I have a passionate relationship with the Bible. It is without a doubt God’s greatest tangible gift not only to me, but to the entire human race. With each passing year I am realizing that one of my greatest joys in life is reading and studying its wondrous pages. I am drawn to its life sustaining truths the moment I arise in the morning and it nurtures me throughout the day.
Here are eleven reasons why I love the Word of God. It is by no means a comprehensive list, which is why I have stopped at “eleven” rather than going on to “twelve” which is the number of completion. It leaves room for an unlimited number of additions.
1. Most importantly it reveals Jesus to me. The Bible is God’s love letter to the human race which first introduced me to His son Jesus over 40 years ago as I was studying the book of John. And through it I am enabled day by day to get to know Him better and develop a closer and closer relationship with Him. “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39-40 NLT) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 NIV)
2. It guides & counsels me in important decisions. I cannot count the number of times I have found myself groping in the darkness for wisdom regarding an important decision and as I was reading the Bible, it was as if God suddenly turned the light on through a particular verse or passage and gave me specific direction as to what to do. “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
3. It is healing to my body. On numerous occasions, the confession of God’s Word with prayer has released healing power and health not only for me, but also for others. It is the first thing I reach for before going to the medicine cabinet or picking up the phone to call the clinic. “He sent his word and healed them.” (Psalm 107:20) “The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.’” (Matthew 8:8 NLT)
4. It is deliverance for my soul. Whenever I am afflicted with oppressive thoughts I turn to the Word of God for comfort and consolation. It has never failed to speak to me and deliver me from the enemy’s schemes. “That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.” (Matthew 8:16 ESV)
5. It equips me to fight temptation. It is the one offensive weapon God has given us to combat the Devil’s lies. In the Apostle Paul’s instruction about taking up the armor of God we learn that “the sword of the Spirit is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) In the face of temptation I have learned to wield the sword of the Spirit by confessing verses of Scripture out loud just as Jesus did when he was tempted by the Devil in the wilderness saying three times “It is written…” (Luke 4:1-13 – vs. 4, 8 & 10)
6. It helps me clarify my innermost thoughts and desires. It brings discernment and truth into the midst of confusion and self-centeredness. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12 NLT) The word of God is like a mirror. I use it to see myself the way God sees me. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.” (James 1:23 ESV)
7. It trains me in righteous living. It teaches me God’s ways. It reproves me – pointing out what I am doing wrong. It corrects me – showing me how to do things right. It trains me how to live in such a way that is pleasing to God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NAS)
8. It equips me to serve God and do His work. The Bible is the best ministry training manual available “so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NAS) I love studying the ministries of both Jesus in the Gospels and the apostles in the book of Acts. Jesus’ advice to the experts in the law regarding showing mercy is applicable regarding all ministry – “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
9. It is the seed God has given us to transform the lives of others. “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11 NIV The word of God is a seed that when planted in an ”honest and good heart” (15) has the power to change a life.
10. It releases and increases my faith. The best prescription for doubt and unbelief is to read the Bible. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 ESV) I have learned that anytime I lack peace and joy it is an invitation to stir up my faith by digging into the word of God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” (Romans 15:13 ESV)
11. It feeds & nourishes both soul and body. Concerns about provision and putting bread on the table gain their rightful perspective in the light of God’s word. “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4 NIV) If God is committed to feeding us spiritually will He not also care for us in the physically? That is why Jesus taught us to pray “Give this day our daily bread.” This provision of “bread” is first and foremost spiritual, but it is also natural.
If you are having trouble getted started reading the Bible or struggling to read it on a regular basis check out 213 Ways to Read the Bible.
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