament, including Leviticus is packed with goodness. May you and I see that. Blessings.