Daily Bible reading is critical to spiritual health. On my first day as a campus staff worker at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I met the current staff member as he transitioned out. When we met early that day, he asked if I'd spent time with the Lord. I sheepishly said no and promised to start tomorrow. He stressed that all ministry flows from our relationship with God and added, "I'll meet you an hour after you spend time with the Lord." I have never forgotten that.
The Bible affirms, "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword... discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12-13). As we read and apply the Word, God's Spirit works in our hearts, revealing our true motivations. The Apostle Paul states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To be equipped, we must consistently turn to His Word. John’s gospel says, "We are sanctified by the truth" (John 17:17).
The main reason people skip daily Bible reading is busyness. Yet a recent study shows many spend 30 minutes or more on less productive activities (Podcasts - 32%, YouTube - 26%, Facebook - 28%, Hobbies - 42%, TV - 59%). With just 12 minutes a day, you could complete the Bible in one year. No other habit offers more benefits. It is a spiritual exercise to get our hearts before the word of God and allow the Lord to speak to us.
Yet at times, Bible reading seems uninspiring. If this is the case, start reading the gospels, and not Exodus. Pray that God would open your eyes to the truth and guide you to apply it to your life before reading. Seek an ongoing, fruitful encounter with God—don’t just check it off your list. Write out the text or your questions to make the Word more memorable. Sometimes a verse stands out; meditate on or memorize it. There are days when nothing will strike you but persist.
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm with 176 verses. Every verse emphasizes the importance of scripture and its role in your daily life. Read and meditate on the Psalm for encouragement in regularly reading scripture.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. ~ Psalm 119:103-105
