There are many reasons why I read and listen to the Bible. For one, it is because God’s “word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) I am able to learn from God because of the scriptures He has left for us in our day. They are a delight each time I have a chance to study the different chapters and verses. I am guided and directed by God Himself and not man, which is amazing. However, there is a whirlwind of doctrine out there in different religions, but with the Bible, I can compare and contrast those teachings, so that I can know I am on God’s side and not the devil. I have learned how pure God’s words really are each time I read them, and am so grateful that He has preserved them through different scrolls and manuscripts. Even today we have the Bible in almost every language known to man, which is a huge feat that we have met. We didn’t do this on our terms, but because God is with us in the Holy Spirit. It was David that predicted the preservation of God’s Word and the purity of it. He said, “the words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (Psalm 12:6,7) And imagine what He would say now if He saw the Bible in our day. He would be absolutely amazed and also saddened since many people ignore it and hardly ever read it anymore.
It is true that only a few people who proclaim to be Christians actually study the Bible daily. This is what is confusing to me. Don’t they enjoy gaining knowledge and the proper direction from God in their everyday life? How come other things like surfing the web, watching TV, spending time on their phone, and playing video games is now taking up more of their time than God? This makes no sense to me, and I am sure God is very upset with these people also. Surely, they have deserted God and gone after strange gods instead. I am not talking about carved idols that we often think of, but our phones, tablets, computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and more. If these things are taking away your precious time from God, then there is something very wrong. Let’s think of it this way. How often have people asked you if you read the Bible daily or pray often? And what has been your responses? Could it have been, “I have no time in my day to read the Bible.” “When I get home from work I am already tied up with the things at home, that reading the Bible doesn’t fit in my schedule.” “I’ve read the Bible before, but don’t have much time to read it anymore” “I go to church on Sundays. So isn’t that enough?” Wow! All I am hearing are excuses. And will these excuses be OK on judgment day? Absolutely not. People must make a choice to either see God first by reading the Bible daily, praying often, and doing God’s will, or else it will be very fearful to be in God’s presence knowing that You are unworthy.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people’s desire to read and listen to the Bible daily increase. I just don’t understand why only a few people who say they are Christian or believers in You, Jesus, actually study Your word daily. But still, they find time to watch their favorite TV Shows and movies. Even do they find time using their phone apps, along with their computer and gaming consoles. What we have God is that priorities are messed up. And if they do not repent and start making time for You, then souls will be at stake of going to hell when they die. How awful would this be, God? For it is a fearful thing to be in Your presence, knowing that we willfully sinned against You and never truly repented. How we made other things our idols, while not allowing You to be the God of our lives. And I remember something very specific that You said, Jesus. You called every person who believes in You to seek first the kingdom of God. It wasn’t telling people, “oh, do this if you want to. It is just me advising you of my will, but do what you want and just believe.” This would be blasphemy and I pray that people do not think this of You, God. But we do have people who think that repentance is of the past and is no longer needed. That faith in You is enough. Wow! Didn’t you say to “repent ye, and believe the gospel?” I believe what You have taught us. If people would just read or listen to the Bible daily, then they would have Your truth in their lives. They would no longer be led by their own flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. This is why I study Your Word daily, pray often, and seek Your hand in my everyday life. I want more of You and less of me. I say cast out anything that is holding me back from going all-in for Your kingdom. I love You, Jesus. I believe in You. Amen.