Read the Bible, Find the Light
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." -- Psalm 119:105
I love reading the Bible. I always learn something new, no matter how many times I read it. As some of you know, I'm nearing completion of the Beth Moore study of Esther. It is awesome! I have read that small book so many times and yet I missed so much.
It amazes me how many Christians have never read the Bible. Oh, they don't usually step up and just admit that out loud. They kind of dance around the subject. Well, they'll say, I've read most of it. All those years in Sunday school and we kind of cover all that's important. Uh-huh. Or they'll put if off on the preacher. They've heard him read scripture. Maybe they even look it up in the Bible and read along with him. But do they sit down and read it for themselves?
I do understand that some versions of the Bible are difficult to understand. The King James version (which was not the original Bible translation by the way) can be difficult to understand. But there are so many easy to understand Bibles out there. Go find one and read it. Or buy the Bible on CDs.
Several years ago I was having a really difficult time. I don't like reading about all the animal sacrifices for our sins. Those passages are so graphic and I felt guilty. I know those passages are there for a reason. God always has a reason. So I prayed for understanding. And I prayed for the right Bible for me. I ended up with a Life Application Study Bible. I love it. It has all these footnotes to explain things. It has profiles of key people and a timeline to get the history right in my mind. I know that God led me to this Bible.
Many people don't feel they have time to read the Bible. Well, it is a rather long book. There are a lot of Bible reading suggestions floating around out there. You can buy Bibles that are designed to have you read it through in a year. My Bible even has a reading plan in the back to guide you through the year. My method is pretty basic. I just start at the beginning and head toward the end.
I also don't get too caught up in how many chapters or pages I read each day. Frankly, some passages require more thought and concentration than others. I also have a life. Shocking, isn't it? Don't get me wrong. I read my Bible every day with very few exceptions. I spend time in prayer every day. But some days I may need a little more prayer. Other days I may need to focus on specific Bible passages because of issues going on in my life. I've learned not to beat myself up over what I should do. I just forge ahead and at the end of the year, I've read it through once again.
The Bible is filled with knowledge and wisdom, with history and redemption. Everyone should take time to read it for themselves. It will provide wisdom to light your path on this earth.
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