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Have you ever stood by the ocean, gazing out beyond the crashing waves to the distant horizon? Have you sat by a crackling fire, feeling its warmth and relaxing in the comfort it brings? Has the simple pleasure of watching a sleeping infant ever filled your heart with such unexpected joy that tears formed in your eyes? These things and so many more are blessings from our Father. We do them, because we find joy in them. The reading of God’s Word is also a blessing. However, I think it’s safe to say that reading the Bible often gets relegated to little snippets here or there, or fit in between other “tasks” to be completed in our day. But, why does that happen? Many of us love reading in general. We subscribe to book clubs, magazines, newspapers and blogs. But when it comes to reading the Scriptures, we often put it last, thinking of it as something we have to do, or should do…not something we want to do. How can we change that attitude? First, we need to understand what God has for us within its pages.

Comprised of sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments, the Bible is the infallible Word of God. In it we read of God’s redemptive love and grace. His words guide us, lead us and give us hope. Through it God gives us the tools necessary to face any situation that comes our way. It is full of action, intrigue, beautiful poetry, colorful personalities and drama. And through it all, we are exposed to the very character of God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God desires a relationship with us. He loves us deeply and created His Book to teach us and draw us closer to Him. That is also my desire – to be closer to Him. And what better way is there than by connecting with Him through His Word? “Jesus answered, ‘Whoever loves me will keep my Word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word that you hear isn’t mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me’” (John 14:23-24). I don’t want to take this wonderful privilege for granted. And so, as part of “Going Deeper” with Him, I’m jumping into His Word with enthusiasm. After all, I often spend hours with those I love, doing nothing except keeping company with them simply for the pure enjoyment of it. Why not, then, spend more time with Him? We can do this through Bible studies, daily reading, memorization of the Scriptures and simply opening His Book and enjoying His words. As I reach for my Bible each morning, I am remembering that His Word is living and active. I am excited to hear what He has to say to me as I read, study and meditate upon the Scriptures. It is a joy to know that our Creator loves us and wants us to know Him! And so, I’m reading His Word simply for the joy of it.

Going Deeper,






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

9 Comments

  1. As of late, I've had a voracious appetite for the Word. It doesn't much matter to me where I "land" in Scripture... I just love being there knowing that God's Word is alive and active and doing something "for" me, even when I'm unaware. Isaiah 55:10-11 has become a life-line for me. Believing in the effectual power of the Word!

    Keep to it, sister. Thank you for your love for Jesus. It shines forth!

    peace~elaine

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  2. It can be easy to allow Bible reading to be relegated to something on our to-do list. And yet, when we realize that it is God's love letter to us, how can we do that? As born again believers, we have not been left alone. We have the Holy Spirit within us and the Word of God to teach us.

    My goal for 2011 is to know Him better. I know that will happen as I spend daily time with Him, praying and studying His Word. My blogging friend Jill recommends we do this intentionally. I kind of like that too.

    Sending you hugs and love,
    Debbie

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  3. Yes Yes Yes (to answer your questions) and Yes! Love being in His word. Drinking deep.
    Once we taste and see that the truth sets us free, we hunger for more. That is my experience...
    Blessings!
    ~Kathy

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  4. Your passion for His Word shows. His Word does not return void!

    I have just begun a memorization plan, after a lengthy hiatus from memory work. It has been good, really good.

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  5. Yes, Joan - I agree. The Word of God is ALIVE! I'm trying to read my Bible like a letter from God. I open the "envelope" and eagerly await what He has to SAY to me. It continues to be the most relevant thing in my life - the sure and steady beacon of Truth.

    GOD BLESS!

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  6. Hey, I just came across your blog by doing a bit of blog-surfing, and I'm glad I did! I've added myself as your newest follower, and I hope you'll check out my Christian devotional site as well: www.nocondemnation81.blogspot.com

    Have a blessed day!

    In Christ,
    Dakota

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  7. Joan - it is essential that we read and study God's word in order to know Him. I'm going through reading the Bible in a year (have done that before, but this time through our church). But not only do I want to read it, I want to study it, to meditate upon its precepts, and to hide His word in my heart.

    Thanks for another wonderful post.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  8. When I read His Word He speaks to me. It is the Living Word. It is so powerful. At times I get so caught up wih reading everything other than His Word and by doing so, miss out on so much! Loved this post Joan. xo

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  9. Hello Joan, great to meet you and thanks for stopping by a few weeks ago (I'm a bit behind on my hello, but I'm under grace)!

    I too want to go deeper this year and I love your heart. See you around THC!

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