As she was leaving our church last Sunday the newcomer pointed to her Bible and said to me, "That's what I was coming to hear. If the Bible isn't' being taught, I'm not interested." So I asked her, "Well, how'd we do?" She gave me a thumbs up.
 
Her name is Petey, and she walked to our church from a nearby apartment complex. I was very pleased with how West Valley AC Church members welcomed her and made an effort to include her in our fellowship. She even joined the Sunday school in marching around "Jericho" with balloon trumpets!
 
But I'm most pleased that she left with a sense that our church is a place where God's Word is taught. Even though this isn't stated explicitly in our core values, I hope it's clear to everyone that our church is deeply committed to learning and applying God's Word. In fact, each of the four core values listed above is based firmly on Biblical teaching.
 
At the beginning of the year I introduced a year-long Bible reading program for the entire church. I encouraged everyone to make a commitment to read the Bible each day, using the "Life Journal" to guide you through the process.
 
I know everyone hasn't been successful in following this plan. In fact, I've had several days (in a row!) when I haven't stayed on schedule. So I haven't been very vocal about the program. I don't think it's my job to make you feel guilty about failing to keep to the schedule.
 
But it is my job to encourage you to continue to grow in the Lord and do good works. That includes reading God's Word. One of the most encouraging things I've heard about Bible reading is to compare it to eating. Just because you happen to miss a meal doesn't mean you give up on food. Likewise, if you've missed a day or two -- or a week or a month -- of daily Bible reading, don't give up! We can't do anything today about yesterday's missed meals, but we can make sure today's menu is nutritious.
 
Petey walked several blocks in search of a church that was committed to God's Word. I think she found one. But she also serves as a good example for us as someone who values Scripture. Let's follow her example by reading our Bibles daily.