In preparation for our Vacation Bible School program at church, I bought a Bible for my granddaughter last week. She is six years old and reads very well, so I felt she would be able to read and understand the early reader’s version of the book I love so dearly. I also found a pink and brown Bible cover to make it a bit easier to carry.

I didn’t know how she would react, but she was filled with enthusiasm and could not wait to start reading it. She was also filled with questions.

She asked if it was a chapter book. I explained that it was and how unique the Bible was because of the different books found within the pages.

She asked where to start. I explained that she could start anywhere, but I mentioned that it would be good to start with the beginning of Genesis (to learn the biblical account of creation), but then go to the New Testament to read of God’s love.

After this discussion, she looked at me and said, “I’ll need lots of paper.” I asked why. “When I read a chapter book, I write down the main characters and what happens in each chapter.” Yes, she would indeed need lots of paper.

I was thrilled to see her excitement to read my beloved book. Through the week, I would find her hidden away searching the pages of her new Bible. Even now, thinking of those precious moments cause my heart to leap for joy. I pray that she will continue on her faith journey and learn how to live a good life (1 Peter 2:12) through God’s Word.

My question for each of us would have to be, “Do you still find excitement in reading God’s Word?”

I know I’ve taken God’s Word for granted through the years. With multiple copies of several versions on my bookshelf, it’s easy to believe that they will always be there. With free time that I sometimes use mindlessly, it’s easy to believe that there will be plenty of other opportunities to read God’s Word.

It is such belief that gets us (me in particular) into trouble. If I am not actively pursuing God’s message through the Bible, I am not learning. I am not growing. I am not filling my mind with God’s precepts.

Which brings me to another question. “What do you learn when you read the Bible?”

I find that when I am most open to God’s message, I learn. Even after I’ve read a section over and over, it is amazing that I can still find something new to learn. And what is even more amazing to me is that as I listen to the Bible, I hear ideas, concepts and words that I don’t read.

And yet another question. “Does boredom keep you from reading God’s Word?”

Unlike so many other activities, I don’t find reading the Bible to be a chore or mundane. As much time as I spend in this book, I never grow bored with reading its words. In fact, I find that as I read the Bible, I am spurred to do something. Love others. Transform. Practice hospitality. Rid my life of sin. Clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Encourage others. And this list could go on.

Maybe it’s time for us to pull out the notebooks and start from the beginning. To read God’s Word through the eyes of a new believer or a young child. Perhaps it’s time to bring excitement into our Bible reading experience. I truly believe all that we need to know can be found in the Bible. We just have to look for it.

God’s Word is amazing and exciting. There is so much within the pages and regardless of how many times I read it there is still more to learn. But maybe I’m biased. After all, my heavenly Father wrote the book!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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