“Bible study is never finished till you meet the Author face to face.” – Don Beach

I received this quote on a small plaque that I look at each morning. It reminds me of the importance and the journey of studying God’s Word. If we are being completely honest, which I hope we are, we can at times become complacent and lazy in our Bible reading. There are times in my life when my mind isn’t ready to open the Bible. At times, I struggled with that. But then I realized the importance of being fully engaged; if I was not engaged, it was simply words on a page.

Do I read my Bible every day? Yes. Do I read it at the same time each day? No. For me, my mind must be ready to receive the precious teaching found within the pages of the Bible. I never want to be a “check the box” pastor. I want to be fully engaged, and I need God to speak to me through His Holy Word. Hebrews 4:12 is a powerful reminder of the power of God’s Word; read it with me:

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

This verse reminds us that the Bible is not just a book of ancient words — it’s alive. It’s active, meaning it does something every time we open it (if we’re ready to receive it). It pierces deeply (if we allow it to speak to us). God’s Word exposes us, lovingly but truthfully. It doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us. And because it’s living, you can read the same passage multiple times and be met with something new each time — something timely, something convicting, something healing.

This is why Bible study is never truly “done.” Because, as long as we’re being shaped by God, His Word continues to do its work in us until that day we meet the Author face to face. Let me encourage you to be ready to receive His Word:  Before you sit down and open the Bible, ask Him to meet you there.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to approach the Bible not as a task to complete, but as a lifelong relationship to grow in. Teach me, guide me, and reveal Yourself to me as I read and study. Keep me hungry for truth and give me the discipline to stay in Your Word daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today matters,

Joey Keith