by Mike Randall
Editor of the Baptist Bible Tribune 1995-2002
There are many good arguments for reading the Bible every day and January 1 is an excellent time to start. Consider eight Biblical reasons you should open the Bible and read it every day.
1. Read it as an essential agent in your spiritual regeneration. First Peter 1:23 says, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Second Peter 1:4 says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
2. Read it as spiritual bread that sustains your life. Matthew 4:4 says, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
3. Read it for spiritual growth. First Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
4.Read it as a light that provides unfailing guidance. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
5.Read it as a source of protection against evil impulses and temptation. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Verse 9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
6.Read it to establish your faith. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Acts 20:32 says, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
7. Read it to fortify the promise of your hope. Titus 1:2 says, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
8. Read it because it is alive and powerful. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
How the Bible transforms us
All these reasons and verses describe what the Bible can do for us. As we read the Bible every day, we allow its life-changing power to influence us. As we obey it, the Holy Spirit uses it to transform us. Hebrews 4:12 shows three ways this is done. First, the Bible is described by the words “quick and powerful.” It works in the believer like a seed (1 Peter 1:23), which outwardly looks dead, inert, and inactive. But when the seed is planted in good soil, its life is revealed. Before long a sprout comes out of the ground, then a stem, branches, leaves, blooms, and ultimately fruit! God’s word works like that in us, transforming us to be the best we can ever be. This happens when we read it and heed it each day!
Second, Hebrews 4:12 describes the Bible as a “…twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow.” This sword works on our soul and spirit, convincing us of wrong we have done, cutting and taking away impurities and disease that cripples and destroys us. Then, the sword actually defends us from the enemy, becoming a comfort and consolation. We need the Bible as a sharp two-edgded sword to help cut away the hurtful and damaging things that come in our lives. We need that sword to defend us too. We have that when we read and heed the Bible each day.
Third, Hebrews 4:12 describes the Bible as a searchlight. It says, “… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” As we allow the Bible to influence us, it acts like an ethical searchlight, examining our thoughts and purposes, revealing whether they are right or wrong, good or bad, evil or righteous. God’s Word in our lives provides us a dynamic source of divine guidance. It is truly “… a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Practical suggestions for getting started
Once you’ve decided to read your Bible each day, you should make definite plans. First, I would suggest you get a Bible-reading schedule or guide. These can often be found in your church’s tract rack. It identifies books and chapters for each day of the year. Using this schedule is helpful, even if you can’t keep up the pace outlined on the guide. I prefer a guide that has daily readings out of both the Old and New Testaments.
Second, set your schedule. That is, determine a time each day when you can take from five to 15 minutes for Bible reading. Be sure to allow yourself time to pray once you’ve finished your reading. Over the years, I have found the morning best for me. Setting the alarm a few minutes earlier than normal will make a great difference, because that spiritual food will nourish your soul before you face the struggles of the day.
Third, schedule a comfortable, quiet place. Over the years, I have made a place in the basement where I could be alone for Bible reading and prayer. I have used the back porch, a spare bedroom, or even the living room before anyone else got up. Because I like coffee, I would set the brew time so it would be ready when I got up. Preparing a pleasant experience helps keep you on track.
Fourth, work your schedule. Determine that you will take time to read your Bible and do it. If you miss a day, get right back on schedule the next day. As you work your schedule, you will notice a difference in your spirit and attitude. You will be much more confident and content because you have spent time in God’s Word and time with God.
A positive habit you won’t want to quit
I’m convinced that once you get in the habit of daily Bible reading, you won’t want to quit. (Studies show it takes about 12 weeks for a practice to become a habit.) In fact, I believe that this habit is so beneficial, that soon you will want to read the Bible through in a year. It isn’t that hard after you’ve worked your schedule for a while. With the advancement in technology, some may want to use their computer, MP3 player, or other device to listen to the Bible being read to them. That’s a great idea, too.
However it is done, daily Bible reading (or listening) is essential to move us closer to the dynamic, victorious, abundant Christian life God wants and we all need.