JESUS SPEAKING
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word then you are my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8: 31-32.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
God, in His wisdom, has chosen to use language (words) to reveal Himself to mankind. The written and spoken words of God and of His only Son Jesus Christ are recorded within the pages of The Holy bible. These words have the power to grant eternal life; to purify and to heal; to transform and to enlighten. The word of God can do so many things; but unless it is utilized it can do nothing. Daily scripture reading is essential for the growth of the believer; a dusty bible is a reflection of the heart of its owner.
Francis A. Schaffer was a brilliant 19th century American scholar and theorist. As a young adult he had been eagerly studying the works of the Greek philosophers; in his quest for knowledge he had been exposed to many interesting questions; for which there were no answers (he nearly drowned in theory, speculation, and conjecture.) At this time he was also attending a very liberal church on the weekends, which failed to provide him with the answers he desired (because they did not preach bible based sermons.) ‘He thought, “I wonder whether I should stop calling myself a Christian, and discard the bible?” Then he reconsidered; [and] faced the fact that he had never read the bible.’ In desperation he began reading the scriptures for himself; his amazement grew with every turn of the page. He had finally found the answers to his questions. His curiosity had led him to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Francis Schaffer never stopped reading the bible. He committed the rest of his life to helping others discover the truth he had recieved from God. [Note: I myself grew up in a very liberal church. I attended weekly services, took communion, and even served as a cross-bearer. Yet I was never instructed to read the bible; therefore, the scriptures played no role in my daily life. I spent my early years steeped in confusion; not knowing that within the pages of God’s word lay the instructions for life. One day I picked up the bible my church had given me (upon my conversion) and began to read it on my lunch breaks. Like Mr. Schaffer, I too discovered the truth; since then the word of God has completely transformed my life (without it, I don’t believe I would be alive today.)]
Nearly 130 million books have been written throughout human history. Every year 50,000 new titles are published. Yet in a sea of literary works, only the Holy Bible contains the truth. The bible transforms lives; it creates affection, produces kindness, and generates love; it relieves addictions, and delivers from despair; it can heal the sick and bring hope to the hopeless; it contains the answers to life’s deepest questions; it is a powerful tool; yet like all tools, it can do nothing unless it is put to use. Read God’s word and discover your purpose. Grab hold of the promises of God and never let go. Open His Holy Scriptures and you will neither stumble nor stray from the path that leads to everlasting life.
“Lord Heavenly Father, show us the importance of daily bible reading. May we cling to Your words as a dying man clings to his last breath. Instill in us the desire to seek You. May we be transformed through the power of Your word. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be more like Your Son; may others see our lives and praise Your Name. We love You Father, we thank You, and we praise You, and we ask all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 