I'm a Bible Junkie - Bruce Atchison

To me, studying the Bible is an addiction. I can't get enough of its history, poetry, wisdom, and characters. From listening to the scriptures aloud on my talking pocket Bible at breakfast to using an old CD-ROM to find verses when I write in the afternoon, I feel uncomfortable if I don't check out what the Word of God says.

Thanks to trailing-edge technology, I can copy and paste verses like Psalms 42:1 (KJV) into documents like this one. "To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.'"

That's how I feel when I listen to his Word or have my PC read it aloud. And the more I hear, the more I want to hear.

My addiction, unlike drugs, has only positive benefits. Moreover, what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV) applies to meny of us as well. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Another benefit of truly studying God's Word is knowing his power. The Pharisees and Sadducees figured they could trap Jesus in his words with trick questions. But, as Mark 12:24 (KJV) records, "And Jesus answering said unto them, 'Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?'"


Holy Scripture is more than stories and admonishments about how to live. As Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) explains, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

What a joy and awesome privilege it is to study the very words of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV), "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Therefore, we must use such a powerful tool with care. Far too many people have misread and misquoted scriptures in order to affirm and confirm their point of view instead of being governed by the Word. May we all be like the Bereans who studied the scriptures to make sure what Paul said to them was the truth.