We African Christians in general love the Bible. We love to own a Bible. We enjoy listening to preaching based on the Bible. We love to read tracts and booklets about the Bible. Sometimes we check out the Bible to pray a certain psalm or read a few verses that have been indicated to us in the course of a lesson, homily, or discussion. But few of us ever read the Bible on a regular basis as a Christian devotion. Why?” So asks Nigerian-born priest Ernest Munachi Ezeogu.
Rev. Munachi’s question is worth posing to Christians, not just in Africa, but around the world. Why don’t believers spend more time engaging their minds in meditation on God’s Word?
Bible scholar Matthew Henry said it’s through meditation on God’s Word that we are most profoundly comforted in affliction and enriched in our souls. “It may be truly said of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Henry wrote, “that His words are words of goodness and grace.”
Today, reflect on the following verses that reiterate the riches to be found as you dive into the depths of God’s Word:
• “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” (Joshua 1:8).
• “O God, we meditate on Your unfailing love as we worship in Your Temple” (Psalm 48:9).
• “Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on Your decrees” (Psalm 119:23).
• “I honor and love Your commands. I meditate on Your decrees” (Psalm 119:48).
• “I meditate on Your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me” (Psalm 119:52).
• “Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on Your decrees” (Psalm 119:117).
More:
I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night (Psalm 63:6).
Next:
What verse or passage of Scripture will you meditate on today? What happens when you fill your mind with God’s Word?
joyce on September 10, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I have seen followers of other religions treat their holy book with such reverence – taking their shoes off before touching it, wrapping the book in an expensive clothe and turning its pages with utmost care. A missionary said that you would never find a holy book in the bathroom of his country.
Here in the West, I think we grow up with the image of God as our loving heavenly Father, our shepherd, and our friend. We sometimes lose the reverence for Almighty God and forget what a privilege it is to be able to read His very words. His words are more precious than gold. (Ps 19:7-10)
elisau on September 10, 2009 at 7:34 pm
After I became born-again I started going through my Bible with a highlighter (which some of you may find offensive), I write notes in it, circle key words, the whole nine yards. And as I study I continue to mark it up.
If you find that offiensive I’d like to ask you… How often do you read your Bible?
As for me, I see God working in my life continually. He reveals Himself to me in many ways and my prayers are answered (often very quickly!)
My Bible to me is a tool and I use it EVERYDAY.
The G Man on September 10, 2009 at 9:56 pm
The book its self isn;t Holy the words are.By all means read it mark it up write in it.Make notes all over it.Meditate on the words of the all mighty.And put into action what the Father ask of us, To know I’m God and know my words
lovejesus897 on November 21, 2009 at 9:39 am
My pastor once said ‘clean bible dirty mind, dirty bible clean mind’ His point was a well read marked up bible will lead us to live as God wants us to live because we are following and meditating on his word!!