The Bible isn't as intimidating to read as people think. I read somewhere that some people actually stay away from it because of all the thou's and thy's that they see. Still others are bothered by what version is the correct version, and after seeing all the acronyms - KJV, NIV, NET, etc. - they shy away from opening whatever is available.
There was a time that I knew more people who read The Purpose Driven Life compared to people who actually read the Bible. The PDL is pretty awesome - it was actually one of the books I read that led me to getting to know the Lord more - but even in that book Rick Warren urges us to read the Bible more, in our efforts to serve our purpose of living for His pleasure. I am in total agreement with him saying that we are 'products' of God, and the Bible is the instruction manual.
Beloved, we need, we NEED to read the Bible more than any other literary piece we encounter in this life. It was written by different people from different situations over a span of at least 3 centuries, but it all comes from and leads to one God.
2 Timothy 3:16 "Every scripture is inspired by God..."
Let's not be like the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked. He boldly convicted them, even as they were recognized (or pushed to be recognized) as the wise men of their day.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered them, "You are deceived, because you don't know the scriptures or the power of God."
Mark 12:24 Jesus said to them, "Aren't you deceived for this reason, because you don't know the scriptures or the power of God?
Consider this verse as well:
Isaiah 5:13 "Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge..."
The Bible protects us from being caught up with what the rest of the world is afflicted with, by equipping us with permanent principles. God knows we need principle in this life so uncertain to us. It protects us from making mistakes. It warns us to stay away from what harms us. It encourages us when we make mistakes. It is used 'for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.' (2 Timothy 3:16 continued)
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.
You aren't alone when you read the Word. Pray before you read to receive the right guidance.
Luke 24:45 Then (Jesus) opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.
So many lives have changed for the better because of the Bible. I personally could not amount to anything without salvation through Jesus Christ, and the guidance that this wonderful book, but I certainly could not do much more without the guidance through His Word.
Seek, and you shall find. If you allow the Lord to help you out, then I can guarantee that it will not be as intimidating as we are (sadly) initially led to believe. I am confident that with the Lord's guidance, you will see how it's more than just another book.
To God be all the glory.
Posted in http://jibee.blogspot.com/. God bless you!