READ God’s Word

How I love your teachings!  I think about them all day long.  Psalm 119:97 (NCV)

 Props: 2 beach buckets, sign or slide with READ acrostic 

Begin with a skit in which 2 helpers are headed to the beach.  The one is carrying a beach bucket, the other says he’s ready but his hat (another beach bucket) is giving him trouble.  He says it’s not big enough, the strap doesn’t fit around his chin, it doesn’t have a rim to protect his ears and face from the sun, etc.  The first helper points out that the second is wearing a beach bucket and it’s not meant to be a hat.  He needs to learn how to use it properly.  The second is enlightened and the two head off to the beach.     

If you’ve been in church for very long, you know that we always tell you to read your Bible.  That sounds simple enough, but sometimes it can be a little difficult to know where to start and how to understand the Bible.  You need to learn how to use the Bible, just as our helper had to learn to use a beach bucket.  So we’re going to take time to explain some steps that will help you understand the Bible as you read it.  There’s an easy way you can remember the steps to Bible reading: just remember the word READ.  

Reflect on it: The “R” reminds you to reflect on the Bible.  In other words, think about it.  Sometimes you might read the words, but have no idea what you’re reading. Take time to stop and read the words carefully, thinking about the meaning.  Think about what God is trying to say to you and how you can use it in your everyday life.  

Experience it—every day: “E” means to experience it every day.  Don’t just let the Bible sit on your shelf, read it.  Read it often.  The Bible will not change you if you never pick it up, read it, think about it, and obey it.  However, when you get into God’s Word and let it get into you, you will never be the same.  God’s Word will change you and make you more like Him. 

Ask questions: As you read the Bible, you will find things you don’t understand.  The “A” stands for “ask.”  Ask your parents or church teachers what the Bible means.  Don’t just ignore the things you don’t understand.  Most importantly, ask God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth as you read the Word.  He will show you things you don’t know in the Bible.  

Do what it says: The Bible says it does no good to read the Bible if you don’t obey it.  The letter “D” reminds you to do what it says.  Obey the Bible.  When you read a command from God in His Word, obey it.  Don’t just hear it—it’s not even enough to memorize it—you must choose to obey God’s Word. 

If you remember to reflect on the Bible, experience it, ask questions and do what it says, you will grow in God as you read His Word.