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Scripture is an extension of God’s loving presence.

In this article (--> here <--) author and teacher Uche Anizor coaches through, what the world would call, the New Year's Resolution disappointment phase. It is the time when all good resolutions begin to fade away and we begin to live just like we did in November of last year. If the resolution was to take a fresh swing at reading God's Word in 2026, then you are probably going through this phase right now! It becomes a chore, not a delight. And since it is a chore, our hearts will prioritize things that are delightful - things other than the study of the Bible. 

God gives his word to his people because he wants to be near his people. His presence—his personal and verbal presence—is what makes them who they are. God’s personal and verbal presence are the unique treasures given to his treasured possession (Ex. 19:6; Deut. 7:6)

How do we cultivate a love for the Words of the King? The article gives us some practical suggestions:

1. Personalize the Bible. This is why I urge praying the Word as you read it. Make the passages you are on your devotion - applying the truth to your life, your heart, and your concerns. 

2. Be ruthlessly honest. Love is sometimes cultivated - the exact opposite of "puppy love." In other words, the more you study God's Word, the more you fall in love with it . That requires a faithful habit on the front-side so that the back-side reality can come into focus. 

3. Adjust expectations. Don''t approach God's Word as a cure-all for everything that ails you. Instead, surrender to God's Word for you in that moment and let it change you. If you expect what God intends for you in place of what you want to hear, then you can never be disappointed.

4. Pray for our hearts. Our hearts are prone to wonder. Pray for your heart to be truly satisfied in the goodness of a loving, and speaking, almighty God!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17