Knee Mail

If you are familiar with Dr. Dino, Dr. Kent Hovind, you know that he is in prison right now with a new ministry, preaching to fellow inmates. I don't know enough about his case to defend him or otherwise, but he still has some great stuff. His prison experience has grown him as a Christian and a man. He has written some great devotions on his blog; many of them are conversations with God.  This is one that I particularly enjoyed.

GOD:    Good morning, son.

kh:    Good morning, Lord.

GOD:    I see you are reading My Word.

kh:    Yes, Lord.

GOD:    Why?

kh:    Why am I reading Your Word?

GOD:    Yes, son, why are you reading it? Examine your heart. Are you reading because you feel obligated? What’s your motive?

kh:    I guess I never thought about it, Lord. There are lots of reasons to read it.

GOD:    Yes, son, there are lots of reasons people read My Word. Some read it because of habit. Habits are good, son, and I want all My children to get good habits and avoid bad habits, but habit alone is not a good reason to read My Word.

Some only read it to get a message to preach to others. Some read it to salve their conscience. It makes them feel that they have done their daily duty to Me. Some read it so that they can impress others with their Bible knowledge; some so they can win a debate; and others so they can brag and say, “I have read my Bible every day for X number of years. I have read it cover to cover X times (Luke 18:11-12)!”  Some read their “chapter a day to keep the devil away.”  Some think reading My Word obligates Me to protect them or provide special blessings to them. Thus, thinking that My Word is a magic potion, they read it and think I’m indebted to them. However, I’m never in debt to any man. Some read it to look good to their fellow man (Matthew 23:26). They have their reward (Matthew 6:2).

You see, son, I search the hearts (Jeremiah 17:10). I know why people do what they do. I don’t need anyone to tell me what is in man (John 2:25). You would be surprised to know how many people read My Word only because of peer pressure or because they think others expect it of them.

Still others read it only hoping to find errors or contradictions so they can justify not submitting to its authority. Quite a few read it to see which Scriptures they can wrest (II Peter 3:16) to fit their own wild doctrines or wicked life styles. I wrote it so that some passages appear to contradict at first glance, so those who hate Me will be caught in their own net (Psalm 35:8).

kh:    Have I ever read Your Word for any of those reasons, Lord?

GOD:    Nearly all of them at one time or another, son.

kh:    Why should I read it, Lord?

GOD:    My Word provides more things than you realize. It washes like water (Ephesians 5:26-27) and quenches the thirst (John 4:14) in those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). My Word brings life (Proverbs 3:2) and light (Psalm 119:130). It is milk (I Peter 2:2), bread (Matthew 4:4), and meat (Hebrews 5:12-14). It is a light to your path (Psalm 119:105) and a search light for your heart (Psalm 139:23). It is your armor against the devil (Ephesians 6:11,17). It keeps you from sin (Psalm 119:11). It brings healing (Matthew 8:16). It makes you bear fruit (Matthew 13:20-23). It helps you learn of me (Matthew 11:29) to prepare you to live in my palace forever (Revelation 21:1).

kh:    Do I ever read it for those reasons, Lord?

GOD:    Sometimes, son, but not often enough. I’ve given you a lot. You have a sharp mind, good health, a loving family, a relatively free country, and lots of people who love and pray for you. You need to study to show yourself approved to Me (II Timothy 2:15). I’ve given you much and I will require much of you (Luke 12:48).

kh:    I know, Lord. That verse scares me.

GOD:    It should, son, it should. I love you. Get back to reading. I’ve got your back.