Well, duh. That seems obvious, since God TOLD us to do so.

But beyond the obedience issue, what benefits are offered to people who take seriously God’s command to read, study, and hide in our hearts the Word of God?

Looking into the Bible more consistently and meaningfully may have been one of your New Year’s Resolutions for 2006. How are you doing on that score? Would it help to be reminded how multi-dimensional and richly rewarding is God’s Word?

The Word of God:

§        Is living (Hebrews 4:12,NASB).

§         Produces reverence for God (Psalm 119:38NASB).

§         Is Truth itself (Psalm 119:43,NASB).

§         Is my song (Psalm 119:54,NASB).

§         Is my delight (Psalm 119:77,NASB).

§         Is my armor (Psalm 91:4,TLB).

§         Makes me wiser than my enemies (Psalm 119:98,NASB).

§         Serves as a flashlight to light the path ahead of me, and keep me from stumbling (Psalm 119:105, TLB).

§         Is the joy of my heart (Psalm 119:111,NASB).

§         Gives encouragement (Romans 15:4,NASB).

§         Is the means by which God gives us His own character (II Peter 1:4,TLB).

§         Performs its work in those who believe (I Thessalonians 2:13,NASB)

§         Produces faith (Romans 10:17,TLB).

§         Gives hope (Romans 15:4,NASB).

§         Is the power of God for salvation  (Romans 1:16,NASB).

§          Is life-giving. The study of God's Word gives life and peace and shows respect and awe for the Lord (Malachi 2:5,   TLB).

§         Gives understanding (Psalm 119:130,NASB).

§         Increases intelligence (Psalm 119:97-99;  Daniel 1:17-20;  Genesis 3:1-5, 22; I Corinthians 2:15,TLB.)

§         Keeps us from being confused and in error (Mark 12:24;  Matthew 22:29,TLB).

§         Adds years to our life (Proverbs 3:1-4, NASB).

§         Gives great peace of heart and mind (Psalm 119:165,TLB).

§         Keeps us from stumbling (Psalm 119:165, TLB).

§         Gives us favor and a good reputation in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:1-4,TLB).

§         Is useful to teach us what is trueand to make us realize what is wrong in  our lives (II Timothy 3:16,TLB).

§         Straightens us out and helps us do what is right (II Timothy 3:16,TLB).

§         Is God's way of making us well prepared at every point  (II Timothy 3:17,TLB).

 

Have you ever tried to act the part of a Chris­tian without looking at the script? Or taken the tests of life without cracking open the Book? Like unprepared drama­tists or unnerved students, we will stumble, waste time, and embarrass ourselves and others with unstudied clumsiness in our faith walk.

God made His thoughts available to us through His Word. Free advice…of the highest order! How could we not take advantage of an offer like that?

 

--© Heartbeat of the Home

From the HEARTBEAT book, “God’s Word—the Ultimate Lifeguide.” We all KNOW we should spend time daily in the Bible. This HEARTBEAT book blasts out the excuses and offers gloriously practical help, even for those who consider themselves non-readers or who think they don’t have time to give the Word the attention it deserves.