Benefits of reading the bible. Why should I read the bible? Why should I study?

Someone asked me: “Why do you read the bible?” I didn’t know how to respond, the question got me off guard.  I’ve never been asked a question like that.   They laughed and thought it was funny that I bothered reading the bible.  I was silent, but in my mind were millions of reasons I read the bible but I just couldn’t put it into words.
How can I explain the wonders, the joy, and the power of the Word of God?   I decided I would search the scriptures so I would be ready next time someone asks- why do you bother reading the bible?

 “ Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” Eph 4:14

Why should we study the scriptures?
Why should we seek Him?

For I am always thinking of your laws. I meditate on them day and night. I write to you who are God’s children because you know the Father, I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you whoa re young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:14

 My Exhausting Study of why I study. 🙂

Taken from Scripture, here are just a few of the benefits of continuing to study, obey, and meditate on the Word of God

1. Revives me Ps 119:50-52, Ps 19:7-11
2. Brings me joy Ps 119:50-52
3. Comforts me in my distress Isaiah 51:12, Ps 23. Ps 119
4. Gives me Hope Luke 10:22
5. Refines me Ps 52
6. Gives me life Ps 119:28,  Job 4:3-6
7. Teaches me tPs 119:36
8. Encourages me he Lord’s will Eph 3
9. It is the mirror to my life 1 James 23-25
10. Keeps me standing firm and unshakable in my trials Luke 46:46, Jer 17:7. prov 1:33
11. Blesses me as I live according to it (obedience) James 1:22
12. Power to save my soul James 1:21
13. Teaches me the fear of the Lord- which is the beginning of all wisdom Is66:2. Pr. 9:10. Pr. 111:10 Deut 17:19
14. Leads me along the path that is true and right Hosea 14:9. Ps119:101
15. shows me my sins- pierces my heart Act 2:37
16. Always brings forth fruit and produces a great harvest in our life when we cling to His Word Luke 8:15, Is 55:10
17. keeps me from stumbling Ps 119:65, Prov 6:21
18. Helps us teach what is true 2 Tim 3:16, Hebrews 4:12
19. Shows me all the great and precious promises He has given us. 2Peter 2:1-3
20. Helps me escape the world’s corruption through His Promises which enable me to share His divine nature  2 Peter 1:4
21. Shows me what is wrong in my life 2 Tim 3:15
22. Corrects me when I am wrong and teaches me to do right 2 Tim 3:16
23. Prepares and equips God’s people to every good work 2 Tim 3:17
24. Keeps me from drifting away, keeps me from backsliding Heb 2:1
25. keeps me from sinning ps119:11-15
26. helps me stay pure Ps 119:8
27. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.Romans 1:16,
28. Teaches me wisdom and understanding
29. Reminds me how I should live – forgiving others, loving, getting rid of bitterness,
30. Rids me of my shameful ways – like a sword piercing through bone and marrow Hebrews 4:12
31. Brings success, prosperity  Joshua 1:8,Ps 1:2-3, Jer 17:7-8
32. We live by every word from the mouth of God Matthew 4:4
33. Helps me stand firm in my trials Ps 1:2-3,Luke 6:46, Jer 17:7-8 Rom 5:3-4, Js 1
34. His gracious hand is upon those who study, obey and teach the Word Ezra 7:0
35. Reminds me to repent
36. Gives understanding: the more we study and read, the more understanding He gives us Mat 13:12, Eph 3:3-5
37. Discernment between right and wrong teachings and knowing the difference between truth and those who teach from their false imaginations–so I won’t be tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes Eph 4;14, Ez 13:17 “Now, son of man, speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations. Ephesians 4:14
38. My Sword: Helps me in spiritual warfare, it is my sword of truth in battle, my weapon- the sword, which is the Word of God. Eph 6:17
39. It is the Power of God at work, it is alive and powerful and never comes back void, it burns like a fire in my heart Is 55:10-11, R. 1:16, Heb. 4:12, Jer 20:9
40. His Word accomplishes everything He wants it to Is 55:10-11
41. Shows me how the Lord wants me to live and obey His Words Rev 22:7
42. Source of understanding as I keep searching to understand Him and know Him
43. Increases Faith : Builds my faith Romans 10:17
44. Makes me wiser than my enemies Ps 119:98-99
45. Gives me more insight than my teachers Ps 119:98-99
46. Helps me abandon my shameful ways Ps 119:38
47. Stirs my Spirit
48. Teaches me how to live
49. Opens my eyes to what I need to know
50. Reminds me to teach my children Deut 6:5-9, Deut 32:46, prov 4:4
51. Tells me where I have gone wrong
52. God speaks to me through His Word
53. To know and understand the Warnings He’s given us Malachi 2:2
54. Helps me in prayer! “ if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” Claim His Promises
55. Lifts me up when I am discouraged Job 4;3-6
56. Reminds me to be strong and courageous for Him Joshua 1
57. Warns me to stay on the right path and listen Heb 12:25
58. Instructs me
59. Teaches me how to live a holy life John 17:17
60. Salvation-The Power of God at word, saving everyone who believes the Good News about Christ- the Jew first and also the Gentile Romans 1:16, 1 Peter1:23, Phil 2:16, Acts 7:38 John 6:68
61. Gives me life, they are not empty words- they are life! John 6:68, Matt 13:22, Deut 32:47, Prov 4:4
62. How we get faith – from hearing the Word- need more faith? Read His Word Rom 10:17
63. His Words bless me Rev 1:3
64. Teaches me the truth and the truth sets me free John 8:31
65. Warns me of times ahead
66. Prepares me for persecution and rejection from others
67. Keeps my heart strong for Him while battling adversity
68. Fills our heart and mind with Godly wisdom and knowledge.
69. It is what the Lord expects us to do- “Haven’t you read the Scriptures” the Lord Jesus asked this 6x in Mathew and 3x in Mark
70. Sets me free James 1:22-25
71. keeps me from being proud Deut 17:20
72. Prevents me from turning away from his commands, even in the smallest way Deut 17:21
73. Teaches me to live a blameless life so I may worship in His Sanctuary Ps 15:1

 Hear the Word of the Lord:

             Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me. Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word (Ps 119:7-16, Ps 119:50-52, James 1:22-25, Ps 119:2)

For the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. Ezra 7:10

Instructions from Deuteronomy: He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.  This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deut. 17: 18-21

  Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

PROMISE: “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.  The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. Duet 30: 9-11

Listen to Him

 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.  Matthew 13:11-13, John 8:47, Heb 2:1, Heb 12:25, Rev 1:3, is 55:6

Remain in His Word: But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!  Ps 119:10, John 15:7, 1Peter1:25, Ps 119:28

Delight in the Law. Meditate on it Day and Night: But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure,lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. Ps 119:2, Ps 1:1-3, Josh 1:8, Ps 19:7-11 

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.119:65. 105

 ⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.  It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. ⁴⁹ But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49, matt 4:4

¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7, John 8:31

 ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.Romans 1:16, Eph 6:17, Heb 4:122 Tim 3:16

 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. D 17:9

My heart is broken because of the false prophets, and my bones tremble. I stagger like a drunkard, like someone overcome by wine, because of the holy words the Lord has spoken against them.

 

Let God’s truth renew you today

 

And now the prize awaits me; the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

– 2 Timothy 4: 8

 His Truth
God’s word sanctifies you. His truth preserves you, sets you free and will lead you into godliness. God’s truth casts down wrong doctrines, arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against God. It is through His truth, which is His Word, that we bring every thought into captivity to Christ.

You see, you trusted after you heard the truth and you believed, then were sealed with the Holy Spirit. No one can snatch you from His Hand. No one , no circumstance can every separate you from God’s love for you.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. – 2 Timothy 3: 16

 

Remember:

• You can do all things through Christ, He strengthens you
• You are no longer a slave to sin – you must master any sin trying to take over your life and subdue it.
• Do not be an instrument of unrighteousness.
• Sin will not have dominion over you. Are you a slave to a sin? What do you obey? What has dominion over you?
• Do not obey the lusts of the flesh, but follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
• Trust in Him in all your ways and He will direct you in the path you are going. If you at crossroads, you must stop- consider the roads before you and ask God for direction. He will lead you in the right way and when you follow His leading, you will have peace.
• Put on all your armor, He has equipped you for battle.
• Stand firm in your faith and He will make you firm. Set your mind to serve the law of God and not the law of sin.

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, your inner man. Keep a close check on the thoughts you allow in. Put on the new man created according to God- holy and right and put away lying, hatred, unforgiveness, fighting, selfishness, covetous, complaining, jealousy, revenge, lust, laziness. Don’t be lazy. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Always be kind to others, patient, putting others first, quick to forgive, tenderhearted and always doing your best to be a peacemaker. Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean being a peacemaker when all is well for you, but in times when peace seems impossible- here is where you need to work hard to maintain peace. That is your calling.

Dear Lord,

    Remind me that my days are numbered and life is short. I am but a frail vapor , like a shadow. I trust only in you, even though others heap up riches , fame, desires of the flesh- yet all my hope , my desire and my trust is in you.
      Deliver me from my sins and do not put me to shame, for I trust in you. Make me beautiful forever in your eyes. Save me and deliver me from what the enemy tries to scheme. Put a wall of protection around me and all my family. Protect us from all evil. Raise up bars and gates so the enemy can not come in.  I bless those who speak against me, but remember their actions and see how I have obeyed your word. Bless my life and restore unto me 70times70 what the enemy has stolen.  
          Give ear to my cry, I wait patiently for the Lord. You pulled me up from the terrible pit and I delighted in you O God. You delivered me and I will tell others of your goodness, righteousness, lovingkindess and salvation.

  Your laws and righteousness are always in my heart.
In Jesus name,Amen 

 

My friends,  be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.

Eph 6:14, Ps 40:11, John 8:32, wph 4:15, Titus 1:1, 2 Cor 10;15, Eph 1″14, Jere 10, Phil 4:13, Romans 6:6,12,14, Ps 39-40, Eph 4, 2 Timothy 2:1

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord WILL DELIVER YOU from them ALL Psalm 34

I love to meditate and think about Psalm 34. There are so many promises and words of encouragement and hope. It’s a faith builder!

1-He will deliver you from all your fears! God doesn’t want you to worry or fear . Jesus even told us that in the last days when terrible things are about to come to the earth, He said – but don’t be troubled!.  If you are in dread or fear today, consider that there is a good chance they are unfounded and complete lies. Satan loves to fill people with fear  through lies

2- The Lord watches over you and Hears all your prayers and all your cries

3-The Lord  will save you from all your troubles.

4-His  angels have been sent to encamp around you. It’s true!

5-The Lord is near to those with a humble hear.

Photo from: http://www.causeforjoy.com

PSALM 34

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.

 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

 Behave!

A Prayer for your bible study group

Lord,  I pray for our group this morning, fill us with a  desire to seek you and know you. Thank you Lord that you draw near to those who draw near to you. May we say as David did, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God”.   Lord, I thank you that you have called each one closer to you to know you,    Lord, keep my eyes on you and keep me in constant prayer for each one of your precious daughters. Let them know how much you love them even though this love is too great for us to understand. Give them time to spend with you each day even though their lives may be filled with so much the world puts on them, Lord I pray that you would give them the time to study your word and the confidence to go before your throne.    May this study bring us closer to you, purify our hearts and keep our loyalty on you alone. Show us our wrongs and teach us  the right way.  Keep us from becoming lukewarm or indifferent to you, keep us on the narrow path to salvation.  Lord, I pray that our meetings be like those of the first apostles, full of power, faith and salvation in Christ Jesus. Lord I pray that our lives would change, we would see your amazing power and have a powerful prayer life in Christ.    As we prepare to enter you Holy Place, search our hearts, test us and know our anxious thoughts, show us anything in us that offends you and lead us along the path of everlasting life.     May the fire of your Holy Spirit fill our hearts and may your power be present  in our gatherings as we come together to pray, worship and study your word.     Lord bless their lives as they seek you, give them understanding as they read your word and wisdom in the paths you have set before them.  For those who are downcast or struggling, remind them that You are the lifter of their soul, you hold them by the hand and carry them through. You are our redeeming Savior may you fill their lives with more than enough and pull them out of harms way. Your thoughts are above our thoughts, O Lord, how can we know the way?  Open our eyes, as you did to Hagar that we can see the hope we have in you, that we know you will never leave us, you are there with us every step of the way. Light the path that we are to go, as we stop, ask and obey your leading.  Your word says that your peace will guard our heart and mind, thank you for such a wonderful gift. Lord, I pray that your supernatural peace would guard our minds and our hearts and that our hearts would meditate on your word as we say “Lord, my heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast”. Truly your glory and mercy is too much for us to understand.                    Thank you that your ways are above ours, remind us to put our trust in You alone and not in the words of man or the logic of the world. For your ways are far above anything we could think or imagine. Fill our hearts with the Joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, that in whatever condition or situation we are in, we will always praise your great name. You are our banner, our peace, our protector, our shield, our Savior and the God who saves.  Fill us with all wisdom and understanding that we may walk in your ways. Search our heart, O God , and show us anything that is not pleasing to you.  Thank you for drawing near to each of your beloved daughters in this study.  Being in your presence through Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit is truly the greatest gift.                 Lord, give us your servants great boldness in proclaiming your name and your Word. Stretch out your hand with healing power and may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. We remember Lord, that you are the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. You word is send out and it never comes back void, it accomplishes all you want it to accomplish         We praise you today, we look forward to the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Lord bless our group, and look with favor upon your beloved daughters as we draw near to you and our hearts sing praises to  your name.  In Jesus name, Amen Lord, you are    El Shaddai – The all sufficient One, The One who holds me, in whom I trust El Elyon – The God Most High, You rule the affairs of men Adonai -Beloved Lord and Master El Olam – The everlasting God Jehovah Jireh– The Lord will provide, He is my helper Jehovah Nissi – The Lord my banner, He goes before me Yahweh – Lord, Jehova Jehova- raah – The Lord my Shepherd Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who heals Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there Jehova Tsidkenu – The Lord our righteousness El roi – The God who sees, and delights in our lives Jehovah Mekoddishkem- The Lord who sanctifies you Jehova Sabaoth – The Lord of hosts. Lord of Heavens Armies Jehova Shalom – The Lord is peace Elohim– The Creator © http://www.prepareforthelamb.wordpress.com, 2010-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to http://www.prepareforthelamb.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.