Introductory Thoughts
The Bible is not meant to be read merely for the sake of reading. God intends for the Bible to be read with a deliberate purpose! Sometimes that purpose may be learning, while at other times it may be for purification. There will be times when one might not know the purpose for reading, but there can be no doubt that the Lord has a purpose. In Deuteronomy 17:18-19, the Lord states that His king should spend time in the law of God so that “he may learn to fear the LORD his God” and “keep all the words of” God’s law “to do them.” In Ephesians 5:26, the Lord describes one of these purposes when He speaks of “the washing of water by the word.” God’s purposes may be missed when one indiscriminately hastens through the scriptures.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God gave us the Bible to tell us about Himself, how we can live with Him forever, and how He expects us to behave here on earth. We need to read His word to find out these things (John 5:39; John 20:31; Psalm 119:11).
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(For everyone): Have you ever written to someone with a purpose in mind? How would it feel if that person failed to see the purpose of your note? How often do you read Gods word without looking for a purpose?
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What does God do in your heart when you read His word? Do you ever feel that He is convicting you? Are there other times when you feel that He is comforting you through His words?
Prayer Thoughts
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Ask the Lord to help you see that there is always a purpose.
- Ask God to work His purpose in your life as you read the Bible.
Song
O BLESSED WORD
