“I see someone’s preparing to do lots of reading!” remarked a silver-haired pleasant stranger, wearing dark glasses outside the downtown library. “I always tell them if you can’t read, you can’t learn,” she said, as she noticed all the books—nearly 50—the Hobbs family lugged along Saturday. My husband Kenya and I smiled approvingly and I responded, “That’s right!” as we both carefully guided our four children across the big city street.
Next to the trip to Grandma and Granddad Brinson’s house, the library was the highlight of our day together. And we had spent a good amount of time thumbing through books, reading over stories, and selecting the right mix of entertaining and educational resources.
I truly love it that the kids have a deep appreciation for books and at our house, reading is simply a natural part of our daily lives.
Avid readers, I believe, are more effective leaders, both naturally and spiritually.
Unfortunately, when it comes to reading the word of God, our guiding source for all matters of life, lots of folks pass on it. As a result, we have become a generation that receives God’s word in small doses.
We gravitate toward “sound-bite-teaching” where we substitute consistent, personal, in-depth Bible study for quick "pick-me-up" fixes.
Instead of digging into the word for ourselves, we settle for: watching our favorite preachers on The Word Network or online; reading the verses along with our pastor during the Sunday morning sermon; cross-referencing scriptures during the mid-week Bible study lesson; and occasionally, in times of serious distress, we may frantically search scriptures to try to find something soothing.
But that’s not the proper way to activate the power of God in our lives--something my mom taught me very early on.
Sometimes, when I'd just be sitting around the house doing nothing, she would tell me to go to my room and pray or read the Bible. She stressed the importance of drawing close to God and tapping into His power. I remember groaning internally about it in my early teens and not really wanting to obey. But I had no choice, so I did what my mom told me to. Then, over time, I grew to love that time alone with God. I learned so much about the Lord and developed a genuine passion for His word that still burns within me.
I pray that same passion will live in my own children and the entire body of Christ.
I know that if we don’t devote any real time to earnestly and consistently searching out the scriptures and praying for divine insight, wisdom, and revelation, we’ll be weak and unstable.
So today, I’m adding Psalm 119:105 NIV to your cup of inspiration, which says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be reminded never to rob yourself of guidance and direction by failing to seek the scriptures for daily answers. You'll renew your "word diet," which is fasting from the world and feasting on the word--a must if you want to experience the abundant life Jesus Christ died to give us all.
According to Psalm 1:2, those who live a blessed life, among other things, have a passion for God's word. It says their “Delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
So, how's your word diet?
If you're malnourished, you can add more "Vitamin B," the Bible, which keeps you strong.
Remember, God wants us to live blessed, fulfilled, joyful, and productive lives. In order to do that, we must let His Holy Word be our main resource and guiding light. When we do, we'll find the answers we need for all the challenges life presents. And if we’re ever feeling alone, lost, confused, frustrated, or stressed, we'll find a message waiting for us, guaranteed.
I encourage you to make the word of God a part of your daily diet and watch your life transform into a testimony of God's favor and power.
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy word and for reminding me how important it is to read and apply it to my life daily. As I seek to learn more about what You have spoken through the scriptures, I pray that You will lead me in my search. Speak to me, guide me, and open my understanding so that I might live the life You desire for me and be the person You would have me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
