As we begin our reading through the New Testament today, I felt it would be a good time to revisit the “Why” of doing so. I have met many women over the years who say they believe in Jesus for salvation, yet have no desire, and make no time to be in the Word of God regularly or consistently.
If we believe that the Bible is the holy and inspired Word of the God of all creation (which I do and hope you do too!) – then wouldn’t it only be right for those who have been saved by the grace of that very same God, to have the desire to read it, know it and understand it?
If we claim to love the Lord with our all heart, mind, soul, and strength – wouldn’t it only make sense that we would want to know more about Him? To come to a deeper understanding of Him?
If we know that we have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, and because of that we are now called to follow Him – to die to ourselves – how can we know what it means to follow Him and obey His commands if we are not reading His Word?
How can we “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might for all endures and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:9-11) if we put no effort into reading, studying and understanding His Word?
How will we know if we are thinking, speaking, and living in truth unless we immerse ourselves in the Truth? In Jesus’s high priestly prayer in the Gospel of John, he says, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Our sanctification as followers of Christ is a lifelong process. It is not something that happens one time. It consists of us learning to separate ourselves from taking part in and being influenced by evil. It also consists of us learning to grow in holiness, and godliness in our attitudes, thoughts, and how we live our lives. We can only do this when we know what the Truth actually is. It is not your truth, my truth, or even A truth. It is THE TRUTH which is the Word of God. His word is the standard for truth.
How can we then as faithful followers of Christ if we are not rooted and grounded in the scriptures?
Simply put – we cannot.
We all have 24 hours in a day. We all have things that we set as priorities in our lives, and we make time for those priorities. If reading, studying and meditating on the Word is a priority, we will make the time to do so.
So that is my encouragement to you today, sisters. If you have decided to do this reading plan with me – commit to it. If you are on the fence about it, not sure if you have the time to do it – commit to it. If you have never read through the New Testament, now is the opportunity to do – commit to it. It is never wasted time which is spent in the Word. Now is the time to build the discipline into your life.
Jesus himself said, when he was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Feed on the Word of God daily, sisters. It will fill you up and equip you for whatever may come your way. The Holy Spirit will strengthen you through your efforts so that you will be able to withstand. He will use it to transform your heart and renew your mind. And you will grow in your love, reverence and praise of the One who saved you from spiritual death and blindness and adopted you as His child.
So, print off the reading plan.
MAKE the time in your day to read.
Commit to it.
He will bless that time.