My family would gather around the small kitchen table and before the meal began each of us took a turn reciting a bible verse. My favorite was “Jesus wept.” I had no idea what this shortest verse in the bible meant, but it got me closer to eating. My favorite song in Sunday school was the “B-I-B-L-E” song, which I sang really loud. I was given a pretty ribbon and a certificate when I could recite the 23rd Psalms from memory.  Because I had such a knowledge of bible stories it was no wonder that I decided on a career as a missionary.

After spending almost twenty years on the mission field teaching and sharing bible stories my life took a sudden turn. I knew God was calling me higher, but I was not prepared. I was without a job, broke, deep in debt, and trying to recover from spiritual abuse. For the first time in my life I reached out for the only cure, God’s word. The bible had a place in my home, but I needed it in my heart. Owning a bible was part of the Christian uniform, but God wanted it to be a part of my lifestyle.

Pulling myself out of bed at 3 a.m., I headed for my favorite place where I was alone with God and his word. I soaked up each passage like a prescription from the great physician, faithfully allowing it to heal and restore my wounded soul. Each day I looked forward to hearing more from God’s word as it found a resting place in my soul. While walking in the mall I recited scriptures until they were part of my daily routine.

When the enemy came I fought with the word of God. Fighting brought joy because I knew the battle was not mine.  I knew that God was fighting for me (Ex. 14:14). When bills came I knew God would supply my every need (Phil. 4:19). When challenges came my way I knew how to ask, seek, and knock for whatever I needed (Matt 7:7). When worry invaded my thoughts I knew that the word said be anxious for nothing, but to pray and be thankful (Phil. 4:6).

Praise God!! The word really works.

I started another year with a different translation ready to read the gospel story all over again. This has become a yearly practice that I cannot remember how many times I have read the bible from cover to cover. Each time I pondered the thoughts of the sacred pages I got a new revelation that brought me higher. God’s thoughts became mine as I learned to live the abundant life He promised to all who would believe (John 10:10). The substance of things hoped for gradually appeared as God taught me to walk by faith.

Thanks to the Gideon’s and many missionaries who plant bibles all over the world. Those bibles aren’t decorations, they are a plan for how God’s children are to live.

If you have a bible in your home or on your desk, don’t you think it’s time you read it? I mean really read it every day. Find a local bible study where you can understand what you are reading. I trust you will make bible reading a life-style. Your life will never be the same and that’s a promise. My special verse this year is “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psa. 46:10)