Sept.10.03: Light For The Day - "Open-Book Test" "If we understood what happens when we use the Word of God, we would use it oftener."  -- Oswald Chambers ------------ -- Psalms 119:1,2 (NIVUS) "1- Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,  who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they who keep His statutes  and seek Him with all their heart." ----------- God makes it known that the Bible is pretty important reading material in a number of different ways:  directly through passages like that in Psalm 119:1-2;  indirectly through Jesus' frequent references to Old Testament writings during His earthly ministry;  and also through the guiding of His Spirit.  But while the Bible is the best-selling book of all time,  it may just have one of the lowest reading-to-owing ratios. In part, that may be because the Bible can be a bit intimidating.  Not only is it a lot of material to get a handle on, but it also holds the key to knowing God. Through the history, wisdom, stories, and letters in the Bible, God gives its readers a window to His nature as well as a guidebook for life. Though you can read through the Bible like a novel, cover to cover, best way to approach the Bible may be to read sections that apply to current need or life situation.  Many Bibles - especially study Bible and devotional Bibles - offer helpful topical information that can direct you to other passages that deal with the same subjects.  Many of these Bibles have a day-by-day plan that outlines a reading schedule that allows you to read the entire Bible through in a year or two (in a nonsequential, but logical manner). Or you can dive into one of the books and focus solely on that.  The Gospel of John is a great place to learn about God's love. If you're looking for wisdom, check out Proverbs. Unlike some books you read once and never pick up again, the Bible offers new insights every time you read it. Scholars who have studied the Bible all their lives continue to uncover truth and wisdom when they read the Scriptures. One of the greatest things about the Bible is that most of your life's tests are open-book tests, that is, you are free to explore and learn from the Bible whenever there is a need. But don't wait for a need before cracking open your Bible. The more you study and read, the more you'll uncover about how to live a life of faith. God knows that His word is good for you. That's why He wants you to read it. Often. He wants you to wrestle with the tough parts. He wants you to embrace the aha! discoveries with passion. Most of all, He wants you to get to know Him better. -- Checklist for Life -------------------- -- 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (NIVUS) "16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped  for every good work." -- 1 Peter 2:2,3 (NIVUS) "2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,  so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." -- Psalm 119:133 (NKJV) "Direct my steps by Your word,  And let no iniquity have dominion over me." ----------------- "The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me." -- Martin Luther