One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:14 NIV

But, why do you read the Bible, Pappy? Because it’s the word of and from God. Have you read it all? Yes, I have. Then why do you read it again? Well, I don’t remember everything and it helps me to remember. Do you not remember cause you’re getting older? Maybe, but there are other reasons I read the Bible.

  • Joshua 1:8 tells me that when I meditate on God’s laws (the words written in the Bible) it will help me be successful in managing life.
  • Psalm 119:11 says that God’s word is like a valuable treasure that I get to hide in my heart. At just the right time, I find it again and it helps me not to disobey God’s path for me to live rightly.
  • Matthew 4:4  Jesus tells the devil that man doesn’t live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Just like our physical bodies need food, my spiritual man needs food from God. When I read, I get full and hungry again at the same time. It’s like leaving room for dessert but still having room for more and wanting more. I’ve found that nothing else that the world has to offer gives my heart satisfaction like God’s word does. Truth is, I probably need to spend more time reading.
  • Psalm 119:105 tells me that God’s word is like a really good flashlight in a dark place. When I read, it helps me make good decisions. It shows me how to make the best decisions and the one that are not.

Probably one of the coolest things about reading the Bible is the hope that happens in your heart. It’s like little seeds of hope are planted that begin to take root almost immediately. I can hear my thoughts saying, “if God did this wonderful thing for that person, maybe He would do it for me.” God strengthens my faith, my trust-belief, that He can “do it again”. A testimony begets a testimony. God works in our lives the same way that He does for all people in all times.

There is no substitute for reading the Bible. Even reading books about the Bible are helpful but they are not the same. Oh, and one more thing. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes to understand the message. He will lead and guide you into all truth. He helps you to see and hear what God is saying. When Jesus was talking, he said often, “let him who hears, hear what the Spirit is saying”. Many have a hard time understanding the Bible, because they don’t know how to receive the help of the Holy Spirit.

Does that help you understand why I read the Bible? Slow breathing. Are you still awake? No response. I guess Pappy still knows how to put people to sleep, but that is okay, I am in good company. Paul preached so long a young boy fell asleep and then fell outside the window that he was leaning on, but that is another story.

Blessings Love y’all