John Blanchard read this intriguing quote from Reformer John Calvin: “The Bible is the scepter by which the heavenly King rules His people.” Blanchard agreed, but he added: “This does not mean that we are to look upon it as a rod of iron. Nor, on the other hand, is it to be treated trivially as some kind of religious toy, to be used for our spiritual entertainment. Instead, it is meant to be a constant means of enlightenment, enrichment, and encouragement, its dynamic influence bringing a deepening joy into our daily lives.”

How odd that the practice of Bible reading sometimes feels dull or dutiful. Let’s shake ourselves free from the legalism of monotonous Bible reading and learn the life-giving fascination of abiding in its words. Make up your mind to read the Bible with fresh prayers for insight and with fresh perspective. Make it a joyful experience. Try some new methods. Use your pencil or pen. Ask God to make His Word to you as a golden scepter, a living book, a blazing fire, a heavenly breeze, a revealing mirror, a nourishing meal, and a shining lamp.

[The Bible is] the book I live with, the book I live by, the book I want to die by.
N. T. Wright