"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."
(2 Timothy 3:16)
Reading God's word fosters so many benefits! Don't think of it as a book of Do's & Don't's. Instead, think of it as a love letter written by the creator of the universe! How awesome is it to know that we have access to all God's thoughts toward us, His plans, and promises. It's like reading His diary, where through it we explore the true essence of His character and His unfailing love towards us. In order to grow in your discernment and in your faith, reading the word is essential. It will clear up your vision for sure! The more of God's word you digest, the deeper your relationship and understanding of Him & His ways will grow. You'll begin to see the world through His perspective overtime. Check out how Elemer Towns breaks it down below!
"The study of the Bible is foundational to one's growth as a Christian. Therefore, every Christian should plan to study the Bible as much as one eats food to grow physically. Actually, several parallels may be drawn between good eating habits and a healthy approach to Bible study" (Towns,1998)
A Balanced Bible Diet:
1. Eat Enough:
"Eating too much or too little food has long term implications on both the body and spirit" (Towns, 1998).
Get more of God's word in you than the world's! Don't just read a scripture a day to keep the devil away! Study what you read, seek the understanding or revelation of the stories so that you can apply the wisdom of God's word to your personal life. Substitute some of the time you spend on social media with getting some chapters in!
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
(Psalm 119:11)
2. Eat a balanced meal:
"Just as one does not grow strong physically by eating only desserts, so a Christian will not grow strong in the faith without a balanced approach to Bible study" (Towns,1998).
Don't just pick out the stories your're familiar with or the things you agree with. Challenge yourself to explore God's word in it's entirety. You can't grow in faith focusing on the areas that you least struggle with. Get real with yourself! For example, if you're struggling with a particular sin, don't just read scriptures about God's grace to stoke your ego. Find out how God feels about that sin and then begin to meditate and study up on it further. Then you can take all you've learned and pray specific prayers for God's help in your deliverance!
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
(2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Savor your food:
"Don’t just stuff your mouth or swallow without chewing. You need to both devour and digest the Scriptures as you study." (Towns, 1998)"
Don't rush it! Take your time through the scriptures. You don't want to miss God's message. Take notes, write down questions, or things to pray about that come to mind during your reading. Sometimes I'll take a scripture and just ponder on it through the day, especially ones for patience! #ATLtraffic ugh!
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
(Psalm 1:1-3)
4. Avoid a constant diet of junk food:
"We must eat healthy food and avoid a constant diet of party food. Many Christians get sidetracked in their Bible study by becoming involved in speculation and meaningless side issues, such as prophecy or an endless study of numbers." (Towns, 1998)
It's OK to have questions and to seek understanding. But don't get caught up in careless details that derail your from the simplicity of the message. (Example: What kind of fruit did Eve take from the tree lol? Or was Jesus black or nah?) Don't allow the enemy to send you down a ladder of foolish doubt based off small details you feel are missing from the story. God has provided all we need to know in His word, all our human brains can perceive, that is.
“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions."
(Deuteronomy 29:29)
5. Eat with dignity:
"We should eat with dignity, not like a dog or a pig. One way to accomplish that goal is to eat routinely rather than only when you want to eat. Eating balanced meals at regular intervals is one key to long-term good health. Likewise, getting into the Scriptures on a daily basis is a good discipline to encourage ongoing spiritual growth. The secret of our future spiritual maturity lies in our daily routine of Bible study." (Towns, 1998)
Don't trip! You're not gonna get it all at once. Some things take time. Don't think the Bible is just too much to handle. Remember you have a teacher called the Holy Spirit who is willing to help, if you yield to Him! Don't let the enemy trick you into thinking God's word is too complex and a waste of time to attempt reading! You need this tool to build your relationship and to sharpen your discernment! Just start somewhere and stick with it. You'll get the hang of it soon enough!
"But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ."
(1 John 2:27)
**Check out the sermon below by Pastor Johnson Bowie about the Bible, how to understand it, and the benefits of knowing it.**
Don't suffer from Dusty Bible Syndrome! Pick it up, read it, and allow it to transform your life!
Grace & Peace Be With You,
-Kaneisha
References
Bowie, J. (2015). I Believe in the Word of God. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NemH4tU2G0
Towns, E. (1998). How to Create and Present High-Impact Bible Studies. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=towns_books