Is The Bible Just Another Book?

Recently I won an amazing give away from my friend Jessica's blog "Our Family For His Glory".   The give away was done at the end of a Summer long Bible study I did with her going through the book of Ephesians.  It was her desire to give away some things that would be a blessing to the recipient and would encourage and help you in your walk with The Lord. Everything in the give away was amazing but my favorite thing of all was a new Study Bible.

And I got to thinking about my Bible;  this new one and the older ones that I have.  Some of them are plain while others are just so pretty to look at like the new one I just received.  There is just something about a new Bible. The smell that I can't describe other than to say "new Bible" smell, the way the pages stick together, the shiny page ends whether silver or gold. We are so blessed to live in a country where we can own as many bibles as our hearts desire and checkbook can afford. Bibles can be bought for as cheap as $1.00 at your local Dollar Tree all the way up to pretty much any amount you are willing to spend.

But the Bible, any Bible from the cheapest to the most expensive, from the most beautiful to the most plain is just a book. Yes, you heard me right.  It is just a book like any other.  It has a front and back cover, it has pages with words on them in between these covers just like your favorite novel or magazine. It's just a book and left sitting on your shelf or coffee table it holds no special meaning or value at all. It's just a book mass produced in factories like any other regular book.


Psalm 119:11, one of my favorite verses says I have hidden your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.

When does the Bible, Gods written word to us become something special? When we read it, when we meditate on it, when we memorize it and when we hide it in our heart. Then it becomes alive and active according to Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

We need to have Gods word hidden in our hearts so that we are always ready with an answer when asked the question of why we have this hope inside us.  I Peter 3:15  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

You can't have the promises of the Bible operating in your life if you never spend time reading and getting to know what those promises are.

Your children will only want to know this Jesus you speak of when they see you reading your Bible and getting to know the God of the Bible.  You will be a great witness when others can see the promises of God at work in your life.  Jesus said that every tree is known by it's fruit, if you do not spend time in the Word each day your fruit isn't going to be very good. 

Don't allow your Bible to be just another book.  Pick it up, dust it off and dig in!  Not sure how?  Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Pray. 

Determine a time in your day that would be best for you. Personally I like early.  It's nice to start your day with God.  Now I will admit early doesn't always happen but it is my favorite time of the day. 

Decide where you want to read.  Find a cozy spot (not too cozy, you don't want to fall asleep) but a nice spot to sit with your coffee or favorite drink of choice.

Start small. Remember something is better than nothing. Read one verse a day.  Feeling like you want to do more than just one verse?   Read a chapter in the book of Proverbs each day.

Feeling really adventurous?  Pull out a notebook and take notes or journal.

Once you get your routine started for reading your Bible each day - add in a Bible study.  There are many free online Bible studies out there.