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By Rev. Austin Bishop

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

— 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Memorizing scripture is one thing, growing in it is another. Reading and studying the Bible is a lifetime journey. Every time you go back with an open and humble heart there is more fruit waiting to be picked.

There are many reasons for this. One is pretty simple: Each time we go back to the a certain passage of the Word of God we bring a different set of experiences, attitudes, and circumstances. If we allow it, the Word of God will speak to us no matter where we are in our journey through life.

The scripture is not just dried ink on pages, it is living and breathing. It is not disposable, reading it one time and being done with it. It must be a critical part of our lives every day.

Scripture was written by man’s hand through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is all from the very heart of God and is unerring. Yes, men jotted the words down and men can be in error, but the Holy Spirit cannot be. Portions of the Bible have different styles and flavors, because the truths were flowing from God through the personality of man.

While scripture can certainly be encouraging and uplifting, it is also there to protect, guide, and correct us. You won’t heEd the warning signs if you aren’t aware of them.

It won’t suffice to tell God “I didn’t know that” when He has delivered His truths to us through the Bible. He provides clarity through the Holy Spirit when we study, pray, and worship. It may seem odd, but the more you worship God the closer you get to Him and a greater understanding of Him begins to surface.

Without the Bible our relationship with God Himself is incomplete. Put the Word of God into your heart daily and allow it to grow there. There is no harvest without the planting of seeds.

Rev. Austin Bishop is an ordained minister and has been a journalist for 50 years. Those wishing to receive his daily devotional/Bible study notes may sign up by texting @morning24 to 81010. He can be reached by e-mail at starsportsboss@yahoo.com.