“Jesus replied, “Your problem is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.”” Matthew 22:29 (NLT)

In my early years, Ma read to me Bible stories about the creation, Adam & Eve, Noah’s ark, David and Goliath, Jesus’ birth, etc. I loved them all! Then there came a time when I could read and it was my turn to read them to her. I loved that too! As time went by it was time to transition from the Bible Stories book to the Bible. I was ready! Or so I thought. I started reading Genesis. First of all, it was King James version. I found it boring, hard to read and understand, confusing at times, and honestly, I had other distractions so I stopped. I made several other attempts and the same thing happened. For some reason I always stopped at the same place, Genesis 9.

Now let’s fast forward to fall 2002. I was in one of my quiet times with God and He said to me. “You find time to read everything else, why haven’t you read my book?” God called me out! He sure did! You can’t imagine how I felt. I didn’t have an answer! All I could do was cry and ask God for forgiveness. Needless to say, after this, I had a sense of urgency. If it was the last thing I did on this earth, I was determined to read the Bible! I finished reading the Holy Bible– yes, King James version– August 23, 2003. I wrote the date and “To God be the glory” in my Bible. Ever since, I’ve read the Bible in its entirety many times. I’ve read other versions too, i.e., New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT). My favorite is the NLT because it’s in plain English. God knew some of us needed help!

In my humble opinion, the Bible is the most fascinating and comprehensive book that has ever been written. I’ve concluded that you can’t say that you know God and not read the Bible because that is the only way to know Him. I’ll also add… You will not know God, the power of God, the greatness of His love and mercy until you read the Bible. You will nothave an intimate relationship with God and grow spiritually until you read the Bible. You will not know who you are, who you belong t0 and what you are entitled to until you read the Bible. You will not experience God to His fullest and receive the fullness of the blessings He has for you until you read the Bible.

The Bible is a book about relationships: your relationship with God, with yourself and with others.  Also, the Bible covers every topic you can think of., i.e., raising kids, marriage, a wife’s role, a husband’s role, divorce, siblings, friendship, work ethics, spiritual and government leaders, death, anger, sickness, hurt, prayer, money, forgiveness, sin, laziness, envy, choices, happiness, peace, enemies, words,  envy… you name it and it’s all there. You have questions, the Bible has the answers. It’s your one-stop help book about life and life issues. Most importantly, the Bible talks about salvation. Jesus ultimate sacrifice for you and me so that we can live in eternity with our God.

This is simple… if you really want to do things God’s way — the only way to do things His way is by knowing His way and the only way to know His way is by reading the Bible.  It’s your blueprint to living a purposeful, fulfilling and blessed life. Please know that the Bible will only make a difference in your life when you put what you’ve read into practice. If not, it will only be another great book you read. I’ll be honest, sometimes it’s not easy but with God all things are possible.

Read the truth for yourself so that you are not deceived and you know who is truly speaking God’s Word. They say that knowledge is power. More so, God’s knowledge is mighty power! Get it so that you can be equipped to face life and whatever life brings your way.

The Bible is an awesome book and I encourage you to read it. God will not disappoint you!

“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.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

 

This may not be for you but there is someone who needs this word, TODAY. PASS IT ON!

For more on this topic, read my book A Time To Reflect, “Read Your Bible”, page 55.