Is it important to read your bible? I know some of you are saying to youself... I know this already, I know this information so I don't need to read this blog post. I'll pass. But I want even those of you who are experienced bible readers to please read, and comment below.
What is reading your bible?
I realize that this sounds like the dumbest question you have ever heard, but stick with me for a minute. I want to define for you what reading your bible really is, because it is important to realize that reading your bible is not like reading any other book.
There is a difference between searching the scriptures to study about a topic and reading it as a daily practice. Sometimes when we are searching for answers from the Lord it is really important to search the word of God and to seek out answers to the questions we have about God, or what is going on in our lives. But like I said above, reading the bible is not like reading any other book you've read. Reading the bible and starting from the beginning of a book or a story line (because sometimes they bleed into another book) and reading it all the way through gives you so much more revelation than when you are just reading a few verses here and there, even if you are doing that every day. I am not saying that God cannot speak to you through 2-3 verses a day, but your understanding of what is happening within the book itself will be lost without reading an entire chapter (or more) at a time.
There is a difference between searching the scriptures to study about a topic and reading it as a daily practice. Sometimes when we are searching for answers from the Lord it is really important to search the word of God and to seek out answers to the questions we have about God, or what is going on in our lives. But like I said above, reading the bible is not like reading any other book you've read. Reading the bible and starting from the beginning of a book or a story line (because sometimes they bleed into another book) and reading it all the way through gives you so much more revelation than when you are just reading a few verses here and there, even if you are doing that every day. I am not saying that God cannot speak to you through 2-3 verses a day, but your understanding of what is happening within the book itself will be lost without reading an entire chapter (or more) at a time.
Why is reading your bible important?
- Reading you bible has been associated with eating food, in that it nourishes your body gives you energy and strength to face your day.
- Reading your bible has also been described as a love letter that was written to you. Specifically the new testament where Jesus speaks to us and describes how his desire is for us to live in heaven with Him, and his deep love for us.
- The bible has also been described as a weapon, and a protective armor. The bible says to arm yourself by putting on all these different pieces of armor and carrying your weapon with you at all times.
The only way to put your armor on and to arm yourself with a weapon is to read the word of God.
Reading your bible should look like this:
- Making a plan or following a plan made my someone else (The you-version bible app has lots of reading plans) Or you can download one from Bible Gateway Here: Bible Reading Plans
- You putting effort into and making a commitment to reading and sticking with your bible reading plan every day. That means you put your best effort into reading whatever amount of verses are on your plan. For me I am reading the bible in a year, so I have at least 4 sections of scripture every day. I prefer to read each section at a different time throughout the day, and because they are different lengths I can set aside a few minutes to read a section, or when I am in-between things waiting here or there ( in a doctors office waiting room...etc)
Reading the bible is exciting!
I know some of you are like... Really? The bible is exciting? I have to tell you, I used to feel that way too. I used to think that reading the bible was such a weight around my neck, and that it was such a challenge to get anything from it or even understand what I was reading. When I made the decision to read the entire bible in one year, I was seriously worried that I would not be able to accomplish it, and I thought for sure that I would stop reading it. But every day I have been reading something that is totally engaging and interesting. When I started reading it was in the Old testament, and I got the opportunity to read things that were beautiful to me. I read through Ruth (which I had done before), and I got to see a beautiful and sweet fairy tale type of love story unfold. The I got to read about David life which was awesome because God loves David and describes him as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). But David messed up.... over and over again. But he also had a heart of repentance when he messed up. The old testament really describes Gods character too it talks about how when David made a sacrifice for his sin that God heard him and forgave him.
Reading the bible has so very many advantages! It can speak to you right where you are in whatever you are facing, it can give you examples of God's forgiveness, it can remind you of all that Christ did for you on the cross, it can be a weapon, it can make you feel loved, it can allow you to know you are not the first one to ever make a mistake in your life and that God is there to pick you up dust you off and take you back into His arms. God loves you way more than you can ever know. Beyond the love you have ever felt for or from someone. You have to make the choice to let Him love you!
I am so excited about what God is going to do in your life through your new bible reading! If you would like to follow along with me as I read the bible I am currently using the One year bible, chronological, New Living Translation (NLT) and you can find today's reading plan here: Today's reading plan
Reading the bible has so very many advantages! It can speak to you right where you are in whatever you are facing, it can give you examples of God's forgiveness, it can remind you of all that Christ did for you on the cross, it can be a weapon, it can make you feel loved, it can allow you to know you are not the first one to ever make a mistake in your life and that God is there to pick you up dust you off and take you back into His arms. God loves you way more than you can ever know. Beyond the love you have ever felt for or from someone. You have to make the choice to let Him love you!
I am so excited about what God is going to do in your life through your new bible reading! If you would like to follow along with me as I read the bible I am currently using the One year bible, chronological, New Living Translation (NLT) and you can find today's reading plan here: Today's reading plan
Lord God I ask that you would use this post today to inspire others to read your word! I ask that you would give us motivation and a hunger within us to read today. Lord grant us wisdom as we read, let us hear what you have for us through the plans that we follow. Help our hearts to be excited by your word! Let us run after it like it is the last meal we will ever have, like the love of our life has messaged us and we just cannot wait to read what He wrote to us today! Lord I love you so very much, and I thank you for the revival of our hearts that you have planned for us. I pray that we would turn our hearts over to you, that we would trust you, and that we would gain knowledge about you through your word! Grant us a heart that is patient as we learn how to love your word. Father change us and make us more like you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.