HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR ME TO READ THE BIBLE DAILY?

SCRIPTURE:
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:
Some believers have trouble disciplining themselves to read the Bible often.
Some feel that their schedule is too busy to include daily Bible reading.
Some feel that it is the pastor’s job to spoon feed God’s Word to them.
In summary, there are many who do not understand 
the importance of reading the scriptures and meditating on them.

So the question is, “Is reading the Bible often really that important?”
The answer to that question is, “Yes, it is extremely important!”
Reading, understanding, and memorizing scripture 
is our best defense against the attacks from Satan.
His attacks on believers are daily and relentless.

How do we overcome the devil in everyday life? 
First, we need to recognize that the devil is a defeated foe. 
Jesus came to undo the work of the devil. 
The crucifixion of Jesus, looked like a mighty victory for Satan, 
but turned out to be a great triumph for God.
The reason: It was on the cross that Jesus took our sins on Himself. 
God laid our sins on Jesus and when He bowed His head and said, 
“It is finished,” He was referring to the plan of redemption and salvation. 

Next, we need to learn from the scriptures how to battle Satan.
We are told to resist the devil and he will flee from us.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, 
and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

We need to learn how Jesus dealt with Satan.
He overcame the devil not by engaging in arguments, 
but simply by quoting scriptures. 
Three times Satan challenged Jesus and in every case Jesus quoted scriptures.
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these 
stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not 
live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
(Matthew 4:3-4)

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is 
written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift 
you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God 
to the test.’” (Matthew 4:6-7)

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all 
the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,”
he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, 
“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, 
and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)

What was the result of the tactics used by Jesus?
The devil left Him!
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:11)

If quoting scriptures worked for Jesus, then certainly it will work for us as well.
Too often believers engage in discussions (arguments) with Satan, and are 
disappointed when they find he is much more skillful at arguing than they are.
He can plant justifications for sinning in our minds that can control us.
When looking at the example of Jesus, we can see why it is so important 
to learn and memorize scripture passages.

ACTION:
Do you consider reading and meditating on God’s Word 
an important part in the life of every believer?
How often do you read the Bible?
Do you read fast so you can cover many verses, or do you read slowly 
so you can meditate on each verse, even if you only read a few verses?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the protection of Your Word as I face 
everyday temptations. Teach me the importance of spending time reading 
the Bible and meditating on each verse. Help me to memorize key verses 
so I can recite them to Satan whenever he tempts me. Show me how to 
carve out a portion of my daily schedule for reading Your Word.”