When The Bible Comes Alive

Have you ever read your Bible only to feel like you accomplished nothing? 

Maybe a fleeting inspiration, a nice quote to carry you through the day. But then, hours later, it’s gone. No transformation. No traction. Just another passage forgotten in the rush of life. If you've been there, you’re not alone. But that isn’t how it’s meant to be. God has more for you. You don’t need to settle.

The Bible is not a natural text; it’s supernatural.

Jesus said, “The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” - John 6:63 (NLT)

If we approach Scripture as mere literature, we might glean a little encouragement, but we’ll miss the power - the very power that breaks habits, changes character, and ignites a holy fire within. That power comes only when the Word is received in the spirit, not just the intellect.

Matthew 13 tells us the parable of the sower. The seed, which represents the Word of God, only bears lasting fruit when it falls on “good soil.” Jesus explains that this “good soil” is the person who truly hears and understands the Word (Matthew 13:23, NLT). But many never get there. Why? Because they read the Bible without the help of the precious Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) says, “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them… For only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”

Without the Holy Spirit, Scripture remains locked. But when you read with Him, He opens your eyes. You’re no longer reading about God. You’re fellowshipping with Him.

Then there’s the issue of depth. Some believers start strong but fall away when trials hit. Why? Shallow roots. And shallow roots grow from shallow study. A verse of the day is a great start, but it’s not the destination. You need consistency. Obsession. A love for the Word that drives you to take in much of it daily, not out of guilt, but out of hunger.

Finally, beware the thorns. Distraction will kill your devotion. Jesus said the Word is choked by the worries of life and the lure of wealth (Matthew 13:22). So slow down. Meditate. Read slowly, think deeply, and repeat the Word out loud. Absorb it.

This isn’t about checking a box. This is about transformation. It’s about reading until your heart burns, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32).

Don’t just study Scripture. Receive it. Cherish it. Meditate on it. And let it set your spirit ablaze.

For more about this topic, watch “You'll Never Read the Bible the Same Way After This,” on YouTube by clicking here.

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God Resists the Proud