The Gift of God's Word (John 20:30-31)

Today's scripture: John 20:30-31

I often say that God didn't have to leave a written document for us. He could have just thrown us into the world and made us fend for ourselves. Instead of giving us His revelation of grace, He could have expected us to find Him on our own.

He loves us so much, however, that He chose to speak through the pens of men to reveal Himself to us. The Bible is more than a mere book; it's one of the greatest gifts we've been given. We read of the history of nations. We read of prophecy, much of which has already been fulfilled. We read of love, grace, and mercy. We read verses that comfort—and those that convict.

We learn how to live to serve God and others. We learn how to be kind, gentle, loving, and joyful. We learn how to find peace through trials.

The Bible offers words of wisdom and insight into the human condition. It reminds us that we are finite, yet there is a God who is infinite. The Bible tells us that this world and its difficulties are temporary; a relationship with God is eternal.

To leave the Bible sitting on a shelf collecting dust is to reject a priceless gift. It must be opened—every day. In order to understand what God is saying through His word, we must plumb its depths regularly and prayerfully.

Then and only then will we truly grasp the amazing treasure we have in this book that has "been written so that [we] may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing [we] may have life in His name."

The Holy Spirit (John 15:26-27)

Today's scripture: John 15:26-27

So many mysteries are inherent in the Christian faith, so many things we just can't fully comprehend. One of these is what we call the trinity: one God in three persons. It's a stumbling block to unbelievers and a concept we believers can't completely understand. Yet, while the Bible doesn't use the word "trinity" or "triune," verses like today's make it clear.

Jesus speaks of the "Helper," who is the "Spirit of truth." He also speaks of the Father. Finally, He speaks about Himself, God the Son who took on flesh. Three Persons. One God.

Each Person of the trinity functions differently, and we are blessed by each. The Holy Spirit blesses us by being our "Helper." He resides in us to help us in so many ways, and I, for one, am so very grateful. I certainly need help! In so many ways. The Holy Spirit gives us so much.

We can be confident that the Spirit will teach us what we need to know about following Christ (John 14:26). He prays for us when we can't find the words (Romans 8:26). He dwells in us; we are never alone (Romans 8:11). He gives us life (2 Corinthians 3:6). He gives us access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). He will testify about Jesus (see today's verses). He comforts us (Acts 9:31). He manifests spiritual gifts in us (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 11). He gives us freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). He helps us keep from doing the "works of the flesh" and manifests in us His fruit (Galatians 5:16-23).

What an amazing blessing the Holy Spirit is to me! I read these attributes of this Person of the trinity, and I am so very grateful.

Such a mystery ... such a gift.

The Word is Truth (2 Peter 1:19-21)

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
(2 Peter 1:19-21, NASB)

These verses are full of richness and affirmation and explanation.

First, Peter reminds us that we can be assured the “prophetic word” in God’s word is “sure.” It is a “lamp shining in a dark place.”

Next, he asserts that any prophecy in God’s word is God’s. Not men’s. Each and every word in the Bible was inspired by God. They were scribed by men, yes, but they were “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Many skeptics assert that the Bible is full of contradictions or that so many translations or interpretations have diluted its original meaning. But I believe that, just as the Spirit wrote through the pens of men, He worked through the pens of those who faithfully copied each word. And He continues to work through interpreters or translators today.

We can be assured that God’s is truth. We read His words. And through those words, we learn about Him and His will. We learn about His heart and love for His children.

What an amazing gift with which we've been blessed!

Go Back to the Source (2 Peter 1:12)

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
(2 Peter 1:12, NASB)

Had any “senior moments” lately? That’s what my mother-in-law used to call those moments when you can’t remember a very familiar name or why you walked from the kitchen to the living room. I get them all the time.

Even though I know something, I can sometimes forget. Sometimes I need a reminder—or two or three.

Sometimes we need reminders of why we believe what we believe or how we know what we know. And that’s why it’s so important to spend time in God’s word and time with His people. When we focus on God and His word, we’re able to speak of our faith more easily. We’re ready with a logical answer for our beliefs.

Peter continues to remind us of what we already know. And we can do the same with our brothers and sisters. We can remind them of what they already know and help them to grow in faith. They can do the same for us.

So when you have a senior moment, when you can’t remember a verse or a biblical principle, go back to the source. Let God’s word jog your memory. Let other believers help remind you of what you already know to be true.

Don't Be a Christian in Name Only (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
(2 Timothy 4:1-5, NASB)

Have I mentioned lately how much I love God’s word? And how much I love Paul’s letters? Sometimes, though, I read passages, and I’m almost overwhelmed with how much God speaks to my heart. This is one of those times.

I want to focus on two areas Paul writes about.

We must be ready to preach God’s word, patiently and lovingly. No, not all of us are gifted as teachers or preachers or evangelists. However, we all have opportunities to share God’s word. And so we need to know it. I’ve emphasized Bible study—real get-into-the-meat-of-it study—a lot lately, and it’s so very critical. How can you share with others something about which you don’t really know yourself? I challenge you: If you’re not already spending quality time in God’s word, start today. Be ready.

People in our world today aren’t willing to “endure sound doctrine.” This is the biggest tragedy I see in Christendom today. In order to justify choices or sometimes blatant sin, they seek teachers who will “tickle” their ears. In other words, who will tell them what they want to hear. They’re not seeking the real truth of the Bible—in fact, they even say the Bible isn’t really the inspired, inerrant word of God.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: If you call yourself a Christian, then be one. Read and study and know God’s word. Know what delights Him—and what breaks His heart. Believe Jesus when He said that He, and He alone, is the “way, truth, and life” and that no one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Believe that those who choose to follow Him and commit their lives to Him will spend eternity with Him (John 3:16).

And those who don’t will spend eternity separated from Him. Remember, not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter God’s kingdom (Matt. 7:21-23).

Please. If you’re reading this, and you’ve allowed false teachers to tickle your ears, go to the source of truth. Read the book of John. And then read it again. See what the Lord Jesus Himself says about knowing and following Him.

And then commit to doing so. Submit your life completely to your loving Father. Trust me. It will be so very worth it … because being in a true relationship with Creator God is better than anything this world can offer. Anything.

God's Amazing Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB)

God was under no obligation to leave a written message for us. He could have created us, and then just let us figure things out on our own. But He loves us too much for that. He wanted to leave a means to communicate with us.

The Bible is a seamless document covering centuries, written by the inspired pens of disparate men, with a single message: God is gracious and loving, and it is His desire that everyone be in relationship with Him.

As we read His word, as we study it, we learn about the history of the people of Israel and other nations. We are inspired by songs and poems and letters. We are convicted to be loving and kind and joyful, and we’re reproved when we’re angry or envious or jealous.

And why did God give us this amazing book? So that we who follow Him will be “equipped for every good work.” Just as a soldier needs to be equipped with his weapon, we need the Bible—the sword of the Spirit—to be equipped to face each day’s battles and to do the work God has called us to do.

Don’t take this gift for granted. Don’t let it gather dust on a shelf. In humble gratitude, take it out every day. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it.

And thank God for loving you so much that He provided it for you.

Three Promises (2 Tim. 1:8-11)

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.
(2 Timothy 1:8-11, NASB)

I’m not sure where to begin. These four verses contain so much to encourage! But I want to focus on three great promises.

We have been saved. If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and have committed your life to Him, you are saved. The old fleshly self has died, and you are being transformed into the new creature God has designed you to be. There is nothing you can do on your own to be saved. It is truly a gift from God.

We have been called with a holy calling. Each of us has been called to serve God uniquely. He has blessed us with gifts that we can use to serve Him and others. Paul was a “preacher and an apostle and a teacher.” Others of us are encouragers or are merciful or are hospitable. It doesn’t matter what your gift is as long as you use it to bring glory to our God

We will live eternally with God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Oh, this is the greatest promise of all! If you’ve given your life to Christ, you will never really die. The flesh you live in now will certainly die and decay, but your soul, in its glorified body, will live forever in the presence of the Sovereign Lord God.

I pray you’ve accepted the gift of salvation. I pray you’re using the gifts God has blessed you with. And I pray you’re anticipating eternity with God with joy.