Three Reasons to Read the Bible in 2011

 "Oh, the joys of those who... are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither" (Poppy's paraphrase of Ps.1:1-4).

Some of you might have no trouble reading and mulling over God's word on a regular basis, but for many, it is a habit (or spiritual discipline) that takes time to develop.  Let me encourage you to not get bogged down struggling with:

• How can I fit it in,?
• Why spend time on something I get little out of, or
•  I'm not the reading/meditating type--I'm a doer.

We can all come up with reasons for not planting ourselves by streams of life-giving water, so let's shift our focus.  Here are three reasons you and I are making a mistake when we don't read the Bible on a regular basis. I will post three more in my next blog.   The Bible is like:

1.   Bread:  When the Israelites needed food to sustain them physically, God provided manna--their daily bread.  Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). If we don't eat (take into our minds and hearts) Christ's life-giving, life-changing presence, our ability to be spiritual strong drains away.

• When did you last eat?  When do you plan to eat your next meal?

2.   A Sword: We can grow hardened and complacent by being immersed in our sin-applauding culture.  Scripture has the power to pierce, cut through, and expose our motives, disobedience, blindness, rationalizations and poor attitudes. God's word is living and active--we need it's eye-opening power!(Hebrews 4:12-13).

• Are you avoiding what God wants to cut open and clean out?  What healing and joy does God want to bring into your life once you agree to spiritual surgery?

3.   Ointment: There is a balm, a soothing ointment, that heals us when we read God's assurances of His love and acceptance (Jer.8:22).  His words soften our dry, cracked and hurting souls and make our hearts tender and receptive to His voice and will. 

• In what areas of your life are you dealing with something painful?  Are you benefitting from God's healing ointment every day?

Think about these three reasons to read the Bible and watch for three more.  Here's a question for you:
                                   What are your reasons for reading the Word?