Read: Acts 17:1-34
Think: Acts 17:11-12 says, “The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.” I was born and raised in the city of Berea. Berea, Ohio is a small college town near Cleveland, Ohio. These verses not only resonate with me because I lived in the city of Berea, but because I have “searched the Scriptures day after day” for over three decades! On February 18—over 30 years ago— I made a decision to read the Bible daily. By using a 365-day Bible, I have since read the entire Bible each year by simply reading for 15 minutes a day. What happens when you read the entire Bible year after year? Your faith grows immeasurably and you are able to articulate the message of the Gospel whenever God prompts you because you have searched the Scriptures daily and found it to be true.
Act: Many of you have been reading through the New Testament for 24 days. Some of you are planning to read through the books of Acts, Romans and I & II Corinthians for 100 days. Others of you are reading through the entire Bible each year. I encourage you, as a Berean, not to stop reading the Bible daily after 100 days, but to make a decision, if you’ve never done so, to read through the entire Bible. It only takes about 15 minutes a day for 365 days. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” Will you make a life-long decision to read the Word of God daily and allow God’s Word to daily guide your life and speak to your heart? If so, tell someone today. (If you need a system, contact me at becky@viewpointchurch.org)
Pray: Dear Lord, I want to know You better so that I can make You known. Give me a renewed commitment to spend time with You daily by reading the Scriptures. Allow me to hear Your voice as I read. Illuminate the Scriptures as I read Your Word daily. I ask that Your Holy Spirit makes the Word come alive in me each day. I love you, Lord. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
