Dear Friend,
Did you know that the American Bible Society recently released a report
showing that only 9% of Americans read their Bible every day? This is the
lowest figure they have ever reported while running the report for over a
decade.
But here is the good news: 67.8% of American adults (about
172,000,0000) are considered 'Bible curious' which means they are hungry to
learn more about scripture. Here is some even better news. The data also shows
that more Americans were exploring the Bible for the first time after the
pandemic hit than ever before. This means there are literally millions of
Americans who are hungry for the Word. (Information derived from Rick Warren's
Pastor's Perspective, internet.)
I don’t know where you fall during these Pandemic times, but I
hope, if you are not accustomed to spending time reading the Bible each day,
you will begin today.
The great man of God, George Mueller, after having read the Bible
through over a 100 times with increasing delight, made this statement: “I look
upon it as a day lost when I have not had a good time over the Word of God. Friends
often say, I’ve so much to do, so many people to see, that I cannot find time
for scripture study. Perhaps there are not many who have more to do than I. For
more than a half a century I have never known one day when I had not more
business than I could get through. For four years I have (received) annually
about 30,000 letters , and most of them have passed through my own hands. Then,
as pastor of a church with 1,200 believers, great has been my care. Besides, I
have had charge of five immense orphanages. Also, at my publishing depot
,(I oversee) the printing and circulating of millions of tracts, books, and
bibles, but I have always made it a rule never to begin work until I have had a
good season with God and his Word. The blessing I have received has been
wonderful.”
Paul writes Timothy, exhorting him to “Work hard so God can say to
you, Well done! Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed
when God examines your work. Know what His Word says and means” (2 Timothy 2:15
LBT).
Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been, we
must be careful to build our lives on the foundation of His Word , so that we
can build his word into our lives. It is in the Word that we find revealed the
lessons of life that God desires us to learn if we are to faithfully serve him.
If we ignore the regular reading of His Word, and we avoid any diligent study
of that Word, we are told that we will be ashamed at the judgment. What
believer would want that to happen? Consistent and conscientious study of
God's word is vital, lest we be lulled into neglecting God and our true
purpose.
And not only will the reading of his word save you from being
ashamed on that day when you stand before him , but it will provide you the
resources to live life victoriously in this world of here and now, for as one
godly man once wrote , “A Bible that is falling apart probably belongs to
someone who isn't.”
How about making a commitment to follow through on this bible
challenge: “No bible, no breakfast.”
Yours in faith and friendship,
Tom
P.S. I would be eager to hear how your commitment to reading the
bible has impacted and influenced your life.
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