Have you ever thought about why you read God’s Word? Is it expected of all Christians? If so, for what reason(s)?

Below is a list that I have compiled of just a few of the reasons why I feel it is important for us to read God’s Word. All of the scriptures are taken from the NIV translation.

1. To equip us to serve Him.

II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

When we know what God’s Word says, we will be better equipped to handle all kinds of situations and circumstances that come along in our lives.

2. To grow in maturity.

I Peter 2:2-3: “Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

When we first became a Christian, we were like newborn babies and could not understand fully; but as we matured and grew in life’s experiences, we craved more of the “meat of the Word” on a daily basis.

3. To give a reason for what you believe.

I Peter 3:15-16: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

We should be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks us for a reason why we are a Christian.

4.To learn how to become more like Him.

Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

God created us in His likeness so that we could be a reflection of His love.

5. To learn how to live and treat others.

Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind and with all of your strength. The second law is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

If we live according to these two commandments, we will love and treat others the way God instructed us to.

6. To seek knowledge.

Psalm 19:7: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”

Our knowledge will be increased and our souls will be revived and refreshed as well.

7. To learn more about His salvation plan.

Hebrews 4:12: “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. For nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

God knows everything about us–He only can look at the heart and convicts the soul.

8. To seek His guidance (plan) for your life.

Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to protect you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”

God wants only good things for us and has a plan for all of us.

9. To increase our faith.

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

We have no doubt that God can do what He says even before He does it.

Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Faith also requires action on our part.

What are some of the reasons that you read God’s Word? When do you read God’s Word (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening)? And, why do you personally read His Word?

Blessings on you,
Yvonne

Patience is considered a virtue, but for many of us, waiting is not easy. We often find ourselves waiting in the check-out lane at a grocery store, waiting in line at a bank, waiting to be seated at a restaurant, standing in line at sporting events, conferences, theaters, and concerts, to name just a few.

Most often, waiting can lead to frustration, especially if it takes more than a few minutes of our time, Children, due to their short attention span, often lose their patience in certain situations and will cry or have a temper tantrum (mothers can certainly identify with this) because they don’t know why they have to wait for things.

When my husband and I lived in Georgia, we would travel to our home State of PA to visit family members during the holidays. Our daughter was under five at the time. In order to keep her occupied, we brought along toys, puzzles, coloring books, and played car games as well as bringing along all the luggage and snacks. Within an hour or so of leaving our home, she began asking, “Are we there yet?” We would try to explain that the trip would take us about 14 hours; however, she had no concept of time and she would become frustrated, begin crying, and continue asking, “Are we there yet?” Believe me, we stopped many times to get gas/food during the trip in order to break up the long hours of being in a car.

As Christians we can also become impatient to receive answers to our prayers. However, we need to be reminded that God has already heard us and that He has everything under control and will answer us in His timing.

There are a number of scriptures throughout the Old and New Testaments that teach us lessons on learning about patience (perseverance). I have listed just a few for you to read and ponder. All of them are taken from the NIV.

Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

II Peter 1:5: “For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge self-control; and to self-control, perseverance…”

Revelation 2:2-3: “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance….You have persevered and have endured hardships in my name, and have not grown weary.”

Colossians 1:11-12: “…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…”

Proverbs 15:18: “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.”

James 5:7-11: “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming…Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Hebrews 6:15: “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Isaiah 40:31 clearly gives us valuable insight into the result and benefit of our being patient (persevering) by waiting on the Lord. Let this be our guide when we find ourselves in situations that test our patience.

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,
They will mount up (soar on) wings like eagles;
They will run, and not be weary;
They will walk, and not be faint.”

Teach us Lord, teach us Lord to wait.

Blessings on you,
Yvonne

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer has been a very important part of my life since I accepted Jesus Christ over 50 years ago in a small, local evangelical church in Pennsylvania. Communicating with God throughout the day and bringing the needs of family, friends, church members, and others blesses my heart and soul.

Christ gave us guidelines on “how” we are to pray in Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s Prayer (NIV).

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 6:6-8 (NIV) teaches us what to do “when” we pray: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

There are several benefits that we can consider on what prayer “does” for us overall: It…

. Changes us – Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24
. Heals us – Matthew 9:20:22, II Chronicles 7:19
. Strengthens us – Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:13
. Protects us – John 17:15, Psalm 32:6-7
. Guides us – Psalm 98:14, Psalm 119:105
. Increases our faith – Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:1, 6

I Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) tells us that we are to “pray without ceasing.” The greatest gift that we can give someone is to pray with and for them. James 5:16 (NIV) says, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

I am also reminded daily for the need to pray when I read the following decorative wall words on the wall facing me as I have my daily devotions:

. SING your song
. DREAMS your dreams
. HOPE your hope, and
. PRAY your prayer

When there are times when I do not know who and what to pray for, I just ask Him and He shows me. Sitting quietly in His presence and meditating on His Word gives me the strength I need to begin a new day.

Over 45 years ago since my husband and I became involved in various churches–music ministry, youth ministry, associate pastors, and now in a small church pastorate–I have seen lives miraculously changed and a few of them are currently involved in some type of outreach ministry as well. After running from God since the age of 19, my father (at the age of 72) gave his life back to God on his deathbed. Many of my brothers and sisters have given their lives to the Lord as well–all through the power of prayer by many individuals in that small, evangelical church so many years ago.

God can meet our needs, great or small. He already knows what is in our hearts…but he just wants us to ask Him and He will answer us, according to His will.

May the Lord bless and keep you in His care today.

Blessings on you,
Yvonne