What is evident to us from these statistics is that a significant proportion of Christians do not read the Bible. I cannot agree less with Dawna Silva, who, in her book, "Shifting Atmosphere" stated that "without the Word of God showing us His truth, our truths (or what we perceive to be true) will govern our minds."

 

II Corinthians 3:18

But we all, *with unveiled face*, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

The reason why the majority of Christians do not read their Bible on a regular basis, or the decline in the interest of a Christian in studying there the Word is because we see or read our Bibles with veiled faces causing us not to know the potency of the Word of God transforming us to the image God wants us to become.

 

There is a huge gain for us to understand that God's Word is more than just a story or a historical record; in it lies God's power to become like Him and to bring changes to our situations. Hence, Paul was saying to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:32 that he commends them to God and to the Word of His grace, which can build them up and give them an inheritance among all who are sanctified. 

 

We are going to pray shortly about some veils over our faces denying us of the transformational power of God resident in His Word to bring us to His place of rest, a position of an overcomer, a life of authority and the manifested sons of God which the world desperately is seeking.

 

*The veil of our situations*

Our trials can be so overwhelming that the veil of our situations overshadows the Word of God resident in our spirit, and such a state of confusion, worry and hopelessness can further discourage us from seeing above the problem through the Word of God. Since being a Christian for over 20 years now, there is no experience of mine that I cannot relate to a character or instruction in the Bible. I am sure this is the same with you. I am not suggesting that we isolate ourselves from the people's counsel and help when we go through our moments but let us aim to x-ray the inputs into our circumstances by the Word of God.

 

Hebrews 4:12

For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

 

PRAYER

Lord, may our circumstances not draw us away from your Word but rather draw us closer to your Word. 

 

Matthew 4:4

But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

 

*The veil of doubt or faithlessness*

After the devil heard Jesus say that man shall live by the Word of God, he decided to use the Word of God to confuse Jesus by saying He should jump from a very high pinnacle and God's angels will rescue Him. Jesus knew God's angels could save Him but would not want to test the integrity of God's promise to ensure it was true.

 

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Lord,  I do not need to test your word to believe it. Let faith arise in me as I study your Word with an unveiled face of trust, not doubt or faithlessness.

 

Romans 10:17

So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

 

*The veil of greed or materialism*

The Word of God has good and precious promises for us, but those promises are not to draw us away from Him. Hence, we should study His Word to become His image and likeness but not amass riches to satisfy our greed. Again God is not against your riches but wants your riches for His glory.

 

Matthew 4:10

Then Jesus said to him, Away with you, Satan! It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.

 

PRAYER

Lord, I acknowledge your great and precious promises in your Word but let me never be carried away by materialism as I study your Word.

 

Matthew 4:11

Then the devil left Him; behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

 

Jesus enjoyed the ministration of divinity because He had a thoroughly unveiled perspective of the Word of God.