Over 70,000 pages of tax code. 1.5 billion websites.
Assembly instructions. Prescriptions. Recipes. Textbooks.
Pods, blogs, vlogs, talks, tapes, TV, videos, vines, magazines, music, movies, maps, newspapers (maybe).
One Bible.
We live in the land of plenty and in the time of information overload. We use many of these resources in our daily lives and they help shape our way of life – some more than others and some more than they should. However, we all know, there is no way to know it all. Did I do my taxes right? Was that 3 tablespoons of ginger or 3 teaspoons? In my occupation, I frequently reference military standards and can tell you that I am amazed at the new nuggets I find each time, even in those with which I am most familiar. Since you’re probably not driving as often right now and you may miss your wheel time, try reading your vehicle’s operator’s manual. Yes, that little coffee-stained book that you keep in the glove box in case you have to burn it for warmth someday. No matter how long you’ve owned your car, you’re guaranteed to learn something about it!
Regarding some of these resources in high esteem is wise as we understand the consequences if we don’t. But, if we, as Christians, truly believe what God says in His Word, about His Word, how can we not meditate on it day and night?!
Consider this a convicting calibration – one I confess, I need also. I simply want to encourage you to put aside some of the noise and distraction and listen as you read…
…the Bible.
Here are some reminders of just how special it (He) is:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Psalm 12:6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.
Psalm 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Isaiah 40:8/1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.
My plagiarized charge to you:
2 Timothy 3: 14-17
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
On behalf of the elders, staff, and ministry leaders, I want to thank you for the information and ideas you’ve shared in completing our recent survey and/or through our communications with each other. We’re considering many resources as we plan the best methods and timing to safely (and excitedly) return to our traditional worship services and will continue to prayerfully seek His guidance through His Word.