Time with God - Week 1, Day 2

Day 2 - But I Don't Like to Read (Power of Scripture)

Now, before I move on from the importance of prayer and Bible Study, I have to be honest with you about a couple of things:

1. If you read your Bible daily, you will be in the minority. In fact, only 8% of all CHRISTIAN teenagers say they read the Bible every day. 35% claim to read the Bible several times a week or less, which means that 57% of Christian teenagers very rarely read the Bible.
2. God will use you. If you don't want to be used by God, don't read the Bible. It's safer that way. You will then be able to live a halfhearted existence, and you won't have to worry about living life on the edge. But if you choose to read and apply the Bible to your life daily, watch out. That Bible you have, after all, is God's Word, and it is unique. Did you know that:

a. The Bible was written over the course of 1,600 years and over 60 generations.

b. God wrote the Bible through over 40 people. These people were, among other things, Kings, Fishermen, Scholars, Peasants, etc.

c. The Bible was written on three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe, and in many different types of places like prisons, palaces, in the wilderness, and on the road.

d. The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible includes history, prayers, worship songs, poems, prophecies, and letters.

e. Most of the authors who were inspired by God's Holy Spirit never met each other, and yet the Bible has one consistent theme from Genesis to Revelation: GOD LOVES US AND WANTS TO FORGIVE US FOR OUR SINS AND BRING US HOME WITH HIM TO HEAVEN.

f. The Bible is not only a book about yesterday, but it is also a book for today. The Bible gives us help and insight on all kinds of topics such as:

i. Friends (Proverbs 17:17, 18:24)

ii. Dealing with enemies (Matthew 5:43-47)

iii. Hard times (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4)

iv. Parents (Ephesians 6:1-4)

v. Drugs and alcohol (Ephesians 5:18)

vi. Peer pressure (Romans 12:2)

vii. Worry (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-9)

viii. Being too busy (Psalms 46:10)

ix. Plus a ton more. 

Pretty impressive, huh? It makes you think you might need to read this book. Or you can keep making excuses like:

1. I'm too busy.
2. I would rather do something else like watch TV.
3. I think the Bible is boring.
4. I don't know where to start or how to study the Bible.
5. I forget to read it.

It seems to me that God went through an awful lot of trouble for you to get the Bible. Don't you think it's about time you found out for yourself what the Bible really says and is all about? Excuses are weak. God's Word is powerful, but it's your life. Be used by God or get used. One way leads to eternal life, and the other path leads to destruction.
Choose wisely!

Time Out

1. What is your favorite excuse for not reading the Bible?

2. How can we obey God's commands if we never read the Bible to find out what His commands are?

3. When do you spend your time daily with the Lord?

4. If you want to live a Godly life, you must spend time daily reading the Bible. Why is reading your Bible such a key to spiritual growth?

5. How are you going to ensure you spend time in the Bible daily?

6. Psalms 119:165 says, "Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble."

7. According to this verse, what emotion should we have when we read the Bible?

8. What two things do we receive if we read the word of God?