Reading the Bible

Do you struggle with having a desire to read the Bible? Do you keep putting it off because you're "too busy?" Do you feel like it's hard to relate to? I used to dread reading my Bible, and gave the excuse that I was just too busy to sit down for a few minutes and read it. Today, I would like to help you understand why it is so important to study the Word of God and how you can love spending time in Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says,

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Scripture is breathed out by God. Sometimes God told the Bible writers the exact words to say, but more often he used their minds, vocabularies, and experiences to produce his own perfect infallible word. The Bible is the literal Word of God.

John 17:17 says,

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

The Word of God is truth. Everything you read in the biblical text is true. It is so important to be fed this everyday because it sanctifies us (makes us more like Jesus).

Hebrews 4:12 says,

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

God's Word exposes our shallow beliefs, sin, etc.

Matthew 4:4 says,

"But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

The Bible is a more important source of sustenance than food, it nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally, rather than merely giving temporal relief from physical hunger. We no longer yearn for the things of this world, but we want and crave Scripture; which feeds us with the knowledge of who God is, who we are and our need for a Savior.

Psalm 119:11 says,

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Reading the Bible is a believers weapon to defend against sin which always seems to be prowling around us like a lion... waiting to devour us.

Psalm 119:105 says,

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path."

God's Word provides illumination to walk without stumbling as we are abiding in Christ.

Now, how can we love to read Scripture?

Realizing that the Bible is the culmination of the greatest love story ever told. An unfolding story of a loving God who created a perfect world, a creation that fell short through sin and a Savior that was promised to save that creation from their sin for all those who repent and put their faith in Him. In my experience, I have found that taking time out of my day, reading for a few minutes and continuing that everyday, eventually, you will start to want it, understand it and love it!

To close this devotional, reading the Word of God is so important in our daily walk with Christ. It strengthens us, it sanctifies us, it helps us to grow closer to Christ, and it gives us peace. Praise God for this wonderful book that He has given us!

Come get your Faith in 5.