A YEAR OF READING (part 1)...

1) READ the new testament.

i read the new testament of the bible using this version:

i enjoyed using a translation that was less familiar to me for a couple of reasons.

first, there were many times that a passage was phrased just differently enough in the NLT, that i would wonder how i had never heard a story or verse. once i would compare it to my regular translation i would be reminded i had read it before, but it was refreshing to read the new testament in this way.

i also appreciated reading a different translation because i was less likely to just skim through verses that i've heard countless times. often times the slight change in wording struck me in a new way.

sadly i don't think i had ever read the new testament from beginning to end until this year.  this resolution was challenging for me at first, but also uplifting and convicting. most of all i'm thankful for the realization of what a difference it really makes to have Christ's words in my heart daily.