SEARCHLIGHT
Why should you devote time to reading your Bible?
SCRIPTURE
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10 NIV [see also Ezra 7:6]
SPOTLIGHT
The most read book in the world is the Holy Bible. Each year it is the #1 best seller, making it the most widely circulated book in the world.
John Adams was the second President of the United States. He said, “So great is my veneration of the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be by hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society…” His son, John Quincy Adams, was the sixth President. He said, “I have for many years, made it a practice to read through the Bible once a year. My custom is to read 4 or 5 chapters every morning immediately after rising from my bed.… In what light soever we regard the Bible, whether with reference to revelation, to history, or to morality, it is an invaluable and inexhaustible mind of knowledge and virtue.”
In today’s Scripture focus, we read about Pastor Ezra being devoted to studying, observing and teaching God’s Word, the Bible. What made this man successful was his commitment to studying, obeying and teaching God’s principles and laws to people. Why did he set his heart on learning, living and teaching God’s Word? Obviously, he wanted to know more about God. He probably would have been the first to admit that he did not understand everything he read, but he also would have told you how personally valuable it was.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET SERIOUS ABOUT READING GOD’S WORD? Why should you be well versed in the Bible? Here are 10 reasons the Bible encourages you to setting your heart on learning, living and teaching God’s Word just like Ezra:
- God’s Word is God speaking to you! The Bible says, “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training and righteousness, so the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV
- God’s Word reveals who God is. The Bible says, “…The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished…Exodus 34:6,7 NIV
- God’s Word gives you life. The Bible says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be lead forth in peace;” Isaiah 55:10-12a NIV
- God’s Word equips you to live life well. The Bible says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:7,8 NIV
- God’s Word makes you authentic. The Bible says, “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul in spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
- God’s Word directs you to be born again. The Bible says, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 NIV
- God’s Word gives you life focus. The Bible says, “They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” Luke 24:32 NIV
- God’s Word blesses you and makes you a blessing. The Bible says, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 NIV, see also Psalm 1
- God’s Word gives you hope for the future. The Bible says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV.
- God’s Word brings you joy. The Bible says, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight” Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
SOMETHING TO DO
Here are some guidelines for reading the Bible:
- Set aside time every day to read the Bible. Whether just 5 minutes or more, just do it!
- Begin with Psalms and Proverbs along with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Purchase a study Bible that is easy reading. Get a Bible plan for reading the whole Bible.
- Mark your Bible. Underline verses. Make notes.
- Pray about what you read. Ask God to speak to you about how to apply what you read.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for providing the Holy Bible. Thank you for communicating to me through your written Word. Today I am getting serious about knowing You and hearing from You by reading your Word. I would ask you, Holy Spirit, to help me apply to my life what I read each day. AMEN