Thursday, February 5, 2026
Bible in a Year: Psalms 15-17 | Acts 8
Over the past two days, we’ve learned that the Holy Spirit speaks to us both through internal prompts and others. Today, I will concentrate on the Holy Spirit speaking through God’s Word.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit - the Advocate - and he lives inside us. John 14:26 tells us that the Advocate acts like a teacher, counselor, and comforter, who teaches us, reminds us of Jesus’ instructions, and shows us how to apply these lessons to our daily lives. John 16:7 goes further, telling us that it was better for Jesus to leave so the Advocate could come.
Years later, Paul echoed this understanding of God’s ongoing work through the Spirit when he wrote the following verse to his companion, Timothy.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (emphasis added).
God’s Spirit inspired the authors of the Bible, and the words still speak to us today. The word inspired quite literally means “God-breathed.” The purpose and nature of Scripture is to teach and correct. So that all of God’s people are prepared to spread his message and do good.
Reading the Bible as a Christ follower is much different than reading the Bible as someone without the Holy Spirit to guide them. The Holy Spirit allows us to better discern what God is teaching us. We can see clear warning signs revealing our errors and sin. And the more time we spend in God’s Word, the better equipped we are to course-correct when we begin to drift.
Without the help of the Holy Spirit, reading the Bible is purely academic. The reader is lacking the spiritual insight necessary to see it as the transformational, life-changing book that it is. It may seem nonsensical and foolish because a veil remains over their heart, making it impossible to see God’s glory.
Hebrews 3:7
That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice…”
Our Bottom Line tells us that we don’t drift into the abundant life, we follow the Holy Spirit into it. Are you equipped with the Holy Spirit to fully immerse yourself in God’s Word?
Questions:
Are you in the practice of reading the Bible? If so, does it read like a self-help book or a guide for faith and wisdom?
Why is reading the Bible so important?
Next Steps:
Check out the answer to “What does it mean that all Scripture is given for instruction in righteousness?” on gotquestions.org for a deeper dive into 2 Timothy 3:16.
The last paragraph tells us: “Scripture is the principal channel by which God grows His children to spiritual maturity. We cannot expect to succeed in our walk of faith without immersing ourselves in it. God’s Word sets the believer’s course. It is our source of life (Matthew 4:4) and truth (John 17:17). The Bible is God’s inspired gift to us. The believer who pursues the instruction in righteousness found in God’s Word and applies what he learns will grow in holiness and avoid many pitfalls in life.”
Prayer:
Lord, I come to you today with a thankful heart that you have given me the Holy Spirit. Breath into me, Holy Spirit. Grant me wisdom and strength, and guide me on the path that God has set forth for my life. Lord, thank you for the grace you offer me every day. Help me to give it to others in return. Keep me spellbound in your Word so I can continue to learn. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.
This post was written by Jenn Macke, a Findlay attendee and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.