Big Rocks for Strong Christ-Followers
Today’s Big Rock: Communication – Part IV

Scripture Foundation: Matthew 23:23

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

Yesterday we studied one way to grow our faith in God: to be honest with God about our struggles with faith and to ask Him to strengthen our faith.

Now let’s look at another way: reading in God’s Word about Jesus’s teaching and the true stories of faith.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, confirms this method of growing our faith:

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

How do you read the Bible?

Sometimes people start reading the Bible like they read any other book; they start from the beginning.

Most people who have been studying the Bible for many years would tell you to start reading the New Testament. Most of them would encourage you to start reading the Gospel of John first.

After the Gospel of John, read the Book of Acts. After that, make your way through Ephesians, Philippians, and then the balance of the New Testament.

Since we are discussing the reading of God’s Word to grow your faith, be sure to take note as you come across a teaching or a story that helps your faith.

For me, I underline Bible verses that speak to me in the moment. Many people do this. Some people add short notes in the margin of their Bible. Some people use a notebook to write about the teaching or story and how it affects their faith.

The key is to not read the Bible just because you feel guilty not doing so. Be intentional about reading the Bible because you want to grow your faith.

And do not hurry your reading, like trying to read the whole Bible in a year. God is not impressed with speed reading. It is better to slow down and take steps that help you remember what you are reading and its impact upon you.

I do not claim to be any great expert, but what I do occasionally is I take a book of the New Testament, such as Ephesians or Philippians, and spend a month or two in it. I read it over and over. I have found that new truths pop up every time I read and focus on a book repetitively.

Anyone who decides to spend time in God’s Word slowly but surely grows stronger in their faith.

And when you are strong in faith, you become confident that God hears your prayers.

Father, with your help, I will make reading your Word a priority in my daily life. In Jesus’s name, amen.