DEEP-SEATED RESPECT
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"...from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people paid close attention to the Book of the Law...When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet." Nehemiah 8:3, 5 NLT

I take good care of my Bible. I don't leave it to linger in the car from Monday till Saturday. I don't use it as a coaster. I do write in it, but only things that touch my heart. I watch for curled pages and fix them. I have a special place for it on the shelf next to my prayer chair. It's going to be worn out, but not mis-used.

But reading what I have this morning has convicted me.

Do I value it to the extent to which I should?

Am I treating my time in its pages with the respect and honor due it?

Am I approaching Bible study with the attention and determination it deserves?

Am I quoting it with reverence, with power, with authority?

Am I praying over it each and every morning before I pass it on to you?

Am I thinking over each and every word as I jot down verses in a note or card?

Am I believing it? Truly believing it?

Am I in awe over the fact that God chooses to place these ancient, living, life-changing words into my hands and heart?

Am I allowing it to go deeper, much deeper, into me than just reading what it says?

Am I allowing myself to be improved by it every time I open its pages?

I've told kids, and any adults who would listen, for years that the Bible is my favorite book in the whole, wide world--is it just something I say, or do I prove it by how I use/read/stand on it?