A couple years ago, I was approached by a woman from our summer Bible study who complimented for my knowledge of the Scriptures. She had been encouraged by something I had said which in turn had made her think about God’s word all week. This was a happy dance moment for me because I love to promote God’s word in women’s lives, but she also admitted feeling a bit intimidated by me and the wisdom I possessed. The last thing I want to be is intimidating, so I revealed to her, and now, to you, that this wisdom/knowledge thing has not always been prevalent in my life.

For most of my adulthood I have lived as a nominal Christian. I guess you can say I just snacked on God from time to time. I attended church services but did not read the Bible outside of filling a few blanks in a study booklet. But about ten years ago, something changed. I joined a Bible study and decided to really take on studying the portion of Scripture put in front of me. As I worked through the passages, God revealed himself to me in such a way I never wanted to let go. It created a hunger for something substantial in regards to God. I wanted to know Him more, and I knew the way to do that was not by hearing what others had to say about Him. I needed to discover Him, His ways, His thoughts and His desires for myself through His word. Our relationship became personal as I was getting to know Him first hand. I loved every minute of it.

So, as they say, “The rest is history.” I continue to seek His wisdom through His word, and I get so filled up I just have to share it with others. I can’t help myself, but I am not wise outside of His influence.  I say all this because it’s attainable in everyone’s life. I am no one special. Anyone who wants to have more knowledge about God needs only to jump in and get started exploring the Scriptures for themselves. I guarantee you will never want to go back to the mediocre life of just knowing what others tell you about him. You will want to get to know God for yourself in a way that makes Him real and your relationship with Him meaningful.

Am I perfect when it comes to daily studying the word? Hardly. I am like everyone else. I struggle to find time, I get distracted by life and its drama, and sometimes I just can’t seem to find the motivation. I have days, sometimes several in a row, when I don’t open the Word, but I can always tell when I have been away too long. I get cranky and critical. I begin to feel shaky and weak. Sounds a bit like hunger and low blood sugar don’t ya think? When I have these physical symptoms, that’s when I know I need to sit down and have something to eat. So too, when these symptoms are spiritual. I need a hearty portion of the Scriptures.

In the Old Testament there is in an exchange between God and Ezekiel as Ezekiel prepares for his mission. In The Message it reads like this–

 “He told me, ‘Son of man, eat what you see. Eat this book. Then go and speak to the family of Israel.’ As I opened my mouth, he gave me the scroll to eat, saying, ‘Son of man, eat this book that I am giving you.

Make a full meal of it!’

So I ate it. It tasted so good—just like honey.”

Ezekiel 3:1-3

I love it! Eat My words. Linger over them for they are pleasant, and they keep you coming back for more. These instructions are good advice to us as well, especially when it’s been awhile since our last meal on the Scriptures. It’s just the thing to put us back on track feeling strong and energized. So pull up a chair, settle in and begin to feast on the best thing you will eat. And you sure can’t beat the company.

 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” 

Revelation 3:20