Why Reading God's Word Is a Big Deal.Isampula

The physical Bible I use every day is so special to me. It’s become my journal. It’s my testimony. My sacred place with God. It’s my walk. It’s my hiding place. My refuge. It’s where I feel closest to God. When I’m reading, I feel the holy spirit’s presence. It’s ALIVE AND ACTIVE. It’s reading my heart as I’m reading it so that I can be transformed. And sometimes it is sharp, and it burns a little because it (the Holy Spirit) convicts me through it. Not with guilt or shame but gently revealing things so that I can look more like Jesus - to be sanctified.

Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Set a rhythm for reading. Put time on your daily calendar and try to read at the same time every day so that it becomes a natural part of your routine.

2. Don’t try and read it by yourself in your understanding. Always read your Bible first but get help too! Using this bible app is awesome! Use the different features and add your own notes. Follow a Bible Study resource (@youversion app, books, online Bible studies, commentaries, etc).

3. Pray first before you start your reading. Ask for wisdom and understanding every time you open your Bible. God says that if we lack wisdom and ask him for it, it will be given to us! In Proverbs 2, he says that if you search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. God says his word is like a treasure hunt! How fun is that?

4. Be consistent. Read your Bible every day. Make it a priority. It’s like working out, it takes consistency long time to see results! But also use and make your physical Bible personal. Highlight passages. Use sticky notes. Write directly in your Bible. Journal in it. Pray IN it.

Your Bible is your sacred place with God. So do whatever it takes to meet him there in it every single day. Honor him and your time in it.