INTRODUCTION

The Bible is not meant to be read merely for the sake of reading. God intends for the Bible to be read with a deliberate purpose! Sometimes that purpose may be learning, while at other times it may be for purification. There will be times when one might not know the purpose for reading, but there can be no doubt that the Lord has a purpose. In Deuteronomy 17:18-19 [18] And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: [19] And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
See All..., the Lord states that His king should spend time in the law of God so that “he may learn to fear the LORD his God” and “keep all the words of” God’s law “to do them.” In Ephesians 5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
See All..., the Lord describes one of these purposes when He speaks of “the washing of water by the word.” God’s purposes may be missed when one indiscriminately hastens through the scriptures.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God gave us the Bible to tell us about Himself, how we can live with Him forever, and how He expects us to behave here on earth. We need to read His word to find out these things (John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
  See All...; John 20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
  See All...; Psalm 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Have you ever written to someone with a purpose in mind? How would it feel if that person failed to see the purpose of your note? How often do you read God’s word without looking for a purpose?
• What does God do in your heart when you read His word? Do you ever feel that He is convicting you? Are there other times when you feel that He is comforting you through His words?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you see that there is always a purpose.
• Ask God to work His purpose in your life as you read the Bible.

HYMN

O BLESSED WORD

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