Proverbs 16:20 NLT

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

blessed is he who heeds instruction...

“15 Amazing Benefits of Reading the Bible” By Susan Nelson

“While there are numerous ways that reading the Bible brings us closer to God and benefits us daily. Here are a few that I keep close to my heart and serve as reminders for me to stay in the Word on a daily basis:

1. Gods word leads us to salvation: It is written in His word that we are saved when we put our hope in Him. Even if you are already a believer, rereading the words reminds us that He gave His only son for us to live in Him. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

2. God’s instructions for life are housed in His word. How we treat others. How we should act or react in situations. It’s all in there. Proverbs 16:20, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”

3. We gain wisdom from it: Psalm 119:130, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”

4. Scripture releases our chains and lifts our burdens: Psalm 119:28, “My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.”

5. God’s word brings us joy: Psalm 119:111, “I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart.”

6. The Bible gives us hope: Romans 15:4, “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

7. It reminds us of His promises: Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” Proverbs 16:20, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord”

8. His word enables us to battle and defeat the devil: Ephesians 6:17, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Matthew 4:3-4, “The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

9. Your faith will be strengthened: Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

10. You will enjoy a greater fellowship with Him (just as spending time with any friend or family member. Quality time together strengthens friendships and relationships): 1 John 1:3, “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

11. Your prayers will be heard: Praying with and over scripture is incredibly effective and sometimes gives us the words when our own mind and heart fail us. Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”

12. You will develop spiritually: Ephesians 6:17, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” You may hear the voice of God. Hearing God, in his own voice while reading scripture helps us to discern when He is speaking with us at other times. He communicates with us many ways, especially in scripture. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror” (James 1:23).

13. You will mature in the things of God: Learning more about Him and his commands will help us mature as believers. Hebrews 5:13-14, “For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

14. You will be more prosperous and successful as you learn what He has taught and how to conduct yourself and your business and daily affairs: Psalm 1:2-3, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers”

Grace Nugget: Simple reminders of God’s great love for you.