Read Your Bible

Do you read your Bible? This might seem like a strange question for someone looking to go to a Christian college, but so many who have left their parents' house also have left their faith in Jesus. They have forgotten where their primary guidance should come from or been distracted. They have stopped reading the Bible on a regular basis.

Let me encourage you with a character from the Bible. His name is Ezra. This man was one of God's people who was exiled from his land and eventually brought back with the Israelites to rebuild the temple and wall. Nehemiah was his partner in restoring what has been destroyed. Hidden away in the middle of what would be a huge celebration is a peek into the life of Ezra the priest. "For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel" (Ezra 7:10). I love this verse. Ezra studied, obeyed and taught the people of God the first five books of the Bible. I think he did this to know God, not to gain intellectual knowledge about doctrinal issues of the orthodox Christian faith so they can win arguements with others. Some read the Bible for this purpose.

Do you read the Bible to know God or to get some new "cool" information for the day? Studying the Bible should be this intimate connection between you and the compassionate Creator of the universe. Don't read the Bible to finish, but to change in heart. Get as close to God as Samuel Logan Brengle seemed to be. This man lived from 1860-1936 and said this about his relationship to the Bible and God. "I am not sure that I have lived so intimately with my darling little wife as I have for many years with Saint Paul. Far more constantly and intimately than he lived and traveled with his friend Barnabas and his young lieutenants, has he lived, traveled, slept and talked with me...I think Paul has been my greatest mentor, my most intimate spiritual guide." I love this quote. It speaks of a man who was passionate about Scripture for the purpose of loving God.     

Do not forget to read and study the Bible for heart change in college (even a Christian college). You are busy juggling lots of responsibilities, assignments, papers and more; but do not forget to foster your relationship with the Father during this critical faith development set of years. Read. Study. Memorize. You will be so glad you did.