3:12 – Read It For Yourself

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Do you ever have the problem of finding out what is true or not? Sometimes, someone says something but you don’t know if it’s “honest truth”. Maybe it’s a clickbait headline to get your attention and start a conversation. But is it really what is meant?

Today, I had the privilege of reading the old and new testament lessons for church. I was a little nervous but it was fun. Then during the message, our pastor talked about reading it for yourself. We all have our interpretations and can listen to others say what it means. But if you get into scripture, you will understand what is meant. It may take practice, but if you don’t read it yourself, you will never begin.

Scripture

• All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• 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 good success. – 1 Joshua 1:8
• For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrew 4:12

Reflection

We know that all scripture is breathed out by God It is his instructions for how to live. It would be difficult to live by the law if we don’t know it. As they say in civil life, ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse. We don’t want to know it because of the laws necessarily, but because when we know it, if gives us power, protection, and understanding. God tells us how to live, how to cooperate with each other, and how to emulate Christ. These are tools I want.

We don’t need to necessarily memorize everything, but when you are in the word and read it, you begin first to get the concepts, then the verses. As it says in Hebrews, it is a sharp sword, if I’m going to battle with the devil on a daily basis, I want the best weapon at my disposal.

We can be led astray by people telling us what is right and what is wrong. When we look and read the Bible ourselves, we find out the truth.

Challenge

What’s your plan to read the Bible? Are you using an app like YouVersion? It doesn’t take a huge commitment of time, 5-10 minutes a day, and you can begin to see the truth of God for yourself.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your words of wisdom, salvation, comfort, and law. You give us all the instructions we need for life in one place. Help us set up patterns in our lives to read your word daily. We can’t and shouldn’t take someone else’s word on it, but read it ourselves. Then seek those in faith with us, to help us understand even deeper. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). Help us through all the evil that pulls us away form you and your word. We love you and give you all the honor and glory, Amen.