September 8 – What Are You Reading?

Act 8:26-31, 37 - But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot." Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him….And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may (be saved and baptized)." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." NASB
 
What are you reading? Do you understand what you are reading? A couple of very important questions. Studying God’s Word is such a privilege—and any book in the Bible is worthy of your time. Reading through the Bible is a noble endeavor. I will admit that I have not read every word of the Bible—though I have started many reading programs over the years, beginning with “Read it Through in 72”, meaning 1972! I have a One Year Bible, where the Bible is presented in reading sections for each day of the year—but I haven’t made it through the entire year yet.

Have you tried to read the entire Bible? I’ve done a lot of topical studies, so I have read from every book of the Bible, just not every word in every book. That is on my Bucket List! So if you want a recommendation on where to begin reading the Bible, I’d say with the book of John in the New Testament. Then read the other gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. In the Old Testament my favorite book is Ruth, so that is a great place to start. The Psalms are beautiful and Proverbs is full of wisdom.  Keep track of the books as you read them. Going through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are good background and historically very important, as is the book of Acts—so just enjoy each book as you read it. An important point to remember is to PRAY each time before you read and ask God to give you inspiration and understanding of His word. It is amazing how much that helps when you get to verses that are hard to understand. Just as the Ethiopian court official asked Philip to explain the scripture, it is good to find someone to help you understand scripture. Either study it with a friend, or seek out someone who knows scripture and then take it verse by verse to let God tell you what He is saying. Feast on His Word!

Lord Jesus—Give us inspiration and understanding, as well as wisdom, as we study Your Word. Help us to apply it to our lives and use it like Philip to lead others to know You as their savior.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.