Growing in His Word

I have recently given up cable TV. I can't say I did it for any righteous reason like I didn't like what it was showing (although a lot of programming that is on cable is trash!). But it was more for the cost. I just decided it was a waste of my money and I didn't have money to waste!

But now came the dilemma of what do I do with all the time that I spent watching TV? I spend a lot of time on the internet but even that gets old after a while. I read some. In fact, I have recently joined a book club that I am really enjoying.

Well, the thought came to me that if I enjoy reading so much then why do I not read the greatest book ever written more? I have said many times that I am no biblical scholar. How could I be when I spend so little time reading the Bible? Yes, I read it for my devotions but I have never sat down and read the Bible all the way through. Several times I have made a New Year's resolution to read the Bible all the way through but I am embarassed to admit that I have never completed that resolution.

I read a statistic that showed the New Testament has 181,253 words, 7959 verses, 260 chapters, and 27 books. The statistics went on to say that if an average reader spent just 30 minutes a day reading the New Testament that they could read the New Testament through 12 times a year!

Our lack of knowledge with the Bible is a testament against us. We have been Christians for years, or even decades, yet we fumble through the pages unsure of our destination. At least I know this is true of myself. You would think that a book that gives us the directions to Heaven would be totally consumed by people wanting to get to Heaven. A book that shows us how to avoid life's pitfalls that will land us in an eternity in Hell should be a book that we just can't put down!

I have made the decision to spend more time reading God's word and studying God's word. I no longer want to lack the knowledge of the Bible. I want to be able to share God's word with others and not be unsure of where to find the verses. I am not making a New Year's resolution to do this because as with most New Year's resolutions, I rarely stick with them. I am making a promise to God to delve into His word and grow in His word. I hope that you will make the same decision.

Lord, help me to take the time to spend in your word. Help me to block out the world and spend time with You and growing in your word. Help me to remember that no matter how exciting the books I read may be, how much I may enjoy watching movies on TV or spending time on the internet, that NOTHING is as exciting and rewarding as your word. I thank you, Lord, for given us the greatest book ever written so that we may know the way to Heaven and the pitfalls that lead us to an eternity in Hell.


Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:129-130