The B-I-B-L-E. Yes, that's the book for me. Or is it?
'What's so special about the Bible?'
'It's old.'
'The information in there seems outdated.'
'Doesn't it contradict itself?'
'Is it still relevant for me today?'
All excuses I've heard Christians say in response to why they don't really take time to study or read the Bible. Well I'm here to let you know, if you find yourself saying any of these things as a way to hide the fact you don't feel like reading the Bible, here's why you should reconsider!
5 Benefits of reading the Bible everyday
1. The Bible is all about God and if we love God, we can love reading the Bible
How do you get to know someone you can't see, feel or hear? You read about Him. The book of John starts with this beautiful, poetic entry that tells us something unique about the Bible, it points us to God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1
In fact, John 1:14 says 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.' Every time we read the Bible we should look for Jesus, because this book is all about Him.
2. Reading the Bible develops our character for eternity
In my opinion, the test of any good book is how much it has an impact on your life. Why else would you recommend it to others? Why else would you read it again?
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12
The Bible is an active book, one that is filled with counsel, experiences, testimonies, stories, wars, disagreements, life-changing moments and so much more. When you read and study the Bible earnestly, those experiences become real, the testimonies strengthen your faith and the life thats changed is yours. (Please note, the one thing we will take to heaven with us is our character, I think its worth developing!)
3. Reading the Bible strengthens our faith and gives us hope
If you read through the Bible you'll find stories of real people with real challenges. Warriors fighting for the truth, fathers doing the best they can to provide for their children, brothers who make stupid decisions, mothers at the end of their rope. Each story, although it may have a rocky start and middle, has a powerful end.
But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. - Genesis 50:20
When we see how God led others in the past, we can have faith of how He can lead us through our future. The Bible gives us a blueprint for what God has already done in the lives of others and what He can do for us today.
4. The Bible is filled with God's promises, if you don't read it you're missing out!
According to google there are over 8,000 promises in the Bible and over 7,000 of those are promises God made to mankind! I'm sure you know one or two off by heart, but what about the other 7,998? You'll have to read the Bible to find them.
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. - Isaiah 55:11
One more thing, God's promises never fail. If you don't believe me, find a promise, pray it back to Him and watch Him work in your life.
5. The Bible is the weapon God has given us to fight with, what use is a blunt sword?
Have you ever noticed, out of all the things God gave us, there's only one weapon. I wonder why that is?
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; - Ephesians 6:17
It's the only weapon we need. In Hebrews 4:12 the Bible is described as being a sword and it's actually something that can be used in offensive and defensive ways. We can use it to attack and to protect.
There are hundreds of reasons I could've given you as to why you should read the Bible more often but these are the ones that stood out to me the most. Before I let you go, (hopefully thinking about picking up your sword,) here's one last charge.
Sharpen Your Sword
Dear Christian,
God did not leave you weaponless.
You have a sword, use it.
Oh Christian,
What use is it tucked into your belt,
How will it help if its never even sharpened.
It takes practise,
It takes training.
Dear Christian,
Use this weapon in conjunction with the other tools
Your helmet, your shield, your breastplate too.
It will make more sense when you do.
Oh Christian,
Let this be your wake up call,
Time is too short for you to just stand still.
It waits for no man.
Oh and Christian,
Recognise with that sword you have,
Sometimes the one who needs piercing is you.
What tips do you have on reading the Bible more? What has helped you develop your relationship with God?