Reading the Word

2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 3:15-17: "And that from a child thu hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  Psalms 119:15,16: "I will meditate in thy precpets, and have respect unto thy ways.  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word."  Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged swoard, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  Ephesians 4:17: " And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" 1 John4:1: " Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Ezra 4:10:' For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."

I know that is a lot of scripture.  But read it, then reread it, then meditate and study it.  We are to daily be in His Word.  It is a 'lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.'  How often do we grab up our Bible, read a few lines, close it, and go about our day.  Now granted, that is better than not opening it up at all.....but I ask you.....are you Reading the Word, or are you reading the words?  If you are doing the second part, and thinking you are doing your part....well, you are going to spiritually starve.  What if we went by the dinner table and grab a quick sample of what was on the table?  That bite tastes good, and may stop the hunger pangs for a moment....but eventually we are going to get hungry...maybe even 'hangry'.  Our health will fail, we will become malnourished, and eventually die.

God help us to be approved by God as a good soldier that He is not ashamed of.  Take a moment, at some part of the day and truly READ the Word.....and not just read some words.  Grow in knowledge and grace and just watch what God will do!!