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Most Christians know they ought to have daily devotions, and know the difference it makes when their life is void of faithful Bible reading. Have you ever stopped to ponder the wonderful benefits that the Scriptures provide to your daily life? David exclaimed "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." - Psalm 68:19. The benefits the Lord gives are truly innumerable, but one of the greatest has to be the gift of knowing Him more intimately through the Word. We can open the very heart and mind of God when we read the Scriptures. God could have chosen any medium to communicate His truth, He even said the rocks could declare His glory! Yet God in His wisdom chose black ink on white paper to communicate His heart and mind to man. There are so many benefits to daily getting into the mind of God... here are five.
Learn More About the Lord
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18
"The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid." - Martin Luther
Once I received Christ as my savior, I began a lifelong pursuit of knowing Him. Solomon had it right when he pronounced that the whole duty of man was to fear God and keep His commandments. The more I know the Lord, the more I want to know Him. He is all He has revealed Himself to be, and so much more in my life.
One of the great reasons you should have daily Bible reading is simply to know Him more. It is in the Scriptures we learn of the names of God, the attributes of God, and the accomplishments of God. The Bible reveals His doings and His plans. He is holy, benevolent, loving, a consuming fire, just, righteous, and coming again! Someone aptly said that the Bible is not history it is HIS-STORY, cut the Bible anywhere and it bleeds... the whole book points to Christ.
I want to know Him, I want to know the power of His resurrection, I want to know the fellowship of His sufferings, I just simply want to bask in the wonder of His glory! If you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, than I know you want to know Him more intimately too. We know Him, by reading the Word... what a benefit!
Gain Understanding and Wisdom
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" - 2 Timothy 3:16
"The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture." - Elisabeth Elliot
Scripture is where wisdom, truth, and knowledge can be found. It amuses me when science and history validate the Bible. The Word of God is truth; to follow it guidance is to find success. I have never followed a principle from the Word of God and had a varying result than what God's Word said it would be. He always comes through!
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 that Scripture can accomplish four goals simultaneously:
The Bible contains all the answers you need about: relationships, finances, ministry, marriage, raising children, being an employer, being an employee, and so much more. If you have a question or concern in your life, the Bible has the answer... And it is always the right answer! Do you need wisdom and knowledge... Go to the Scriptures.
Avoid Sin and Win Spiritual Warfare
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11
"The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible." - D.L. Moody
When I meet with someone who is struggling with sin and seek help and counsel, I generally start by asking how their devotional life is going. Almost every time sin is running a muck in a believer's life it is because they have neglected their daily Bible reading and a healthy diet of Bible study. The Scriptures tell us plainly to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23. Filth in = Filth out. When we pour that with is good, beneficial, and life giving into our hearts, we shouldn't be shocked and surprised when good comes out. Guard your heart, think on the Scriptures which are the epitome of that which is good, lovely, perfect, just, and holy.
Are you struggling with sin? Do you find yourself battling anger, anxiety, lust, bitterness, gossip, or some over vice? Let's interject God's life giving Word into your life, and you will be amazed what it can do. "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." - Psalm 1:2-3
Be Reminded of His Promises
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." - Romans 15:4
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." - A.W. Tozer
The promises of God are rich and numerous. I understand that not every promise in the Bible can or would be desired to be claimed. But there are tons of promises made to believers that we can take hold of and cling to. I am thankful from promises like: "... I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." - John 14:3
As you read the Bible, you will come across and be reminded of God's promises to you. What an encouragement and help to see these promises from a God who has always kept His Word! He cannot lie, and He has the resources to come good on His promises every time. Trust Him, and believe His promises. You may be having a bad day, and reading one of his blessed promises is exactly what you needed. Daily Bible reading allows us to have a healthy supply of reminders that He loves us and cares for us, what a benefit.
Encouragement and Helping Others
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." - Psalms 119:105
"The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed." - Patrick Henry
Even before being full time in the ministry, I loved the opportunity to help someone by giving them hope and encouragement from the Word of God. There really is nothing quite as blessed as getting something in your personal devotion time that you are able to pass along to another believer. Iron truly does sharpen iron. I wonder sometimes if the Lord illuminates our mind to a particular verse or truth for the sole purpose of being able to share it with someone later that day or week?
You ought not have devotions for the sole purpose of trying aid others, you need the Scriptures in your personal life. But, an added bonus has to be the ability to help another brother or sister in Christ through a tough patch. You may feel you do not have the words to say, but God's Word is always sufficient.
Recently, there was a young man who had a motorcycle accident right outside my office. While waiting on the ambulance, I was given the opportunity to pray for this young man and share some Scripture with him. He was in tremendous pain, but it was incredible to see the encouragement and hope the Word of God can bring. Hid God's Word in your heart, and have it available to give away to a thirsty soul in need.
www.focusedontheword.com
Learn More About the Lord
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18
"The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid." - Martin Luther
Once I received Christ as my savior, I began a lifelong pursuit of knowing Him. Solomon had it right when he pronounced that the whole duty of man was to fear God and keep His commandments. The more I know the Lord, the more I want to know Him. He is all He has revealed Himself to be, and so much more in my life.
One of the great reasons you should have daily Bible reading is simply to know Him more. It is in the Scriptures we learn of the names of God, the attributes of God, and the accomplishments of God. The Bible reveals His doings and His plans. He is holy, benevolent, loving, a consuming fire, just, righteous, and coming again! Someone aptly said that the Bible is not history it is HIS-STORY, cut the Bible anywhere and it bleeds... the whole book points to Christ.
I want to know Him, I want to know the power of His resurrection, I want to know the fellowship of His sufferings, I just simply want to bask in the wonder of His glory! If you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, than I know you want to know Him more intimately too. We know Him, by reading the Word... what a benefit!
Gain Understanding and Wisdom
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" - 2 Timothy 3:16
"The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture." - Elisabeth Elliot
Scripture is where wisdom, truth, and knowledge can be found. It amuses me when science and history validate the Bible. The Word of God is truth; to follow it guidance is to find success. I have never followed a principle from the Word of God and had a varying result than what God's Word said it would be. He always comes through!
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 that Scripture can accomplish four goals simultaneously:
- Doctrine - What is right
- Reproof - What is wrong
- Correction - How to make wrong things right
- Instruction - How to keep it right
The Bible contains all the answers you need about: relationships, finances, ministry, marriage, raising children, being an employer, being an employee, and so much more. If you have a question or concern in your life, the Bible has the answer... And it is always the right answer! Do you need wisdom and knowledge... Go to the Scriptures.
Avoid Sin and Win Spiritual Warfare
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11
"The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible." - D.L. Moody
When I meet with someone who is struggling with sin and seek help and counsel, I generally start by asking how their devotional life is going. Almost every time sin is running a muck in a believer's life it is because they have neglected their daily Bible reading and a healthy diet of Bible study. The Scriptures tell us plainly to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23. Filth in = Filth out. When we pour that with is good, beneficial, and life giving into our hearts, we shouldn't be shocked and surprised when good comes out. Guard your heart, think on the Scriptures which are the epitome of that which is good, lovely, perfect, just, and holy.
Are you struggling with sin? Do you find yourself battling anger, anxiety, lust, bitterness, gossip, or some over vice? Let's interject God's life giving Word into your life, and you will be amazed what it can do. "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." - Psalm 1:2-3
Be Reminded of His Promises
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." - Romans 15:4
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." - A.W. Tozer
The promises of God are rich and numerous. I understand that not every promise in the Bible can or would be desired to be claimed. But there are tons of promises made to believers that we can take hold of and cling to. I am thankful from promises like: "... I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." - John 14:3
As you read the Bible, you will come across and be reminded of God's promises to you. What an encouragement and help to see these promises from a God who has always kept His Word! He cannot lie, and He has the resources to come good on His promises every time. Trust Him, and believe His promises. You may be having a bad day, and reading one of his blessed promises is exactly what you needed. Daily Bible reading allows us to have a healthy supply of reminders that He loves us and cares for us, what a benefit.
Encouragement and Helping Others
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." - Psalms 119:105
"The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed." - Patrick Henry
Even before being full time in the ministry, I loved the opportunity to help someone by giving them hope and encouragement from the Word of God. There really is nothing quite as blessed as getting something in your personal devotion time that you are able to pass along to another believer. Iron truly does sharpen iron. I wonder sometimes if the Lord illuminates our mind to a particular verse or truth for the sole purpose of being able to share it with someone later that day or week?
You ought not have devotions for the sole purpose of trying aid others, you need the Scriptures in your personal life. But, an added bonus has to be the ability to help another brother or sister in Christ through a tough patch. You may feel you do not have the words to say, but God's Word is always sufficient.
Recently, there was a young man who had a motorcycle accident right outside my office. While waiting on the ambulance, I was given the opportunity to pray for this young man and share some Scripture with him. He was in tremendous pain, but it was incredible to see the encouragement and hope the Word of God can bring. Hid God's Word in your heart, and have it available to give away to a thirsty soul in need.
www.focusedontheword.com
