When it comes to spending time in God's Word, there are an abundance of excuses we can come up with to avoid it. The simple thought of reading those ancient words, written in an ancient language is enough to make some dread it before even knowing what they may find within the pages of this Sacred Book. But before we can hope to have an effective prayer life or an incredible worship experience, we must be in The Word, or more importantly, The Word must be in us! Making Bible reading a habit requires intentional discipline; with discipline comes the excuses. Like with anything that requires discipline - exercise, eating healthily, or building any other good habit - we must develop a serious mindset.

Excuses range in variety: "I don't like to read." Lucky for you there are many audio versions of the Bible readily available. "I have a hard time understanding the fancy language of the King James Version." There are numerous translations that make the Bible easy to understand! "I just don't have time!" Technology has given us Bible Apps that can be programmed to alert us with a daily Bible verse. So you see, for every excuse there is a solution!

Jesus often used stories to make it easier for people to understand Salvation, eternal life, and the Kingdom of God; stories that showed parallel — called parables. In one such instance, Jesus wanted us to understand that by making excuses we will miss out on the greatest benefits God has to offer us. He used the following parable: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"2

God's Word is filled with promises and blessings we can benefit from. When we make excuses that keep us from God and His Word, He will give those blessings to someone else. Are you willing to lose out on God's Great Banquet because of an excuse? There is no time like the present to pick up God's Word. No more Excuses!

Suggested Prayer: Lord, Your Word is Your Love Letter to us. Every Word was directly inspired by you. Please give me the desire to pick up Your Word and enjoy the Feast You have prepared for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1. Psalms 119:165 (NIV).

2. Luke 14:16-24.

Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B.