I mentioned in our “Take Ten with Pastor Don” earlier today how my friend Steve has been reading these ten books of the Bible over and over for the past couple of years. His level of understanding increases each time he reads them through.

I can say the same thing. The more you read the Word, the more you learn about God. The more you learn about God, the more you change how you think and the more you change the way you think, the more you live differently.

Our actions are always preceded by thoughts. And our thoughts are the product of what we allow to influence us.

Here are the Ten Books and why I think you should read them.

Genesis—It’s the book of Beginnings. The beginning of all creation, the beginnings of God’s relationship with man and His disapproval of sin. It’s the beginning of humanity and God’s desire for how we should live. It is also an account of the first sin and its consequences upon mankind.

John—John introduces us to Jesus in a way the other three Gospels don’t. He is introduced to us as God. John uses seven miracles (signs), seven “I AM” statements; and seven sermons to show us the Deity of Jesus.

Romans—Perhaps the most profound theological book in the Bible, Paul shows us the hopelessness of sin; the hope of salvation; and the help of God’s Spirit in our life.

Psalms—Every emotion you will ever experience is found in this book of poetry. The “poems” were the worship songs of Israel. They are raw at times; they are full of complaints at times but they always conclude with a crescendo of God’s greats and mighty power overcome evil and to reveal Himself to us.

Ephesians—The words of this great letter reveal to us the love of God for His Church. Each chapter shows us a different picture of what God has for us, as His people.

Proverbs—The wisdom of God comes through in each verse of the book. It’s a “how to” manual for life and gives us the start on our path to discover wisdom.

Philippians—This book of “joy” will challenge us to seek after God no matter what may come along. Also, we discover insight about how we are to live as servants, because Jesus did, it will challenge us about what is to become influential in our life and it build confidence in how God will help us in troubling and difficult times.

1 John—This short book, five chapters, will help us to love, to forgive, to live in victory, and remind us of our hope of eternal life through Jesus.

James—Faith in Action is a great way to describe the message of this book, written by Jesus’ younger brother, James. It’s a practical “how to” message for those who want to go deeper in their walk with God.

Isaiah—Written 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah introduces us to the Messiah in ways that no other prophet did. Isaiah provides for us a great picture of the Messiah, His life, His death, and the victory that is ours as we put our faith in Him.

I read a great story in Josh McDowell’s book, “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” published by Word Publishing in 1992.

A little boy was praying to God. He confessed his doubts but proceeded to say, “God, if you are really there and care about me, then put $1million dollars under my bed when I wake up in the morning in one-dollar bills.

When he woke up, it wasn’t there. Disappointed, he told his mom about it, adding that God must not be real since his prayer wasn’t answered.

His mom mentioned to him that perhaps God had not answered his prayer because there wasn’t room under his bed. She began to pull things out from under his bed and there were games, even some dirty socks, not to mention all the dust bunnies. She was sure there wasn’t room for all that money, especially in one-dollar bills.

I started wondering about my prayers. I’ve never asked for $1 million in one-dollar bills but I wonder if I have prayed about things without leaving room for God to answer.

Perhaps when I pray, I need to make sure there is room in my life for God to answer.

I’m convinced this is what the Apostle John was talking about in 1 John 5:14-15 “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” (NASB)

What have you been believing God for? What steps do you need to take for God’s answer to come about? Is there some dirty laundry or dust bunnies that need to be dealt with? Maybe some of the games you have been playing need to be removed. Have you made room for God to answer your prayers?

He’s willing and ready!

Always in Pursuit!

Don