IS READING THE BIBLE REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

SCRIPTURE:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, 
so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures 
we might have hope.  
(Romans 15:4)

MEDITATION:
We hear a lot about ‘hope’ for those who believe in the Lord,
but what does that really mean?
Where can we find information regarding hope for the believers?
We go to God’s Word – the Bible.
Is it really that important to read the bible? Yes!

The scriptures were not written just to give us another book to read.
The content for His Word was inspired and provided by God.
When God is involved, we will receive much more than we expected.
This is certainly true whenever we spend time reading the scriptures.

Conscience tells us in our innermost being that there is a God and it also 
gives us an understanding of the moral difference between good and evil; 
however to understand the moral lessons from God 
we need to read His Word. 

It is only in the pages of the bible that we find the clear 
and unmistakable message upon which all true Christianity is based.
Reading the bible is a learning and life experience.
The scriptures are written to teach us about many things, 
including the description, requirements and meaning of ‘hope’.

God knows how we struggle with many issues 
including discouragement and perseverance.
That is why we need to spend time reading God’s Word.
When we do, we discover how we can maintain endurance 
in the midst of problems and temptations.
Not only does this discovery provide us with needed encouragement, 
but as we continue reading, we find many other encouraging words.

Sadly, there are many who choose not to read the bible 
and trudge through life with no stamina, no encouragement, and no hope.
At the end of their lives, 
they discover too late the importance of reading God’s Word.
If only they had read the scriptures 
and found the requirements for spending an eternity in heaven.

ACTION:
Are you struggling with the relentlessness of problems and temptations?
Do you need some words of encouragement?
Are you searching for a purpose in this life and hope for a blissful eternity?
Spend more time in God’s Word - not just reading the scriptures, 
but taking the time to meditate on what you are reading.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word, all contained 
in one book. You have given us a book filled with encouragement and 
instructions for living an enjoyable life. Your Word also gives us hope 
for an unbelievably enjoyable eternity after our earthly life has ended. 
Teach me how to read Your Word better and to understand it more. 
Help me set aside more time for reading the bible. Show me how Your 
instructions can give me strength to endure and encouragement as I live 
out each day. As I read your word, clear my mind of needless thoughts, 
so that I can be aware of Your message for me each day.”