There is a tremendous power available to us in God’s Word. Do you make use of this power in your life? Do you read the Bible – God’s Word?

Here are 6 reasons you should pick up your Bible today.

1. Read the Bible: It contains God’s will for our lives

“What is God’s will for my life?” There is no Bible verse that explicitly tells us what profession to pursue, where to live or whom to marry. But, nonetheless, the Bible’s exhortations, guidelines, commandments and encouragement give us very concrete and infallible insight into God’s will for us in every aspect of life.

Paul writes that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God …” 2 Timothy 3:16. In some translations it even says that Scripture is God-breathed.

Have you ever thought about this? The Bible is inspired by God Himself! It is His Word, containing His wisdom, His goodness, His intentions, His judgements, His heart. Have you been so interested in understanding God’s will that you spend time with His very own Word?

2. Read the Bible: It is our nourishment

Imagine that you go a day without eating anything. Then a week. And a month. As time goes on, you become weaker and weaker. Our bodies need nourishment to live. And it’s the same in our spiritual lives.

It is through our spirit we can have contact with God. Our spirit is what will enter eternity and it needs nourishment to be alive and awake to the will of God. Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4. He also says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the fleshSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful… profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

If we want to gain life and nourishment for our spirit, it is essential that we spend time with God’s Word. God’s Word is a source of life! It contains infinite help and wisdom. And, when it is read and obeyed in a spirit of faith, it leads us to unimaginable spiritual growth.

3. Read the Bible: It gives us discernment

The author of Hebrews writes, “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

As human beings, it is natural to seek our own (Philippians 2:21), so it isn’t easy for us to discern between good and bad. Our natural judgments are often tainted by own personal opinions, emotions and experiences that go against God’s good and perfect will.

But, God’s Word cuts through all of this; it separates out all self-seeking in our lives and determines what is truth and righteousness. “‘Is not My word like a fire?’ says the Lord, ‘And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” Jeremiah 23:29. God’s Word is powerful; it is full of authority. It is a holy two-edged sword that divides between our will and the will of God, a fire that consumes impurity and a hammer that has power to demolish all innate sin! Don’t you desire to make use of this Word in your own life?

4. Read the Bible: It instructs us in righteousness

“How can a young man cleanse his way?” David asked. “By taking heed according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

The Bible contains all the instruction that we need to come to a life of true purity and righteousness. It teaches us how we can follow Christ in truth. It contains words and examples from heroes of faith, prophets, apostles, Jesus Christ and God Himself! What better teaching, what better instruction is there for those who want to live a life that is well-pleasing to God our Creator?

5. Read the Bible: It contains power to overcome

After we have made the firm decision to serve God wholeheartedly and refrain from sinning against Him, we will still experience temptation in our lives. James says that we are tempted when we are drawn away and enticed by our own lusts and desires. (James 1:14)

It’s clear from Scripture that Satan makes use of these natural lusts and desires. He tries to get us to disobey God’s will, by offering things that appeal to us naturally: honour, riches or self-satisfaction. He even tempted Jesus, trying to get Him to give into egotism, pride and self-seeking.

But, for each temptation Jesus faced, He had a counterattack. And every single counterattack involved God’s Word. “Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’” And further, He says, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:1-11.

Do you also have a counterattack for every temptation that you face in life? Do you fill yourself with God’s Holy Word? Paul writes, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …” Ephesians 6:17. The Bible, God’s Word, is a weapon. It is a sword that gives us power and authority to overcome in the midst of temptation. Why not pick up this sword today?

6. Read the Bible: It is full of God’s promises

And finally, not least of all, the Bible is full of extraordinary promises. It speaks of the all things that belong to the God-fearing!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7.

There are an almost infinite number of promises made to those who live according to God’s will. Are you livingly interested in these precious promises? Do you want to see what God does, and will do, for those who live according to His will? Then, by all means, pick up your Bible! It will tell you of all the promises that can be yours, both in this life and in eternity, if you do the will of God.

Why not read your Bible today?