Why Read the Bible

      You have to read the Bible yourself if you want the Holy Spirit to guide you and open your thoughts to really receive its Wisdom. I don't take a Pastor's word for what the Bible says. I don't take the word of a TV Evangelist. I don't even trust Devotionals; they are dependent on the author's Opinion and his level of Spirituality. No, the best way to get the most out of your Bible readings is to do the reading yourself. Don't waste all your time reading books about the Bible; read the Bible.
      If you are attending Church this Sunday, take your Bible; open it and follow every Scripture with the Pastor. If his Sermon is not constantly referencing actual Scripture, and doing it correctly find another Church with a Preacher who does so. Read the referenced Scripture yourself. As you read, the explanation provided by the Pastor should line up and agree with what you are reading. If it doesn't, go with the Bible, not the Preacher.
      A lot of people, (too many), go to Church for Social reasons and not Spiritual ones. Laughing at funny jokes from the Pastor is fine, cute stories to open the Sermon are fine, enthusiastic Praise and Worship Music is essential to a good service; but don't think a good time makes a good Sermon. Godly Bible Teaching is the Core of good Preaching. You should Pray before the service, every service, that the Holy Spirit will give the Pastor the Words He (The Holy Spirit) wants you and your Family to hear. The Holy Spirit will always answer this Prayer. You only get the maximum value out of a service when you have Prayed for it.
      The same goes for private Bible reading. When you approach a Scripture, even one you have read dozens of times; Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in understanding it. Wham!!! You will begin to see marvelous meaning in even the most simple of verses. There is so much we never take time to see and hear in the Bible. It is there waiting for us. Thousands upon thousands of Light Bulb Moments waiting to flash on.
      Next time you hear a TV Commentator, Public Speaker, or some Politician quote a Scripture, look it up yourself. Check it out. See if what they quoted was right or a misquote. Remember, the Oldest Trick Satan has in his Bag of Tricks is to say, "yea, hath God said?". Satan wants you confused on what the Bible really says and how well you understand it. Don't let him succeed. Read your Bible.