Have you ever stopped to think about why it’s so important to read the Bible?  It’s generally recognized as a common discipline for Christians, but the idea of reading the same book over and over can also be baffling to some.  The thing is, it’s more than just a book- it’s the Word of God.  Let that sink in for a second: the scriptures are actually a way God speaks to us personally.  Whether it’s what’s actually written on the page or what the Holy Spirit reveals to us as we’re reading, God speaks into our lives.  In fact, the Bible says,

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

Did you catch that?  The scriptures are alive.  That means that even though we may have already read something before, we can read it again today and get even more understanding. Now you may be thinking, “What if I don’t understand what it is saying?”  Well, we have to start with the right attitude…

We can read the Word and just kind of be like, “Oh, I don’t know what it’s talking about,” and kind of tune it out. Or we can say, “What is God trying to say to us?” (excerpt from Don’t Miss Your Destiny Due to Wrong Speaking, by Assistant Pastor Vondalier Pipkin)

So then, each time you get ready to read the Bible, stop and think about the fact that God wants to speak to you.  Ask Him to make it plain to you what He wants to say and expect to hear from Him!  Develop a lifestyle of reading the Bible and listening to what God is saying through His Word every day.  This is an essential part of how we get to know God better!