Why read the bible?

[millipede]

I made this topic the study for this week. But I really wanted it to be stickied somewhere as well so here it is.
This was originally posted on the old forum back in February of 2007

I think most Christians understand that it is important to read the Bible, yet many of us will find ourselves making excuses as to why we've been too busy to do so. The following verses give some great points as to why we should make that effort to spend more time in the Word.
I'm going to sticky this topic as it gives us some good insight as to the importance of all of our future studies.

Psalm 19:7,8
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
--- from simple to wise, we could all use a little wisdom...
--- enlightening the eyes, Lord help me to see...

Romans 15:4
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comforts of the scriptures might have hope.
--- Thank you Lord for the Hope that is in You...

II Timothy 3:16,17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction to righteousness.
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
--- You have called us Lord to be perfect, thank you for giving us direction and instructions on how to live...
--- Reading the words from Your own mouth help me to understand just a little more of who you are and who you want me to be...

Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of the Lord is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
--- Your word is indeed powerful

Matthew 4:4
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
--- Thank you Lord for giving us your word that we may be full...

John 1:1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
--- The word was God... Thank you Lord for sharing yourself with us that in reading you word we are actually spending quality time with you. We all want to know You better and that is impossible without your written word.

Feel free to add your thoughts and/or other verses you might feel compliment this study.

[dixiechick]

Psalm1:2,3
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.

If we read the Word of God it will keep our Christian walk from "drying up" and becoming nothing to us.

Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Doing the Word of God puts us in His family! Hallelujah!


I hadn't thought about reading God's Word being like spending time with Him - that in itself should be enough to make us want to read more!

[millipede]

Amen...
How often do we feel like our leaves are withered and dry?
It is real easy for me to look back at the lower points in my life and the times when I felt the strongest and happiest... I'm sure you can guess which times I was spending more time with God and which times I wasn't...
It's like how I might feel physically if all I ate were twinkies ALL the time, and then switched to nothing but whole grains and vegetables. While I may live for a time on the twinkies, I would be dying without the proper food to nourish me.

[millipede]

Joshua 1:7-8
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
---Turn not from the Law so you may prosper... Lord help me to be strong in keeping your Law. Thank you for your promises.
---Thou shalt meditate day and night... How else can I be successful in my faith if I do not meditate on your Law... Where else can I find your perfect will that so many seek...

[millipede]

Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
---Keeping God's word in your heart will give you just what you need to resist temptation. God has given us the strength AND the knowledge to combat sin, and be victorious.