August 19, 2024 -- Proverbs 19:27 -- How can I jumpstart my Bible reading?

Cease to hear instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 19:27 ESV

The verb cease means everything from once in a while neglecting to completely stopping from hearing instruction. Instruction is training in the LORD. It is the discipline of putting into practice the words one hears through listening to sermons in church which complement your own Bible reading. You’ve seen stray cats, haven’t you? If they’re long gone from a home, they’re scruffy, ornery, and hissy. They are hard to call back to home. A recent stray goes from person to person seeking help and affection. Either way, the cat is lost and unless it gets the right person to care for it, will be taken into a bad home. So it is with the Christian who strays. He gets scruffy. She becomes onery. Such people forget who they are supposed to be as followers of Jesus Christ. The very knowledge that is supposed to keep them from sin and waywardness are forgotten. Basically, if you are not hearing the word of God preached and regularly reading it yourself, you will not be able to discern good from evil, nor what figure out what is God’s Truth so that you can distinguish it from whatever the world calls true.

Set a time for Bible reading. Sometimes the consistency of having set a time will be all the incentive you need to pick up the good habit of reading the Bible.

If you have ceased from reading, do not let the past neglect of reading stop you from starting up once again. Today is a good day to get right on it again.

Decide what your Bible reading will be. Sometimes Bible reading is neglected because you haven’t chosen what it is you’ll read. If it has been a while since you’ve read, start with one of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you get started once again in the pathway of this holy habit. If you have been regular in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding, and increase your joy in reading.

Write down your questions and ask a Christian friend to answer your questions. it is a great way to grow in your faith and to grow closer to other Christians who will be honoured and happy to answer your questions.

Father in heaven thank You for the gift of the Bible. Please send me Your Holy Spirit so that I will understand what I read in the Bible. When I encounter hard passages or confusing statements, send me a Christian friend who will help me so that together we can find the answers. Father, help me to get started on a holy habit that will lead me closer to Jesus and more fully understand the rich salvation I have in His glorious Name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/aH1Wn4fTiBs?si=iqSTy81MxoB4tNS0 “Speak O Lord”

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