Got Word?

Every single one of us knows we should read the Bible. It isn't even a question. We know we should read the Bible.

We also know that everyone should, (in no particular order,):

eat right,
exercise,
spend time with your family,
assist the less fortunate,
get regular check-ups,
take your vitamins,
attend church AND Sunday School,
tithe,
_{[Tired Yet?]}

have a personal quiet time,
pray with your children every day,
prepare for retirement,
do special, thoughtful things for your spouse,
teach your children to walk in the Lord,
succeed in your chosen profession,
be a good neighbor,
vigorously celebrate the usual personal events and national holidays,
_{[Now are you tired?]}

stay informed on current affairs,
listen to your spouse AND your children,
entertain,
consult your elders,
"be there" for your friends,
be environmentally responsible,
support "Feed the Children", "Christians Children's Fund", AND "UNICEF".
be sexually attractive and engaged with your spouse,
mentor a younger person,
care for your parents,
_{[How about now? Is weariness creeping in?]}

be involved in community affairs,
support the ministries of your church,
support a charity with money AND time,
pay your bills on time,
take vacations that entertain and rejuvenate,
spend time with your friends,
perform timely routine maintenance on your car,
get preventative vaccines,
Groom, dress, and speak well,
_{[I'm getting tired just writing this!]}

maintain your residence and yard,
read and continue your education,
keep a spotless house,
prepare healthy meals,
have a hobby,
be punctual,
be organized,
be happy, relaxed and popular,
"give something back",
prevent forest fires,
give a hoot AND not pollute...
_{[I'll stop. You get the idea.]}

Oh. And did I mention, you need to read your Bible?
_{(I know. You're very welcome.)}

I feel guilty even discussing something you should do, knowing the burdens that the world is trying to lay on responsible, well-meaning women and men. But here's the thing:

God's Word is the answer to the problem of an overcrowded, hectic life. It's more than another "should" in the endless list of "shoulds" that assail us. It's foundational!

"The Word of God" is a title for Jesus. And Jesus knows what is being asked of you these days:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

How do you keep from being swept away by the overwhelming demands of our world? It takes two steps and the very first one is "hearing" the Word of God.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

As believers we mustn't allow reading the Word to become just another "should" on the list. Again, God's Word is the solution to the "shoulds" in your life!

But there's even more going on here... Reading God's Word has greater benefits than just coping in this world.
(To Be Continued...)