Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

As food is necessary for growth and development in our physical life, so God's Word is necessary for growth and maintenance of spiritual health.  "Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my HUNGRY SOUL" (Jeremiah 15:16, LB).

Because the Bible is God-breathed, it is different from any other book.  The secret of its power is that it is the direct revelation of the living God.  It is His word of authority for our lives.  Throughout its pages we read, "Thus saith the Lord."

The Bible is more than a book to impart knowledge.  It reveals our need of a Saviour, Jesus Christ.  It is given for instruction, training, direction, and guidance in daily living.  It gives us nourishment, maturing us into well-balanced Christians.

Paul reminded Timothy of the importance of knowing the word of God and appropriating it as a guideline for life.  He outlined for Timothy a four-fold way in which the Bible brings PROFIT to a life.

It is profitable, first, for doctrine - that is, for teaching.  The Bible "is useful to teach us what is true" (2 Timothy 3:16, LB).  Secondly, it is profitable for reproof - showing us where we are wrong, where we have deviated from God's plan.  We need to be tested in the light of it to show us where we fall short, "to make us realize what is wrong in our lives" (v.16, LB).  Next, it is profitable for correction - setting and re-setting the direction of our lives in the right way.  "It straightens us out" (v.16, LB).  It is also profitable for instruction in righteousness - how to keep us right.  "And helps us do what is right" (v.17, LB).

There is PURPOSE IN the Scripture.  "It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone" (v.17, LB)

The principles for everyday living and the answers to life's needs are in the Bible.

What has the Bible done for your life?  For mine?  Is it your Guide Book?

Are You Blessed?

If you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed.  One third of all the world does not have access to one.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married, you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are more blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world, that cannot read at all.

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