When John and Carolyn Wilkinson got married a few years ago, they knew they were starting more than just a new chapter in life—they were building something sacred. But what they didn’t expect was how reading the Chronological Bible would knit their hearts even closer.
At the beginning of this year, when Bellevue invited the entire congregation to journey through the Chronological Bible together, John and Carolyn decided to jump in. But their intention wasn’t just to tick off a churchwide goal or chase a spiritual routine. For them, it was about connection—both to each other and to God’s Word in a deeper, more intentional way.
“We have only been married for three years,” John said. “And I thought this would be really great for us to do together.”
But this wasn’t just regular Bible reading for John and Carolyn. By committing to read out loud to each other, they’ve slowed down enough to listen, reflect, and truly engage not just with the text but also with one another. They have been able to experience the Scriptures together, allowing it to stir conversations and spiritual growth.
“I’m dyslexic, so I don’t enjoy reading, which means I do most of my Bible reading through audio,” John said. “But this has been different. When we read it aloud to each other, I can’t even begin to explain how the Spirit moves in us. It helps us focus on each other and how we’re experiencing the supernatural Word of God.”
“It also really helps us concentrate on what we’re doing and what we’re saying instead of just reading black words on white paper and getting it checked off our list,” Carolyn said.
For years, Carolyn’s work schedule made consistent Bible reading difficult. “I’ve always had a full-time job and had to be at work at 6:45 in the morning,” she said. “If I didn’t get it done in the morning, it was so hard to fit in.”
Now that they are both retired, she and John are able to build their mornings around Scripture, and that time has become sacred.
“We have the ability to do it 99% of the time first thing in the morning,” Carolyn said. “And it’s been very enjoyable and very much a learning experience.”
As they’ve moved through the Bible, they have found themselves seeing familiar stories in a new light—especially when it comes to understanding how each piece fits into the larger narrative of God’s work in history.
“I’ve often read the story of David and read the Psalms,” John said. “Now it’s putting it in perspective—bringing it together.”
Even the praise passages have taken on new meaning. As John encounters familiar Psalms in their historical context, he discovers deeper layers of meaning and emotion behind David’s words of worship. Connecting these timeless expressions of faith with the events that inspired them has transformed his understanding of biblical worship.
“It causes us to worship Him that much more and to realize how awesome a God we have,” John said. “It’s special because some of those sections include verses I’ve memorized and been able to use in my prayer time.”
For John and Carolyn, reading through the Chronological Bible together has become more than a daily habit—it’s turned into one of their favorite parts of the day. This journey has shaped not only their mornings but also their whole marriage. And as they keep going, they’re excited to see how God will keep using His Word to grow their faith and their relationship.
If you’ve fallen behind in your readings or have yet to start the Chronological Bible journey, don’t worry! Pick up your Bible, begin reading, and let God’s Word do its work. Visit bellevue.org/bible to learn more.