All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

(2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV)

My guide dog, Iva  led me into the house. Catching a whiff of food, she bolted into the kitchen where my husband was making a sandwich. After hanging up her leash, I joined them. “Every time I take Iva in the back yard, she sniffs where Redneck relieved himself.”

My friend, Linda, had brought her Red Tick puppy, Redneck, over to play a few days earlier. Undoubtedly, he had left Iva a calling card.

Putting the mayonnaise in the fridge, my husband said, “He left Iva a love letter.”

On another trip to the back yard, I laughed as Iva headed to read her love letter. Then it hit me; what if we read God’s love letter to us with the same persistence and devotion? I’m in the Word daily gathering research for devotionals and my online Bible courses, but how often do I read God’s love letter just to commune with my Father? Sadly, I doubt I am the only one with this problem.

Do you recall receiving a handwritten letter from a friend, relative, or even a boyfriend? Do you remember tucking it away somewhere safe and reading it again and again?

Why don’t we place that same value on the Bible? It contains the answers to all of life’s problems. It draws us closer to God. It’s filled with stories we can learn from. It guides us like a shining star. It lifts us up when tears fall. It convicts us when we sin. It is unlike any other book on earth because it is living and breathing.

Yet, we ignore our love letters until we need it. Then we scramble to fix our problem.

It’s hard to get excited about a routine, and reading three chapters daily to finish the Bible in one year seems to do more harm than good. Sometimes, one verse speaks volumes to me. I can meditate on that verse. I can talk to God about that verse, but if I still need to read a couple more chapters, that powerful verse gets bogged down into the recesses of my mind.

Whatever method you choose to read your love letter is perfect when it works for you. When you aren’t reading for information but for transformation, then you have found the right plan. Set a time to read every day and stick to it. Just in case you forget, picture a black lab sniffing out her mail from a Red Tick Hound.

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Originally posted on August 16, 2021 @ 3:00 am