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We all know that reading, and what we read is important. Jesus read. Luke 4: 13-21 gives one account of Jesus reading. After He had been tempted by the devil for forty days he returned to Galilee. He taught in their synagogue on the sabbath day. He then visited his hometown of Nazareth. There on the sabbath day, he stood up to read. They handed him the book of the prophet Esaias When he had opened the book he read Issiah 61:1,2. Then he closed the book , gave it to the minister, and sat down. “This day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.” he said .
The apostle Paul wrote letters to the early churches to be read . In Colossians 4:16 Paul told the Church at Colosse that after they had read his letter to have the church of the
Laodiceans read it. They likewise were to read the letter from Loadicea.
So just from these two accounts of “reading” we understand how very important it was in the New Testament days, as it still is today, especially in our spiritual life.
Those of us who are writers are usually avid readers. If you’re like me, you read relentlessly. I read all words placed before my eyes, except objectional material. Thus, I penned the following little poem to give a glimpse of this dilemma.
The Joy of Reading
Reading is a must for the soul,
To read the Bible I was told.
Truth revealed to me just so
As the joy of reading unfolds!.
Read the paper for local news
When you’ve finally kicked off your shoes.
Read the labels on jars and cans
To be sure your diet’s kept in hand.
Oh the joy of reading!
Read the road signs up ahead;
Take the right turn without a dread.
Read discount ads at the businesses you pass.
Don’t miss out on a sale that won’t last.
Oh the joy of reading!
Read a good book you’ve picked out.
Let it’s words enrich you, no doubt.
Practice your writing so others may say,
After they’ve read your poem or essay,
Oh the joy of reading!
Now, back to the serious side of reading and writing. We writers tend to be in “seventh heaven” while receiving pleasure from reading, or while joyfully communicating a given message by writing. Words are our friends like numbers are to accountants and bookkeepers.
But as writers of Christian poetry or articles, our greatest joy comes when we read the Bible, or other inspirational works. These resources lift our spirit, inspiring us to a closer walk with Jesus. In return, we sincerely pray that the truth revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, reaps the same rewards for our readers. If so, then we are answering our calling successfully,in the name of Jesus. So be it!
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