Through The Bible in a Year - March 25, 2026

“Everything that was written in the past was written for us so that through endurance and the encouragement of Scripture, we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

How close to the heart are you willing to cut in order to save a life?

The Bible is brutally honest and calls us to be about things we may not wish to face. Consider how appalled we are now by the sin or slavery but how much of our history was infected by this evil. Cambridge University was built on slave trade profits. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello was built by slaves. Even church founders and denominations—had slave owners, slavery advocates and, later, defenders of segregation. Other sins run deep in our roots. Family lines are marked by alcohol, abuse,addiction, adultery, divorce.

The stories aren’t new. King David himself was descended from incest, prostitution, a Moabite half-breed. And the King himself would become an adulterer and murderer.

Why does the Bible tell us all this? Why does God cut so close to the bone and grieve our hearts with painful pasts? Because without diagnosis, there’s no surgery. If you don’t see the spiritual disease at work in you and others like you, then youwon’t perform the spiritual surgery needed for your soul’s health.

When someone asks, “Do you know the Bible is full of messed up people?” agree with them. “Yes, it is. The Bible is full of messed up people—except for One who came to save all the messed up people.”

For those starting on life’s course after years of school, it’s easy to think the hard years of study and testing are behind you. But,those more mature in years know, those were only years of preparation. The same is true of those early on their journeys of faith. Always, we must remember that the hardest spiritual challenges aren’t behind you—they’re ahead. Each year is a preparation year. The greatest temptations, toughest questions, deepest struggles are still coming. Once you may have faced professors who mocked your faith. Tomorrow there may be employers who will threaten your family’s security if your live your faith.

Today peers may label you as hateful for your Biblical values; tomorrow you may be persecuted or imprisoned for your values.

All transitions—graduation, new jobs, marriage, moves—are opportunities to ask yourself:

What do I need to stop doing to prepare for what Christ needs to do through me?

What do I need to start doing with Jesus to be used by Jesus?

Be willing to do the heart surgery. Face uncomfortable truths. Acknowledge brokenness.

Because only when we admit we’re the “messed up people” the Bible is designed to rescue can we receive the help of the Saviorwho came for us – and designed us for his glory by showing others the grace we need and have received.

Respond: What spiritual surgery have you been avoiding? Where do you need to admit brokenness instead of defending perfection? What one thing do you need to stop or start as you move forward?

Prayer: Father, give me courage for the heart surgery I need. Help me face uncomfortable truths about myself, my family, my past. I don’t need to be perfect—I just need to be honest and humble about my need of your grace. Thank You for sending Jesus to save messed up people like me. I will followHim. By your grace, no turning back. Amen.