YEAR OF THE BIBLE

Forthe word of God is quick and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

I don't know if you've noticed it or not, but we are in a spiritual war in our country right now like no other time I can remember. Our culture has gone “catty-wampus” and guess what, a Christian can see clearly the workings of a devil who is out to destroy us all. You and I know that God is the only answer to this spiritual culture crisis and that we will be sustained only through being people of the Bible. We look around and see that Satan is alive and well and out to destroy us and all we cherish. Don't expect unsaved people who are politicians, educators or unsaved people in leadership to make godly decisions Satan has them on board and Jesus and His word is the only anwer for any of them.

The Word of God has provided us with information in Ephesians 6 regarding spiritual armor to protect and arm us against Satan's ploys. All of the various pieces of that armor are to strictly protect us from Satan's darts...with the exception of one piece and that's the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” That's the only defensive weapon we have. But what good is that sword if we not only don't use it, but don't even know what it is and the power it holds in store?

I have been reading from Franklin Graham and others that this is to be the Year of the Bible. I am so glad the idea of this program is being spread. Churches, schools, families, etc. are encouraged to set some reasonable goals to get back into the Bible this year. There are times when we are discouraged, sick, angry or whatever that negative things that can come our way that having some Scripture memorized can be such a help, strength and blessing.

There there are some folks I know who really want to get back into the Word this year. We forget that a year is a long span of time with twelve months and 365 days. Getting into the Word may go smoothly for a couple of weeks and then there is a slacking off and eventually, the Bible sits on the coffee table, untouched. Satan wants us distracted and defeated and wants God's word ignored.

Remember that this is to be the Year of the Bible...not the Year of the Devotional Book. May I give a few suggestions that might be a help and encourage, maybe keeping you going for more than a few days: Some folks won't need any of these suggestions but might need one or two, so here we go:

*If you've never read through a single book in the Bible, this isn't the time to say you're going to read through the whole Bible. Before I am criticized, let me go further.

*Select a small book in the Bible to read....I John, Philippians...a book with no more than 5-6 chapters. Feel the success of accomplishing one book. It will begin to work in your system to go for more.

*Pick a time to read that is comfortable for you. There are those who tell you a certain time of day is a must. God is watching and listening no matter the time

*When you can, read your Bible out loud. This is one of the greatest things I found several years ago. It forces me to concentrate, keep my eyes on the page and encourages me to stay awake.

*ALERT!!! The huge danger in all of this is that you are READING your Bible....reading it word for word, reading while getting all those words under your belt. Most often, Christians who set out on a Bible reading plan become a part of a great race...to get it done, but day by day, walk away with nothing of what was read digested and applied. Better you glean strength from one verse than nothing from an entire chapter.

*Do not set out with a goal of reading with a determination that YOU are going to get this thing done. That will really kill your effort within days. Satan wants you to have that attitude. He laughs at us when he sees us reading and reading while walking away with nothing.

*Lastly, whatever or however you plan to get into the Word this year, never pick up your Bible to read without praying and asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. When we launch out on our own without our Teacher, every word can seem like chewing on cardboard.

Sorry about the lengthy suggestions. Not everyone will need most of them, but pick out something that may be a new thought that may refresh your Bible reading. Let's truly make this the YEAR OF THE BIBLE.

Father, God....thank You for giving us Your Word. Help us to see the critical need for instilling it in out hearts and minds that we will be ready to fend off the wiles and tricks of our enemy. Help us to be open to what You want to say to us in the precious moments we have with Your word and the Holy Spirits teaching. Keep us teachable. In Jesus precious name...Amen