God’s word, a guide at 50 (1)

Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord. Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. Psalm 119:1-2 NLT.

According to the checklist for life, “God makes it known that the Bible is pretty important reading material in a number of different ways: directly through passages like that in Psalm 119:1-2; indirectly through Jesus’ frequent references to old Testament writings during his earthly ministry, and also through the guiding of His spirit. But while the Bible is the bestselling book of all time, it may just have one of the lowest readings –to –owning ratios.

In part, that may be because the Bible can be a bit intimidating. Not only is it a lot of material to get a handle on, but it is also holds the key to knowing God.

Through the history, wisdom, stories and letters in the Bible, God gives its readers a window to His nature as well as a guidebook for life.

Though you can read through the Bible like a novel, cover to cover, the best way to approach the Bible may be to read sections that apply to a current need or life situation. Many Bibles- especially study Bibles and devotional Bibles-offer helpful topical information that can direct you to other passages that deal with the same subjects. Many of these Bibles have a day-by- day plan that outlines a reading schedule that allows you to read the entire Bible through in a year or two (in a no sequential, but logical manner). Or you can dive into one of the books and focus solely on that. The Gospel of John is a great place to learn about God’s love. If you’re looking for wisdom, check out Proverbs.

Unlike some books you read once and never pick up again, the Bible offers new insights every time you read it. Scholars who have studied the Bible all their lives continue to uncover truth and wisdom when they read the scriptures. One of the greatest things about the Bible is that most of your life’s tests are open-book tests, that is, you are free to explore and learn from the Bible whenever there is a need.

But don’t wait for a need before cracking open your Bible. The more you study and read, the more you’ll uncover about how to live a life of faith. God knows that His word is good for you. That’s why He wants you to read it. Often He wants you to embrace the aha! Discoveries with passion. Most of all, He wants you to get to know Him better.

Well, from my earlier understanding of the Holy Book, Bible, it takes a careful prayerfully study of it to know the real message. No wonder it is said that parables are meant to be understood better by those who painfully take time to study and comprehend them. That is the reason, why the Yoruba man/woman will tell you that what you have behind the letter six is more than just the letter seven.

• To be continued.
• Dr. Oboh (FIDM, ransomeoboh@yahoo.com) is Auditor 1, Abeokuta Diocese, Catholic Men Organisation, Ogun State.