Panting for Your Bible
This devotional is not for everyone – it’s for you. It’s going to be really personal. It’s check-up time. It’s time to ask yourself a direct question: when have I last craved my Bible? You have a Bible in your bedroom or do you? Some who used to always take their Bible to their room, now leave it in the car until the next time it’s publicly needed. For some, their Bible app is one of the top five most seldom used apps on their phone or device.
When have you last opened your Bible with anticipation and excitement? Seriously!
Christians who are doing well spiritually love their Bible – they love to read it. Lots of Christians are scoring highly on the checklist that many use to gauge a Christian’s performance. They pass that test with flying colours. They meet all those requirements. But ‘panting for the Bible’ goes to the very core of what and who a thriving Christian is. They are excited when they find they have more time to read it than they originally thought they had. Something else was cancelled or delayed – so it allowed them some extra time to read their Bible – which in turn made their day.
“Oh,”you say, “they’re book worms. I’m not one of those types. I’m not a student or a reader. I have to be ‘doing’ something. I am too restless. I just can’t pick up my Bible and go off in a corner and enjoy reading it … or any other book for that matter.” Do you mind being told – that’s a bit of a cop out!
Christians who are walking close to the Lord enjoy their Bible – regardless of their literacy levels. Adults who were illiterate before they trusted Christ, learned how to read and today they love reading their Bible, despite the tedious nature of the ‘reading’ process. Christians who are visually impaired love to ‘read’ their Bible by listening to it on audio or by reading it with their fingers. Regardless of the process a Christian has to use for their personal intake of the Word of God, the point is: Christians who love the Lord, love their Bible too. They don’t just download one or own one and have it available nor do they just read one – they ‘love’ it.
Here’s an ancient testimony of a person who recorded his feelings about the Word of God. Can you relate to his sentiments? Instead of the personal pronouns like I, my and me – try inserting your own name each time, to see if it truly reflects how you are feeling today about the Word of God.
…Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me… Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law. Psalm 119:128-136
Have you ever seen a thirsty dog excitedly waiting while its Master fills up the dish with fresh water? The dog anxiously stands by with its mouth open – and what is it doing? Panting!
Have you ever panted for your Bible – craving some quiet time just to crack it open and let the Word of God sink and soak into your heart? Have you ever sincerely prayed that your footsteps and lifestyle would be closely regulated by the Word of God? Have you ever wept when you have seen a Christian friend drift away from their Bible and from walking closely with the Lord?
If you and your Bible have been drifting further and further apart for one reason or another, why not let today be the day you rediscover its beauty and allow its contents to nourish and feed your soul.
You can not survive spiritually without it.
David Bowie – His Persistent God Thoughts
Read the newest story on heaven4sure.com
One Way to Witness: Include www.heaven4sure.com as a FACEBOOK Link: Links really do work! Every day new visitors are finding their way to the Gospel website via links posted on Facebook or other social networking sites.
Vehicle Magnet: 9.75″X1.75″ (22cmX4.5cm) Blue lettering on white. Unobtrusive and inoffensive way to help promote the Gospel in traffic and parking lots. For your free magnet, click here to email your name and postal address. Also put ‘magnet’ in the subject line of your email.
Automatic Signature: If you include www.heaven4sure.com in your automatic email signature, you will increase the number of visitors to the Gospel site. This is particularly relevant if you are in contact with those who do not yet know Christ.
Facebook Twitter: pdr_heaven4sure