God's Word In Our Very Hands

"The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." - Dwight L. Moody

When one takes the time to really read the Bible, awesomely, incredible things occur. Now, I'm not talking about simply thumbing through select passages, verses, or stories. I mean actually getting comfortable and reading the Bible as if your life depended on it. Because, you know what? It does!

Let me share some snippets of quotes, from some well-known folks, regarding this very topic. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the U.S. said, "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man." Charles Dickens said, "The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world."

So what is it about the Bible, besides the obvious, that makes it such an important and life-giving book? Though there's an abundance of elements we could identify, for our message today I will point out several. The Bible is everlasting (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). The Bible is divinely inspired. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

The Bible is profitable for our instruction (Deuteronomy 11:19; Romans 5:4). The Bible is powerful (Jeremiah 23:29; Romans 1:16; Hebrew 4:12). The Bible gives life (John 20:31; james 1:21; John 5:24). We have only scratched the surface of what the Bible says about itself here. But make no mistake, it is unlike any other book that has ever been written.

Though it may be difficult to believe, the Bible has not had an easy path toward acceptance. It has received more than its share of criticism down through the years. It has been called everything from a book of fairy tales to mythology, and even far worse. And yet, it has managed to survive. The Bible is alive and active!

Today, it's fairly easy to secure a Bible from many different sources. It wasn't always so. Sadly, there are many areas around the globe today, where for a variety of reasons, people cannot access the Bible. I urge you to remember those in your prayers who cannot obtain a Bible, wherever they might be. 

19th century theologian, Charles Hodge put it succinctly when he said, "Always give praise to Our Almighty Father for the privilege of being able to have a Bible in your hands, and being able to open its pages and nourish your soul." I think this clearly says it all.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:17; John 12:48; Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; Mark 13:31

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for Your Word, and ask that You help me recognize and accept it emotionally, reverently, in belief, and obediently always. Amen

God bless you!

Genevieve