Issue 1335 – Hobby Horses – January 4, 2024
If you have known me any length of time, you have likely heard me say (or read when I wrote) the words “Read the Word. Read the WORD. READ THE WORD.”
We all have hobby horses; that is to say, we all have topics or themes that we return to again and again. This one has long been associated with me. I suspect some of you heard my voice as you read it.
I firmly believe it is a message we must be reminded of regularly and then put into practice.
It’s an essential discipline for many reasons. As one writer put it, “Without a firm grasp of the Bible, nurtured through daily reading or listening, we weaken our ability to defend the faith we claim, less confident to share that faith with others, and more vulnerable to falling prey to false teachings.”
The Bible was important enough for God to condescend and give it to us. He protected it through the ages, and many a man, woman and child has given their lives to preserve it. He has provided scholars to make it available in our language and the technology to get it into our hands.
To properly understand the bits we read or hear, we need to know their context. Every verse in the Bible comes in a specific setting and is written to a particular audience. It comes in one of many literary genres. Each verse is tied to others either directly or implicitly. Knowing those things helps our understanding.
The Word reminds us of His presence, power and promises. We can often put such things to the back of our minds if we are not constantly moving them to the forefront.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21
The Scriptures commend those who read them.
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11
I have written those words, or similar ones, many times. Are there practical, measurable benefits to reading the Bible regularly?
Here are some statistics provided by the YOUVersion bible app which say… YES.
Someone who reads the Bible four or more times a week is:
30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
59% less likely to view pornography
74% less likely to gamble
407% more likely to memorize Scripture
228% more likely to share their faith with others
231% more likely to disciple others
Some other statistics I have seen.
57% less likely to get drunk
68% less likely to have sex outside of marriage
If statistics are your thing, I believe all those statistics were taken from a study done in 2009 by the Center For Biblical Engagement. You can check them out online.
There is power in God’s Word, but you must read it to unleash it.
Until next time, “Read the Word. Read the WORD. READ THE WORD.” It can change your life.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
__________________________________________
Please like and share this post with friends and your circle of influence. Also, feel free to comment.
Did you know that we have an email version? It has the same great content but in a different format. Subscribe today https://mailchi.mp/f27bbeb09c22/gleanings-1
______________________________
All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
___________________________________________
#AbbotsfordAuthors #AbbotsfordWriters #ChristianWriters #BCAuthors #BCWriters #BCChristianWriters #KevinCorbin #love #peace #hope #Gleanings #theWord #devotional #gospel #Christian #hope #encouragement #Biblestudy #faith #dailyBible #verseoftheday #grace #god #HolySpirit #theology #blessing #BibleReading #BenefitsOfBibleReading #Bereans #Acts17 #Hebrews4 #James1