Thursday: Text

Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 

There have been a few times in my life when having a textbook would have come in handy. For example, my freshman year of college, I found out just how expensive textbooks were (if you know you know). I literally could not believe they were hundreds of dollars - for a single book. On top of that, some of the texts were really hard to find, especially if you were in a full class and buying a used copy, because they were a lot more affordable. I showed up to my first classes with no texts and a few hours later realized I had no reference to draw from, no direction on what to focus on learning, because I didn’t have the book. Assigned chapters mean nothing when you are book-less.

There were times when I thought a similar text would work, only to quickly find out similar actually didn’t work because information in outdated texts was just that - outdated. New studies had revealed new lessons, new findings. There have also been a few times in my life when I had a textbook but didn’t choose to use it - and came to regret that as well. I remember sitting in English class and my teacher saying, “I hope you read your assignment last night, because we are having a quiz.” (Pop quizzes are the worst). I found myself woefully unprepared as I grabbed my book and tried to cram as much information in my brain in the three minutes before that quiz. The outcome? You could tell I had spent an entire three minutes cramming. It was awful. Holding that quiz grade in my hand was a reality check for me - I know better. I should do better. James 4:17, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” 

You see where I am going with this right? There have been times in my life when I didn’t know what to do, felt like God had forsaken me or ghosted me, when I desperately wished for answers…direction…peace - and I didn’t realize I had the very thing I needed at my fingertips. I was busy telling God all He needed to do and didn’t take the time to listen to what He was telling me - through His Word. Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” You want to hear from God? Open up your Bible. It is literally the Word of God.

I recently came across a report from the Center of Bible Engagement that gathered data from over 40,000 people, and the study revealed some valuable insights. Did you know that if you read your Bible four or more times a week, it has a dramatic effect on your life? Loneliness, anger, bitterness, alcohol consumption, spiritual stagnancy, pornography addiction - all dropped from 30-60%. Read that again. You want to feel better? You want freedom from besetting sins? Read your Bible. Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Don’t make excuses for not doing right, because honestly, that’s all your reasoning is: a poor, selfish excuse. Enough Christian. You know better, do better.

I’ve heard this excuse before: I don’t understand what I’m reading, so it doesn’t work for me. Wrong! Here’s a suggestion: you can ask for help in understanding what you are reading. In Acts 8 we read about Philip, a follower of Christ, encountering an Ethiopian Eunuch. The Ethiopian Eunuch was reading Scripture and Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” the eunuch replied, “How can I unless someone guides me?” Then Philip told him about Jesus. Vs. 35, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” The eunuch believed and was baptized and went away rejoicing! He had found freedom in Jesus! Going back to that Center of Bible Engagement Study, did you know that when you are reading your Bible, when you are spending time in the Word, that sharing your faith increases? And that your commitment to discipling other believers increases as well? When you are following Christ’s example and doing what you are supposed to be doing, you will recognize opportunities to be used for God and you will take action!

Reading the Bible helps you to bring your thoughts captive, it fosters spiritual gifts, helps you to abstain from sin, and draws you closer to Christ. The Bible is a prescription for healing and change that has no nasty, negative side effects. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Don’t leave God’s Word unread. Open it, read it, apply it, live it.

Read: Acts 8:26-39

Consider: Why do you think people struggle with reading their Bible daily? What can you do to make sure that you are spending time in God’s Word?

Do: Find an accountability partner who will encourage you in your daily Bible reading! Share with someone what you have read in your devotions and how God is working in your heart through the reading of His Word.

Pray: Precious Redeemer, Savior, Friend! Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for speaking to us, guiding us, directing us, loving us! We long to be more like You. Guide us as we follow the example You set for us in Jesus - to read and learn and apply Scripture to our hearts and lives. Create in us a love, hunger, and thirst for Your Word. We love you. Amen.

Be Blessed!