“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” —Colossians 3:16

Have you ever wondered how words written thousands of years ago, in a different time and culture, by many authors, are words to comfort you and bring strength?

I’m glad you asked. I could tell you to read the Gospels to see how much Jesus loves you, or to read in the Psalms for how God comforts you, or to read in Isaiah and Job for an assurance of God’s presence with you through your trials. Paul tells us in a letter to the Philippians how we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength. I will also tell you that God’s Word carries an invisible inner strength when it is engraved in your heart and mind. I LOVE teaching others about the Scriptures and their power.

However, learning God’s Word from other people can be helpful and necessary, to an extent. Being “under” His Word is not the same as being “in” His Word. It’s like you being sick, but I take the medicine and tell you that you should feel better.

Friends, we need to listen to those who speak and teach God’s Truth, but the Lord wrote the Bible as a personal love letter to you. Read the Scriptures for yourself, and let Him speak to you in the way that only your Creator can.

Pray for a thirst to read the Bible and to make it a priority. I promise you; God will make sure you will have time to be “in” His Word.

If you need help with what to read in the Bible and a way to read it, send us an email, or check out our upcoming Encounter Weekend, Learn to Love the Word. It will equip you with tools to make the most out of your time in Scripture.

Lord, thank You for Your Living Word. Grant us all an extreme thirst to be “in” Your Word.  Let us all experience the invisible inner strength that Your Scripture give us when our hearts and minds have You engraved on them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.