What does the Word of God do for us? Why should I bother reading the Word of God? What is in it for me? These are common thoughts, even if the person thinking them doesn’t actually voice them. Our time is very valuable, because we are busy people! Why should we sit and read the Bible?
Well, here are some reasons why you should read the Bible:
The Word of God gives us freedom.
John 8:31-3:32… “Jesus said…. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The Word of God makes us aware of our own sins.
1 John 1:10 “If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The Word of God cleanses us.
John 15:3 “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
The Word of God is power.
1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
His word:
Psalm 119:
Verse 6: Keeps us from shame.
Verse 9: Keeps a young man pure.
Verse 11: Helps us avoid sin.
Verse 22: Protects us from scorn and contempt.
Verse 24: Delights us.
Verse 24: Gives us good counsel.
Verse 28: Strengthens us.
Verse 37: Helps us set priorities.
Verse 50: Comforts us in affliction.
Verse 93: Gives us life.
Verse 98: Gives us wisdom.
Verse 104: Gives us understanding.
Verse 105: Guides our steps.
Verse 140: Makes valuable promises.
Verse 147: Gives us hope.
The Bible helps us resist the devil.
1 John 2:14 “I write to you, young men, because… the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
The word of God is trustworthy, so we can trust it to make good decisions.
Psalm 111:7 “all God’s precepts are trustworthy.”
The Word is sufficient to teach us all there is to lead a godly life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
The Word of God gives joy.
John 17:13 “… these things I speak [the words of Jesus] … that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”
Thank you to John Hattenberger for graciously supplying me with his notes for this blog post. John preached this past Sunday morning from John 15 about “Abiding in His Word.” You can find the audio of his sermon at: http://www.tomballbible.org/
My personal thoughts:
It was interesting to sit in church and hear a sermon on John 15, because when I was born again at the age of 23 that was the first scripture I studied on my own. I remember sitting in the dining room of my small apartment and feeling so inadequate. I felt as if I would never understand what the scriptures were trying to tell me. Now, many years later (I am not about to confess my age), although I do understand the Bible a lot better, I am still asking God some of the same questions. You see, I still sin and I still need my Lord just as much as I did at the age of 23. I believe that we are on a constant quest to grow as Christians, so I am thankful that God is merciful and full of forgiveness.
While reading, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, I came across this quote: “Crisis always reveals character.” (September 10th devotional) How true is it that when the cards are down and we are backed up against the wall, that is when we show our true colors. Will we turn to God and seek Him or will we try to handle the situation on our own? 
Chambers points out that we always think we can handle it on our own. It is when difficult times occur that we look to God for answers. He also states that if we are consistent in our relationship with God (prayer and studying His word), then we are more likely to know the sound of His voice and handle the crisis better.
I think it all ties back to abiding in His word. If we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, then when that crisis comes along we are prepared for it. We can handle it with His grace and courage, because through His word we have been given the power, the freedom, the joy, and all the things that John listed above.
I pray the days ahead are filled with His Grace.
Be Blessed,
Stacey
Photo of praying woman used with permission. Thank you, geri-jean of stock.xchng.
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