INTRODUCTION

First off, sorry this took so long. As some of you may have read, I am coordinating the Financial Peace University at church, taking a Dads of Destiny class, which has a good amount of homework, and spending time with family. Somewhere in there, I do try to sleep. I know, everyone is busy, so I will stop whining.

Secondly, I started this post the other day, and went down a path that focused on where I came from when it comes to reading the Bible. I realized this was not about me and someone I respect, in not so many words, told me to "Keep it Simple Stupid." So I have started over, and here we go, simple, plain, yet definitive reasons to read the Bible daily. (Unfortunately, that does not mean it will be short.)

REASONS TO READ
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"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV) Psalm 119:11

This is one of the quotes that is so commonly used to express the reason Christians should read the Bible. By reading the Bible daily, a Christian better understands what God has called them to do and with this knowledge, they can better live their lives in a manner that does not offend God.

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"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (NIV) 2 Peter 1:20-21

All scripture is inspired by God. Reading the Bible daily allows us to read God's actual instructions. He speaks to us on various topics: morality, cleanliness, history, wisdom. The Bible is from God and inspired through the Holy Spirit. It is God's truth for our lives and the lives of ALL men.

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"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?' Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (NIV) Romans 10:14-17

Reading the Bible daily allows God to touch the hearts of His children. When you better understand what you believe, when you read God's message directly, you are given the chance to respond to God's love. Once you hear the Good News, you have a choice to respond or not.

This may seem weird because there are some that will say, "Aren't those that read the Bible daily already Christian?" That is not necessarily true. Those reading the Bible may be doing it for school. Some read it at church before they have made a conscious decision to accept Christ's in their lives. Others read it from a Theological (the study of God) perspective. Whatever the reason for reading the Bible, you begin to learn, with every word, the love that God has for you.

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"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. " (NIV) Hebrews 4:12

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reading the Bible daily convicts our hearts, teaches our minds, and fills our spirits with the desire to follow God's will. Reading the Bible daily calls us to reflect on our lives. It calls us to reflect on not only what we are called to do, but to look at what we are NOT called to do. The Word is living, working in us, convicting us to shed our old skin and live the new lives that we have been so graciously blessed with as Christians.

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"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (NKJV) Hebrews 5:12-14

"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." (NKJV) Isaiah 55:2

The Word is food for God's children. Just as a child cannot grow without milk and food, neither can a Christian grow without the Word of God. Christianity is not stagnant. Each and every day of our lives we are challenged, tempted. Everything that we come against, God has a solution for and guides us, through in His Holy Word. Reading the Bible daily prepares us to successfully win these daily battles with Satan.

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CONCLUSION

Reading the Bible guides us, feeds us, strengthens us, challenges us, convicts us, and comforts us. It is God's Holy Word that has been proclaimed throughout history. The Bible is a spiritual book for guidance and a historical book for understanding. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself as you grow as a Christian. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what you believe and fully take hold of the conversion that began in your heart. Help it be fulfilled in your mind through reading the Bible daily.

Heavenly Father. As I explore Your Word daily, open my heart to accept Your love, and my mind to understand Your promises of hope, salvation, and eternity. Let Your Word give me strength, convict my actions, challenge me to move forward, and softern my heart so that I may be fully ready to do Your work in this world. I ask this in your most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I would like to thank Patrick Coman and his sermon "Five Reasons to Read the Bible" for the basis of this post.