God's Light For a Dark World

     There is one thing we simply cannot get enough of and that is the Word of God.  I do not know about you but I have many copies of the Holy Bible around my house in a plethora of versions.  This helps me when I study so I can better grasp what is meant in a passage.  Even though many homes have several Bibles available, people often do not take the time to read them.  This year, as in the past, I have embarked upon reading through the Bible once again.  Each time I do so, I find more nuggets than I did before.
     God has made numerous promises to those who take the time to read His Word.  First He tells us that His Word will accomplish what He says that it will.  We find this in Isaiah 55:11:  "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."  There is power in God's Word and when it is preached, taught and read, we benefit from it for it contains the truth we need.  I saw this firsthand at Christmas time.                                                                                                                        
     Long ago, my sister taught me not to throw away the lovely Christmas cards I received each year.                  Instead, she told me to tear off the front of the card which usually contains a Bible verse or a picture and use them as a tag for a Christmas present.  So this year, I put the front of old Christmas cards on each package I wrapped with a "To" and "From" written somewhere.  To my delight, our grandchildren read the Bible verses that were on the card before they opened their present.  They are ages 11 to three.  What a blessing to hear these sweet voices reading God's Word at Christmas time.  As I listened, I prayed that His Word would go deep in their hearts.  Recycling Christmas cards like this can be a ministry in itself when it is full of God's Word.
     A second reason God gives to us for reading His Word is to find correction, encouragement and
training.  2 Timothy 3:16 says:  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..."  If we really want to grow in our Christian walk, we must dive into the Word.  It is the foundation of faith, and reveals to us God's nature and our  sin.  We have to have something by which to measure our lives that is both dependable and truthful.  The Bible is God's revealed Word to us that accomplishes both of these things.  Just as we need regular food on a daily basis to maintain our strength, we also need God's Word to sustain our spiritual growth.
     Finding the truth is another reason to be in the Bible on a daily basis.  With all the "fake news" swirling around out there, we need a source we can trust that will help us live our lives daily.  Jesus, in speaking to Jewish believers in John 8:31-32, said this:  "31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  We are to abide in Christ, and we do that by reading His Word on a regular basis.  As a result, we will know the truth which can set us free from the bondage of sin, worry, anxiety, fear, depression or other challenges.  There is power in His Word and as believers, we would be foolish not to avail ourselves of it.
     Finally, God promises to renew and transform our minds to be like the Lord Jesus Christ.  How can we stop thinking like the world around us.  Lets face it, we are bombarded daily at work, school or through the media about how bad our world is becoming.  We need hope, fresh thoughts and encouragement.  We can only get this by spending time in the Bible.  Romans 12:2 tells us:  "“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  The Bible is God's guide book for life.  He reveals His love for us and His direction for holy living.  We can know His will for us when we know Him through the pages of the Word.  What a treasure we hold when we have the Bible in our hands!
     Today, is the day to start reading the Bible.  Ligonier.org has Bible reading plans available.  There are even applications available for our electronic devices that will guide us through the Bible in a year. Whatever we choose, we need to begin to meditate on His Word for it will change us like no other book.  Let us "study to show ourselves approved" as 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us.  We will find a richer, fuller meaning in this year ahead when we do!  Selah!