Daniel 9:2 KJV
In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
There are three words that almost all Christians are familiar with, but very few pay attention to them and only a few practice them. These words are Reading, praying, and Thinking. These words sound so simple and easy to pronounce, but it takes determination, discipline, and dedication to get them done.
Daniel just gave us an insight into one of the reasons he stood out in his day and one of the secrets to his wisdom and high level of understanding: He reads a lot.
It was from the books that he understood the number of years for which it had been prophesied that Jerusalem would be in desolation for seventy years. When he discovered that the seventy years were getting closer, he began interceding on behalf of his nation. The reason we sometimes stay too long in unpleasant situations is because we have not yet activated our reading mode.
I have heard it over and over that readers are leaders, and the Bible also confirms that God places a high premium on knowledge. The following verses serve as proof for this:
Joshua 1:8 KJV
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Hosea 4:6 KJV
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Isaiah 5:13 NKJV
Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Their honorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJVAE
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What really is the essence of education (whether formal or informal)? I believe it’s to acquire knowledge and gain skills that will set you apart from the crowd. In the same way, there are so many things we will never understand about God if we are not ardent readers and doers of His word.
The book of Daniel 11:32b mentions that those who know God will be strong and do exploits. The first thing knowledge will give you is strength, and that’s why we often say that knowledge is power.
The second thing knowledge will do for you through the power you have received is that you will have the capacity to achieve great things (Daniel 11:32b). Therefore, if we are not reading, we will lack knowledge or have insufficient knowledge, and without good knowledge of a thing, you are far away from doing exploits.
An increase in wisdom is a product of acquired knowledge. How much of the Bible do you know as a Christian? How often do you spend time studying the Bible and other inspirational books?
David the King, in the book of Psalm 1:2, admonishes that the scripture should be studied day and night. He also tells us the level of exploit that we will be exposed to if we do it. Psalm 1:3 says anyone who studies the word of God day and night shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, and whatever he or she does shall prosper.
Psalms 1:3 NKJV
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
In Joshua 1:8, God revealed a secret: Whoever will engage in the study of God’s word day and night shall make his way prosperous and have good success. If we believe that God does not tell lies, then why are we not doing it (studying the word) daily?
Joshua 1:8 NKJV
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Why do we allow distractions to steal from us what has already been written and documented concerning us? When you don’t know what has been written concerning you (about a particular matter), you will not know your rights as a child of God (even though you are born again), and you will lack the capacity to lead others to God’s kingdom because you will not be able to share God’s word correctly. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12; 2 Timothy 2:15.
Let’s be people driven by knowledge by consciously acquiring it every day. We should not allow a day or a week to pass us by without paying the price of reading edifying books (that can draw us closer to God) and the Bible. I pray that the grace to be able to achieve your goals of engaging God’s word daily will be released to you in Jesus name.
If you gain anything from today’s discussion, kindly share it through the comment section or send a mail to gsany03@gmail.com.