The December 1995 edition of Writer's Digest included a list of books every writer must read. I was glad to see that the number one book on the list was the Bible. This is what several authors had to say about it.

"Lay chosen faith aside and read this beautifully written book," wrote Loren D. Estleman.

"It is the foundation stone of the English language," added Madeleine L'Engle Franklin.

And John Jakes urged people to read the Bible "for the magic, and the possibilities, of English."

Although these writers had some pretty high praise for God's Word, their endorsement is not the reason we should read it. The Bible merits our attention because it is the truth of God, inspired and preserved for us.

The God who made us has given us His Book, and we need to make it our book. By reading it, poring over it, meditating on it, and putting it into practice, we begin to know God Himself. In the process, we fulfill for ourselves the psalmist's quest: "I have sought Your precepts. . . . I have seen the consummation of all perfection" (Ps. 119:94,96).

Is the Bible at the top of your reading list?  — David C. Egner