The Importance of Reading

Kenneth Hemphill wrote an interesting article on this subject recently. I love to read and believe that we gain many lessons in life from first reading God’s Word and then reading other QUALITY works that can enhance and brighten our steps. Let me share some of his thoughts regarding this topic for this week’s pastoral letter of encouragement. Hemphill writes:

“Can it be true that we no longer read? Could this explain why many churches struggle to recruit leaders for various ministry needs? Is this the primary reason that many churches have plateau and are declining? From 1940 to 1960 Southern Baptist increased enrollment in Bible study from 3,590,038 to 7,382,550. During that same period baptisms increased from 245,500 to 386,469. In 2007 Sunday School enrollment was 7,876,611 and baptisms totaled 345,941.” 

He further states:

“ I believe there is a direct correlation. Church leaders were reading and growing and this, in turn, led to numerical and evangelistic growth for churches. This is a call to action. Let's love God with all our mind. Such a commitment would require that we renew our commitment to reading God's Word and supplementing that with other good Biblical materials that call us to act.”

Leadership is needed in the Church of Jesus Christ now more than ever. I would kindly remind all of you that read this blog that you are a LEADER FOR JESUS CHRIST if you are His Child. Education and training should never stop, for the awarding of a diploma and the turning of the tassel is only the beginning and not the end of the educational experience. The day you accepted Jesus into your heart and life was NOT the end. It was the beginning of a lifelong eternal walk with God with Graduation occurring when you walk through the gates of Heaven and hear the words, “Well Done!”

Whether on a formal or informal basis, Christians have many quality and Biblically based resources to turn to for instruction, tutelage and insight. The Holy Bible is the greatest book of all and should demand a majority of our time and effort. However, do not be afraid to expand your spiritual growth as you read Godly material that will not only help you but benefit the Kingdom of God as you serve in leadership and grow in His grace.

The New Testament surely has a great story which correlates with this. It is found in Luke 2: 42-52. In this passage I have underlined several things of note that I ask you to note. The Bible reads:

42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;

44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."

49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Beloved, make time to read God’s Word. Make time to read things that will help you spiritually grow. Read materials and books that will enhance your leadership skills and talents within the Church. Make time to increase in God’s wisdom and strive to continually be about the Father’s business. Go to the Christian bookstore and pick out some books to broaden your walk with Jesus or better yet…. Come check out a book from our library here at the Church; one of the greatest FREE resources you will ever find of great Christian literature and thought.

In a world that spends so much time in front of the computer screen, changing the television channels and wasting the time away… pick up the “Good Book” and spend some time with God. Make time to read the Bible and any other Christian supplemental materials that will help you along life’s way. Followers of other false religions can quote and many have even memorized their entire text. Jesus Christ Himself increased in wisdom. What should that lesson teach us?  

Author T. Harv Eker said, "The effective read and grow. The apathetic think they already know."

Let us pray:       Dear Lord Jesus, help us to spiritually grow. Instill in us a desire to read, study and apply Your Word. Help us to slow down and READ and to truly “study to show thyself approved.” Bless us with a safe and happy weekend and prepare our hearts for worship and praise to Jesus Christ. Forgive us of all sin and help us to be Christ-like wherever we may go. Heal the hurts and mend the pains. Let our lives be a reflection of the mercy, grace and love You have given to us. In Jesus precious and dear name… AMEN.

I LOVE YOU!!!

TAKE TIME TO READ those lessons and things that come from our God!!! It is important!!!

Have a great weekend!! Come and join us at Daniels Chapel Church where great things for Jesus Christ are happening!!

Pastor Johnny