Hey family, it’s Renae, and I want to share something today that has been heavy on my spirit. Too often I hear people say, “Well, I know Christ, I have a relationship with Him, so I don’t really need to read my Bible.” And while having a personal relationship with God is the foundation, I want to make this clear: your relationship can’t grow strong without the Word of God.

Because the Word is Him. The Bible is not just a book—it is alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is the weapon we are given to fight the battles of this world, and without it, we are defenseless. Think about this: if you go into battle without a weapon, what happens? You are left wide open for the enemy to attack. That’s exactly what happens when you try to live this life without knowing and applying God’s Word.

We are in a world that is not just physical—it is spiritual. Everything we see happening in the news, in our communities, even in our own families, is rooted in the spiritual. You can’t fight a spiritual battle with physical means. You can’t out-argue the devil. You can’t outwit him with clever words. But you can resist him with the truth of Scripture, because that is God’s power and authority backing you up.

Now, I don’t want anyone to think I’m saying you need to memorize every verse or know the Bible inside and out like a scholar in order to have Christ. Salvation is through faith, not through perfect knowledge. But here’s the thing: God gave us His Word as a guide, a comfort, and a sword.

So why would we ever choose not to use it? It’s like being handed a lamp in the dark and saying, “No thanks, I’ll just stumble around on my own.” Doesn’t make sense, right? Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” If we want direction in this confusing world, the Bible is that light.

Some people feel intimidated by the Bible because it feels long, deep, or even confusing. But you don’t need to rush it. Start small. Start with the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—because that’s where we see Jesus’ life and words. Start with Psalms if you need comfort, or Proverbs if you’re looking for wisdom. God doesn’t expect you to master it in a day. He just wants you to show up. When you do, you’ll notice how His Spirit starts speaking to you through those pages.

I want to remind you of something else: Jesus Himself quoted Scripture to fight temptation. When the devil tempted Him in the wilderness, He didn’t argue, He didn’t compromise—He said, “It is written.” If Jesus, the Son of God, relied on the Word to fight His battles, what makes us think we can get by without it? That right there should tell you how important it is to keep the Bible close to your heart.

Family, I know we live in times where everyone wants a quick fix. We want encouragement from social media posts, from friends, from inspirational quotes. And yes, those things can lift us for a moment. But true power? That comes from God’s Word. It’s not secondhand, it’s not watered down—it is the voice of the Father Himself. And if we want to grow, if we want to withstand what’s coming in this world, we need every ounce of that Word in us.

So today, I want to encourage you: pick up your Bible. Don’t let dust collect on it. Don’t just rely on a preacher or a podcast to feed you spiritually. Study for yourself approved, like the Word says. Because at the end of the day, when trials come, it’s going to be you and God. And the weapon He’s given you—the Bible—will be what carries you through.

The Word of God is power. It is life. It is protection. And it is how we truly come to know the heart of our Father. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can walk this journey without it. Stay strong, stay prayed up, and stay in your Word.

Ya Girl Renae

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