Why Not Read the Bible? Here's the Top Ten Reasons Others Have Expressed:
10. I don't own a Bible.
9. The Bible seems confusing and hard to understand. I don't know how to make sense of it.
8. I tried reading it cover-to coverbut I quit halfway through Leviticus.
7. I feel guilty when I read the Bible.
6. I'm already saved - why bother?
5. I don't read, period. It's not just the Bible; I don't read anything.
4. The Bible seems boring to me.
3. The Bible is full of myths and half-truths. Why study something that lacks credibility?
2. I don't have time. I'm just too busy.
1. I rely on my pastor to explain the Bible to me. If I need to know something, he will tell me about it.
Congratulations!
You've taken the challenge to read one chapter of the Bible everyday for the next four years. According to Psalm 1:2-3 ... we will become like a tree along a river bank, bearing fruit and not withering.
What if we miss a day? Three things...don't get on a guilt trip; don't be legalistic; don't give up!
Don't get on a guilt trip. When the devil comes to you and says, "You didn't have your quiet time today," say, "Satan, have you had your quiet time?" He hasn't! You're going to miss. When he comes to condemn you, don't be put down by it.
Don't get legalistic. Just because you've missed a quiet time doesn't mean your whole day has to flop. We live by grace.
Don't give up. How many of us have ever missed a meal? What did we do afterwards? "Oh, poor me! I'm such a lousy excuse for humanity. I can't be consistent. I'm just not going to eat anymore. If I can't be consistent, I'm just not going to try to do it." NO! When we miss a meal, eat a little bit more the next time. We make up for it.
When we miss our quiet time, don't be blown away by it. "Okay, I missed it. Tomorrow I'll spend a little more time." It takes three weeks for us to become familiar with a new task. Then it takes another three weeks for us to make it a comfortable habit. Most people have never made it past the six week barrier of having a quiet time every day. So no wonder they aren't consistent.
Galatians 6:9 ... Let us not get tired of doing what is right. For after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up. I'll be praying that God will use His Word to help each of us grow spiritually and to transform us more into the image of Christ.
Jeff Porte
