Walter “Bud” Erdmann, a member at St. Peter, Fond du Lac, Wis., shares why he feels that it is important to stay in the Word.

I recently finished reading the Bible for the 35th time.

Some people express doubt when they hear that, but it is true. It took me seven months to read it the 35th time.

I started reading the Bible on Christmas Eve 1943. I was on a troop ship in the Pacific heading for India. I got homesick—what a feeling. I reached for my small Bible and read from Matthew and Luke. I felt much better.

From then on and until now, I’ve been a Bible reader. Each time I finish reading the Bible, I say to myself, “This is the last time.” But after not reading for a few weeks, I am compelled to start again. Is it habit? Maybe, but I say it is out of love for God’s Word. I have spent so many peaceful and contented hours reading the Bible. I just can’t stop.

So you say, is reading the Bible going to put me into heaven? No, but believing what the Bible says and having faith in God’s grace will.

What did I learn from reading the Bible? I learned how I fall short in many ways, the sinner I am, and that there is no hope for me. I also learned about God’s love, grace, and compassion for me when he sent his Son into the world to shed his blood and die on the cross for me. Now that’s real love.

So you say, “I don’t read the Bible, but I go to church and I believe in God and his grace.” That is good; all Christians should think that way. But the Bible says, “Search the Scriptures.” God wants us to read his Word to strengthen our faith.

I am 88 years old now and will start reading the Bible for the 36th time. I read it every morning before the paper and very often in the afternoon. It isn’t a chore but a pleasure. I love it!

So to the people who never read the Bible or just glance at it: make a habit of reading the Bible on a regular basis. Pick a day and time for reading. You will get “hooked” on God’s Word and will enjoy the quiet times reading. You will learn more of God’s love for you.