Do you enjoy reading the Bible? This story stirred while singing …’the B I B L E yes, that’s the book for me, I’ll stand alone on the Word of God, the B I B L E’. Children have embraced that little tune, singing their hearts out in VBS, Sunday school, even programs with parents watching and beaming with pride. Long ago in a land where freedom to pray and sing such songs in school existed, the tune even echoed in classrooms where children learned lessons based on the Good Book. Though time has tried to tear down principles of Christian faith, take down religious symbols in our courthouses and communities, remove prayer from our schools, tone down our witness and worship for Christ…it won’t work if we stand firm and stay focused on what the Bible promises. But…we must know and believe these promises by being closely connected to God and His Word.

Do you read the Bible for information or transformation? Many people become stressed or feel guilty when they try to read so much every day and just don’t understand. The Bible is meant to be the ‘book for you, for me’ that will give good news, guidance, growth, and guts to follow our Lord throughout our lifetime. If we study and read His Word every single morning, night and all in between, there will be endless lessons still waiting to be uncovered and understood. The information is endless. Millions of sermons and studies have emerged from the books bearing the names of those chosen to write the Word inspired by our Father. Reading for information is important. Knowing the history, the heartaches, the heroism and hallelujahs that served as foundation for the Old Testament is important. It is a base that helps us understand ’in the beginning’ and foundation for our faith and trust in Him who says, “I am the Great I am, the Alpha and the Omega.’ Knowing that God is the beginning and the end, it seems all of His children would desire to learn about Him and His Word, but most of all to know Him personally and understand the precious promise of life with Him forever and ever.

Reading the Bible for information without transformation will not secure our spot in the promised place He is preparing. We can go to every Bible study being offered, read the Bible morning, noon, and night, memorize scripture and say them for all to hear, but still be unsaved. We can set our schedules to read designated chapters each night in order to read the Bible through in one year; yet, neglect accepting Jesus and being doers of His Word. Reading the Bible for information is important and will help us understand how legalism in the Old Testament was a part of the good news that came in the New Testament. When we allow the words to settle in our hearts, the seed will grow as does our faith. When we stop reading out of duty or requirements and read with a passion to learn more and love deeper, the transformation becomes apparent. Scripture we read without understanding, before our change of heart and closeness to our Savior, suddenly become clearer and more meaningful. Relying on Biblical scholars or schools isn’t necessary for us to understand the Bible. When we study the Bible and maintain our relationship with God, the greatest Helper will live inside us and bring insight, opening our eyes and hearts to see and understand the Word and the ways of our Father. With our transformation comes the helper Jesus promised to send…the Holy Spirit. How sweet to know that when we trust in Jesus and believe on His Word, His Spirit will dwell in our hearts to help us fight life’s battles and enjoy God’s blessings, to read with understanding and react with active faith, to bravely stand firm and be all that God wants us to be, and to know that we have been transformed into a treasure that our Father cherishes. If you don’t know Him or understand His Word, please accept Him today. Transform and enjoy being a child in the family of God.