How does God expect us to view and use His Word, the Bible? Consider some of these examples from the Scriptures:

• Kings of Israel were commanded to write out a copy of God's law and read it throughout the days of their lives, using it as the basis for ruling the people (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
• Almighty God commanded Moses to read His Word publicly before all Israel, including men and women, children and strangers (Deuteronomy 31:11-13).
• Joshua also read to all Israel-its elders, officers and judges-the words of God's law (Joshua 8:32-35).
• Psalm 119:105 tells us that God's Word is "a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path."
• God says He esteems the person "who trembles at My word" (Isaiah 66:2).
• Ezra and Nehemiah read from the law to the people as part of their religious reforms after Judah returned from captivity in Babylon (Nehemiah 8).
• Jesus Christ said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3).
• Luke recorded Jesus' words when He said, "... Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28).
• Paul described the Old Testament Scriptures as "inspired by God" and "useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, New Revised Standard Version).

God is clear on this: Eventually all human beings will know Him (Hebrews 8:11). You can begin to know God by reading His Word. GN