So, why do we study the Bible?

Do you? study the Bible?.... There was a time in my Christian life when Bible Study meant nothing to me, well... not a lot. I guess as a young Christian I either was not discipled to be in the Word and thought listening to the sermon on Sunday morning was good enough and then when I went to Sunday School....well, I was doing real good. Twice in a week I had been in the Bible. Although both of those are good and they give you the perspective of the preacher/teacher at least 52 times a year. Don't get me wrong, I believe that my Pastor and Sunday School teacher are annointed by God and the spirit of God in them teaches me a lot. But, there are a lot more days in the year and a lot more Bible that could be covered and should be covered by me. As one of my heroes in the Faith, Kay Arthur, teaches us we should discover God's truth for ourselves, in context.

I'm not sure quite how long ago (you know, some of us women measure time by our children's lives - so I don't remember which one was a baby, but one of them was), I had been back in church for a while and trying to walk the right way when I attended a Women's Retreat in Helen Georgia held by the women of our church. Our teacher for the weekend was Patti. She was one of the sweetest, most gentle women I had ever met and genuine in every way. She taught me that weekend about the "imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God" from 1 Peter 3:4. I was astonished...I had never heard that scripture. That weekend I realized that being raised in church did not make me someone who understood the Word of God. I prayed that weekend for God to give me a hunger for His Word that I might know how He wished me to live.....it has been a wonderful journey of learning who He is and who I am in Him. My prayer for you is that you join me on the journey.

So, why do we study the Word? Here are a few reasons straight from the Word:

God's Word gives us faith:
So faith {comes} from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ Romans 10:17

God's Word gives us profit:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 2 Tim 3:16

God's Word gives us joy:
Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16

God's Word gives us success:
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8

God's work gives us victory and strength over temptation:
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping {it} according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precept. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your words And regard Your ways. Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.
Psalm 119: 9-18

God's Word gives us direction:
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

God's Word gives us peace
"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 Peace

God's Word gives us value:
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Psalm 19:7-10

(all the emphasis is mine)

I heard James MacDonald preach on this from a podcast this morning. It made me stop and reflect again on the importance of the Word of God in my heart...... In fact, it has been with me all day and now I get to share it with you during lunch.

Where are you in the Word? Time to get on the train girlfriend and learn the Word, put it in your heart and in the hearts of your children - not just on Sunday but every day of the week...who has time for that you ask? God will find you the time if you will be faithful. He is worth spending more time reading His love letter to you....