LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING BOOK TO READ?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than
any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing
soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts
and attitudes of the heart.”
(Hebrews 4:12)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever read a book that had you so engrossed that
you almost felt like you were a part of the story? It was so
exciting, that the more you read it, the more you could feel
a personal impact from the story.

The words seemed to leap off the pages, and it created an
enthusiasm in you to read more of it (and possibly faster).
You enjoyed it so much that you looked forward to it being
made into a movie.

That is the impact some books can have on us, can’t they?
Our enthusiasm is generated by the writer’s creativity, and
we become engrossed in what is written.

The Bible is exactly that kind of book, however it has
an additional twist – God’s Word makes us a ‘real’ part
of the story. It is a living and active book that impacts our
lives; it is not an imaginary one which feeds our imagination.

When we read the Bible, the words penetrate our entire being.
Our hearts and attitudes are changed by what we read in God’s
Word. We can feel the impact of the scriptures all the way to
our bones. It’s quite a book, isn’t it?

There are many self-help books available today, but none of
them can compare with the Bible. Man-made self-help books
show us how to do things and improve in certain areas of our
life. However, the Bible teaches us how to live our life, how to
deal with problems, and how to prepare for eternity.

No other book is that comprehensive, because no other book
was authored by God Himself. Only God knows what we need
because He made the universe, and He made us! God has also
provided us with instructions for overcoming the fear of death,
so we can dance into eternity.

Our adversary, Satan, is constantly on the prowl in his attempts
to make our lives miserable, give us feelings of being defeated,
and cause us to miss out on an eternity with the Lord.
    Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the
    devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking
    for someone to devour.
    (1 Peter 5:8)
He has been at his ‘work’ for a long time, so he must be good at it.

We need the Bible to help us battle the attacks from Satan.
Why? Because no matter how strong Satan might be, God
is stronger – the Bible tells us He is. When we read the bible,
we discover how to become adopted into God’s family. There
is no other book capable of providing what God does in His
Word.

When we become part of His family, we learn about His availability
and His ability to defend us from the attacks of Satan. We also become
aware of how to communicate with God, and how to receive His blessings.

When we read the Bible, we discover there is a vicious battle going
on and WE are in the middle of it. We are facing a tenacious and
vicious opponent, so we need the guidance of God’s Word if we
expect to be victorious.

Reading the Bible is more than just a book to read and enjoy,
it is a necessity for life. Without it, we would not understand,
or be able to achieve the abundant life that God has offered
to all who believe in, and have surrendered their lives to His
Son, Jesus.

ACTION:
How much time do you spend reading God’s Word? Do you
have a special time each day for reading the Bible? Do you
understand the importance of reading His Word?

How much of the Bible’s instructions have you applied to your
own life? Are you missing out on God’s blessings? Are you a
member of God’s family? Do you communicate with God on
a regular basis, or only when you have special needs?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father I thank You that Your Word is available
for me to read. Thank You for inspiring others to write down
the things You want me to know. Forgive me if my Bible is
collecting dust; create in me a desire to read Your Word
every day of my life. I need Your help for me to be able to
live a life of victory now, and for me to spend eternity with
You. You are the God I worship, and I want to know more
about You every day. Give me a better understanding of
Your Word and how my life can be improved if, and when
I follow the instructions You have given me. Thank You for
the protection of Your Word as I face temptations each and
every day. Help me to apply Your instructions to my own life.”

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