Have you read your Bible today? I hope you did!

Jack Carter

I heard this question from a Gospel preacher about 29 years ago. Carolyn and I were newlyweds and I was early in my career as a residential appraiser. We had both attended a Christian college, went to church three times a week and both taught Bible classes at church, but something was missing - it was a daily walk with God.

When I first heard this question, I was a busy man. I ran a business. I was setting up a household. I was already giving as much time to God as was humanly possible - maybe more! You know the reasoning - perhaps you have fooled yourself, from time to time, with the same type of logic. But, the more I tried to excuse myself from this type of service, the more I realized how hollow my arguments were. So one day, I sat on the couch of my fancy office and let the Bible open where it may... and I started reading.

Rather than bore you with all of the details, let me just say that this has been one of the best decisions of my entire life. Through the years, I have developed a pattern for my day that has made all of the difference. When I first get up in the morning, I read a Psalm. It takes about a minute or two, but the benefits last throughout the day. Later in the day, I try to read several chapters from other places in the Bible, but it is this initial reading that sets the tone for my day.

Now, let me ask you this question: Could your day possibly be enhanced by starting it with instruction from the mouth of God? What would it be like to begin anew each day with a word of encouragement from the Creator of the Universe? May I suggest that, should you try this concept of laying aside your busy schedule for just a few moments at the beginning of each day, that it will change your entire life in ways that you will not believe. It has been said that if you do something everyday for three straight weeks that it will become a habit. Can you think of of more beautiful habit for your own life?

Have you read your Bible today?

I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.

Psalm 119:131