The Bible is a Must Read

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:14-17

In an interesting article published by LETSRUN.com over the weekend, the writer said:

Every runner is constantly asking the same question: How can I get faster?

More miles. Better sleep. Harder workouts.

These are all tried-and-true methods, and they get the job done. But what if I told you there was a way to become a better runner without taking a single extra step? All it takes is picking up a book and starting to read.

For the rest of the summer, I’m going to take you through my running bookshelf, the books that have helped me become a student of the sport and fall even more in love with it. The more you appreciate the sport, the easier it is to get out the door, even on the days you have the hardest workouts. This week, I’m starting with narrative nonfiction: books that show you firsthand what life is like for the absolute best in the sport. They are similar to the “Day in the Life” style of YouTube videos that are very popular today. These aren’t training manuals. They’re stories.

The writer then listed four books that he said were absolute must-reads for cross-country runners.

And while there might be a lot of  “books” that might make you a better runner, there is only one “Book” that’s tried-and-true to make you a better, with "better" being defined as "improved in health or mental attitude," person. That Book, of course, is the Bible which is commonly referred to as the book containing the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

You see, the Scriptures not only make us wise for salvation, but they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness so that the man or woman of God might be complete and thoroughly equipped for good works. In other words, the Bible is a must-read book because it tells us everything we need to know about life. 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

The Bible tells us what our purpose is, how we are supposed to think, the kinds of foods we should be eating, how to handle our finances, what type of person we should marry and when, what type of friends we should choose, and a million other things that we need to know to achieve and maintain overall health and to avoid diseases and other downfalls. 

This is the very reason that Jesus said that we are to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added do you." In this passage, He was referring to what we eat or wear but the concept is universal. 

When we seek God first in all things through the pages of the Bible, we equip ourselves to make right decisions, to behave in ways that are good for us and for all those around us, to run with perseverance until the very end, and to serve God with all that He has given us. 

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

The Bible truly is a must-read! But not just a once-read but an every-single-day-read. Why? Because the Bible is the living, breathing and powerful word of God. It's "sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Which means the Bible provides daily counsel and wisdom for whatever you and I might be going through, and for whatever we might face. 

So, vow to read your Bible each and every day my friend, knowing that you will come out better for it in more ways than one.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Word to guide us and to better us. Inspire us to read it daily and to commit it to memory Lord that we might serve You with all that You have given us and influence others to do the same. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!