John and I were listening to Dr. J. Vernon McGee and his unforgettable staccato as we made the 12-hour drive home from North Carolina yesterday. He made a statement about studying the Bible. He said that sometimes we need to look at it as through a telescope, getting the large, vast picture of the book as a whole. But sometimes we need to look at it as through a microscope, delving deep into even the smallest verses. Last year was my telescopic year and I read - or attempted to read - through the Bible at a break-neck pace. I love getting the picture of God, the Creator of the universe, and His plan for mankind, carried out and prophesied through the lives of Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, and so many more, and finally fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. No book is more complete in its presentation of a consistent theme: the redemption and salvation of mankind.

As much as I love this big-picture reading of the Word of God, this year I am taking a microscopic approach. Since I fell off the Bible-in-a-year freight train as I reached the New Testament, I have decided to start my in-depth study there in the Gospel according to Matthew. I plan to write a summary/reflection for each week and share it through my blog. From past experience, the deepest I have ever delved into God's Word has been through studying with the understanding that I'd be sharing what I'd learned with others. My hope is that some of you will not just read it but will join me in my journey. I'm not totally sure of the logistics, but I would love to have the input and wisdom of others. So this is my formal invitation: if you would like to join me in my study of the book of Matthew (and who knows where else afterward), please comment or message me and be ready to share your input on Matthew chapter 1 by the end of this week!