I know I haven't written anything in a long time. It's been tough adjusting to life in Seattle. I have been so convicted of the importance of reading the word that I wrote a letter to a friend that is struggling with not spending time in the Word. Let me know what you think.
I’ve been lifting you up throughout the day as you enter my mind. I hope that the LORD
is blessing you in abundance today! I was very convicted to give you
Biblical reasons to really commit to starting fellowship time with God
through the Word today. I decided to send you an email with some
scriptures. Even though "person number 1" and "person number 2" may have made some valid
arguments, I wanted to encourage you to dig deeper into God’s Word.
While reading the Bible doesn’t prove your
salvation, it is a result. And by the way you were talking last night,
you desire to have the closeness, but struggle to schedule it.
I know the feeling, believe me. I’m just going to jump right in and give you some insight that the LORD
has shown me today and I really hope and pray that these don’t come off
as “preachy.” He’s really pricked my heart while I was picking out
these passages, too.
The first thing I want to point out is the area of
temptation. Jesus was in the wilderness fasting and praying. He used
scripture as a means to rebuke the devil when he was being tempted.
While it’s not a particular scripture that points out the importance of
spending time in the word, Jesus probably would’ve given into sin had he
not been meditating on the Word of God.
Another place to look is Psalm 119. There are oodles of scriptures that talk about the Word. I’m just going to point out a few:
- v9, “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.”
- v11, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
- v18, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.”
- v25, “…revive me by your word.”
- v77, “Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.”
- v105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
There are so many more, but I wanted to give you a glimpse of the chapter.
Next, we need to dig into the Word of God to protect us
against false teachers. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 speak of false teachers and that
they are very deceptive. How are we to know what is truth and what
isn’t? Mark 13:14b says, “…Reader, pay attention!” why would Jesus say
that if the Word wasn’t important? Sorry if it seems
really harsh, I don’t mean it to be, but I feel that this is so urgent
and important! I really want you to know how very important it is.
Back to false prophets and teachers… 1 Timothy 4:11-13 is a
great passage. I’m just going to use v13 which reads, “Until I get
there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It
is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and
spirit, between joints and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and
desires.”
The last point is the armor of God. The Bible is the only source of weaponry Christians have in our spiritual walk with God. We don’t have arrows, we don’t have maces, or MACE…
we have all of our spiritual armor like faith and peace, salvation,
etc. The Bible is the only way we can fight against the tactics of the
spiritual warfare going on around us. It is very important that we stay in the word. So that we know the Truth.
This is the last verse I’m going to share with you today. I
hope that I haven’t bombarded you and I hope that you know that this is
all from love. I, in no way, want you to feel like I’m judging you, or
throwing this down your throat. I just feel that it’s very important
that you know reasons why it’s important to read your Bible… I know it’s
all well and good to listen to audio biographies and such, but it
doesn’t replace the Bible and getting to know God through the Word or
provide easy ways out, or excuses… The last verse is 2 Timothy 3:16,
“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.” If you don’t get any
other verse, please get that one. I’m going to continue to pray for you,
that God shows up, that He refreshes you, that He allows you to have
time for Him, and He helps you to finish your schooling without feeling
drained. God gives us new strength! Resting in Him is the first step!
I love you, sister! I hope this is refreshing and not tideous.
Jill
In my noted scriptures, I used New Living Translation, because that's what makes the Word come alive to me. I've noted all scriptures that I used so that you can read it in whatever translation makes your heart understand.
