Biblical Foundationsਨਮੂਨਾ

Charles Spurgeon famously said, “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” Less famously, and stolen from my sister, I always say, “The Bible is a book for our whole life.” Quotations aside, the point is this: As Christians, we should be reading our Bible regularly. In the ministry at Prestonwood, we have a mantra: Bible study isn’t a class you take; it’s a rhythm you keep. Why should we keep a rhythm in Scripture? And how do we do that? I’m glad you asked.

In the Gospel of Matthew, which chronicles the earthly life of Jesus, we read of a harrowing season of temptation endured by Christ at the hand of Satan. Satan isolates Jesus in the wilderness and takes full advantage of the limitations to which the Son of God, being fully human, was subjected. Two things stand out to me in this account: ·Jesus withstands prolonged temptation of the Devil by quoting Scripture.
·Jesus equates the sustenance of Scripture with the sustenance of bread.

Practically speaking, why should we know and learn Scripture? Because if it was important for Jesus, then it’s important for us. Why should we keep a regular rhythm in Scripture? Because it is our spiritual food. Like most of you, I don’t go days without eating, for a multitude of reasons – not the least of which is because it affects my decision-making, happiness, clarity and health. Abstaining from spiritual food does the same.

Many affirm the importance of Scripture but struggle to find a rhythm. The Bible gives us some direction, best practices if you will. First Peter 2 acknowledges that our spiritual journey begins like our earthly journey, as a baby sustained by milk. When we seek to establish a rhythm reading the Bible, we might need to begin with light reading. For instance, this foundational series only covers five days each week, and a few minutes’ worth of reading. Once you master this rhythm, our hope is that you will keep growing with us into an actual Bible study.

Another way to increase success in your Bible reading is found in 1 Timothy 4:13. “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” Attending church or Bible study, or consuming Bible-centric media helps increase your appetite for Scripture. I liken it to what I’ve always heard about water. The more you drink, the more you want! May we be people who flood our lives with the livingwater found in Christ and revealed in Scripture.

PRAYER:

Father, may I hunger and thirst to know You and connect with You on the pages of Scripture. May Your Holy Spirit stir in me a reminder to read my Bible regularly, so I might know and love You more.