There are some things that you hear as a child that sticks with you even in old age. Some of such things that stuck with me are the words of my dad; “Knowledge maketh a man”. I still vividly remember how he pronounces the ‘th’ in maketh as ‘f’ and it always brings smiles to my face. This knowledge he explained to me was hidden inside books and he always bought books and encouraged me to read them. Back in the days, the main brands were Pacesetters and Winners’ Series. He always thought I used to read the books, but in truth, I was only flipping through the pages of most of them just to make him happy. I was lucky he never asked me for any summaries. I never really liked books then.
As an adult, I have always bought books with the intention of reading them without actually reading them. Getting myself to pick up the books was always an uphill task and if I manage to start reading any book, finishing would always demand some extra resilience. However, that has changed recently because I discovered that I was missing out big time. You are missing treasures beyond your imagination if you don’t read books.
The children of Israel would have overstayed their bondage period if not that Daniel was diligent enough to discover what was written in the books of the prophets:
“…I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes…” Daniel 9: 2 – 3
Bob Derek said: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”. Many people and indeed many Christians suffer unnecessarily today because of what they have not yet discovered in books and most of all, what they have not yet discovered in the Bible. They are paying a huge price. The total salvation package includes deliverance from sin, sickness, failure and all forms of bondage. The difference between you and your total salvation package is in books, especially in the Word of God. The difference between you and the fulfillment of that ministry that God has placed in your hand is in books. The difference between you and a sound relationship with God is in books. The difference between you and a deep knowledge of God (…they that know their God shall be strong and they shall do exploits…) is in books.
If you are diligent to study these books, meditate on the words and practice what you read, it will show. The books you read will expand your vision and empower you to set out on the journey to your promised land. If you think you are too busy to create time for books, it implies you are also too busy to actually move forward. I encourage you to join the train today because what you are looking for is in books.
Chidi Ukandu's Blog 