The Bible is more than just a good book that Christians should read. It is God’s Word. We know this in theory, but must also know it in practice. The Bible is wildly relevant and essential for believers in every generation and culture. However, we often struggle to cultivate a hunger and desire to read God’s Word daily.
So, what do we do?
We must look to the Word to fall in love with the Word! When we have a true appreciation of the beauty and power of God’s Word, prioritizing it each day will become easier.
Here are 7 verses to help you fall more in love with the Bible.
1. John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
The Word has always existed. When God created the heavens and the earth, the Word was already there. John 1:1 says that the Word was with God and that the Word is God. The Bible is not just a book written by men at the inception of the church. It is the living extension and embodiment of God Himself, and it never ceases to speak to His people.
2. John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
A few verses later, in John 1:14, we find a deeper revelation of the Word as God. Jesus took on human form and lived among us. Jesus is God’s Word in the flesh. If we want to know God more, all we have to do is look to Jesus. We can do this by reading the Bible with the understanding that every book and story points to Jesus. As we do this, we gain appreciation for the immeasurable depths of who He is and what He has done for us.
3. Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
The Bible is not old and outdated; it is alive and active. Even though it was penned thousands of years ago by many different authors, it is relevant and alive for us today. As we read it, we are shown who God is and how to become more like Him. We must allow His Word to penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and attitudes.
As we read the Bible, it should transform us more into His image. We do not read to check off a to-do list or satisfy a reading plan; we read to draw closer to our Creator and make ourselves more like Him.
4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The Bible is 66 different books with over 40 authors; yet it is one unified book with one ultimate Author, God. As 2 Timothy says, all Scripture is “God-breathed.” This means that every word in the Bible is inspired by Him and has a purpose. He does not waste words! He uses the Bible to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness. As we read God’s Word, we should open our hearts to hear what God is saying directly to us.
5. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
God’s Word points us to Jesus and guides us to live like Him and for Him. Since God is the One who made us, He always knows what’s best for us. He knows the best path for our lives and does not hide that from us. As we read His Word, He will illuminate our paths and guide us on each step to take. He has all the answers and knows where we should place our foot next.
6. Romans 15:4
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Life is not always easy. We will go through challenging situations and seasons. Many of the men and women we read about in the Bible also went through difficult circumstances. We can see where they failed and where they succeeded, and how the Lord was faithful through seemingly impossible trials. While we may not be going through the exact circumstances they did, we can be encouraged by their endurance and hope as they pressed on towards Jesus. As we read about their lives, we are hopeful, knowing that God is with us, just as He was with them.
7. Isaiah 55:11
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
When God speaks, His word always accomplishes what He sent it for. When it comes to pass, it often looks different than what we had anticipated. However, as we read His Word, He gives us insight into His plans for our future. He does not give us all the details, but as we read, we can be encouraged to know He is moving and that His will and Word will always come to pass.
Where to Start Reading the Bible
When we realize that God’s Word is more than a book and begin to see it at work in our lives, we will have a greater desire to learn more about Him daily. Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start when reading the Bible daily is not a current habit.
We have a great plan to help you read the Bible in a year. Every day, you will spend time in the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. As you read, look for Jesus on every page of the Bible and invite Him to use His Words to transform your life.
