The Bible has never been more accessible than it is today. Early Christians had to rely on scrolls and letters for instruction in doctrine and practice. The Scriptures that compose our modern Bible were originally written between 1200 BC and the end of the first century. The Old Testament books were considered Scripture before the coming of Christ. By the end of the fourth century, the 27 books we know as the New Testament were formally canonized or made official at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. Today the compilation of 66 books known as the Holy Bible is available in over 700 languages, including Braille and audio versions. The Bible accounts for God’s story and his purpose for creation. We can learn Him better by reading His word and knowing Him is changing our life.
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. – Romans 10:17
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving faith that saves us from our sin and gives us hope. Thank you for the Good News that Christ came, died, and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of my sin. May I get to know you and your purposes better as I read your Scripture. Help me get into the Bible daily and for your words to get into me.
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4
Dear Lord, I need your word like I need bread to live. Help me to recognize my need and to hunger for your truth. As I read, feed my soul like I eat a hearty meal. Give me life abundantly as I follow its instruction today.
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. – Romans 15:4
Heavenly Father, thank you for the Scriptures that were written for our instruction. Thank you for the hope and encouragement I can gain as I read about your word being fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. May I wait with joyful expectation for the ultimate fulfillment of your promises at the second coming of Jesus, where I will live with Him forever.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word that teaches me what is right and wrong. May I be eager to read and be equipped for the good works that you have prepared beforehand that I should be involved in.
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. – Acts 17:11
Heavenly Father, may I be as curious as the people of Berea and study the Bible to know the truth. May I compare all the teaching I hear and read with your word. May I know truth from falsehood, and may you give light to my path.
Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. – Luke 24:27
Dear Lord, all the Scriptures proclaim your story and your nature. Thank you, God, for making way for my salvation. May you open my mind to understand how there is no contradiction in your story of reconciliation. Help me have the faith to believe your word and do what it says even when it’s hard.
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
Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give.
I have tried hard to find you- don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:10-11
Heavenly Father, as I read your word, help me memorize and keep its truth in my heart. So may I be ready to wield it like a sword when faced with the temptation to sin. Show me how to walk in a way that is pleasing to you. Reveal to me the depth and width of your great love. Amen.
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