I saw a segment on TV last night about the multi billion dollar self improvement industry today. I was struck by people's eagerness to plunk down thousands of dollars to listen to some self-help guru explain how you, too can be healthy, wealthy, and wise. The only problem is the credentials of the so called guru. In many cases they are charismatic, uneducated charlatans who really don't care about the people they purport to help and the only wealth that is being created is their own...
On the other hand, the Bible is true and reliable and without cost. It is God's personal Word to us and is how He has chosen to reveal Himself to us. It doesn't cost thousands and offers real answers to life's toughest questions. I find it odd that people would rather pay big money to bad people than to pick up and read the only true source of wisdom. They'll spend 9.6 billion on books, seminars, programs, retreats, etc. where someone without real wisdom will tell them what they want to hear rather than read what they need to hear from the One who made them.
The facts are that we all need a road map. Psalm 119:19-20 says, "I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map--and Your commands are my chart and guide. I long for Your instructions more than I can tell." (TLB)
Oswald Chambers said, "Never water down the word of God, preach it in its undiluted sternness; there must be unflinching loyalty to the word of God; but when you come to personal dealing with your fellow men, remember who you are-not a special being made up in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace."
You may have tried to read parts of God's word in the past and you may have had difficulty with it. Once you've begun your journey of faith in Christ, it becomes your personal letter from God and the Holy Spirit helps us understand it and take it to heart. I've heard it said, "I couldn't pick it up before, and now I can't put it down."
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11 (NIV)
God's word is an accurate road map for life, your life. It tells us how to walk, where to walk, and what to expect. It is our true source of knowledge about who God is and who He wants us to be. His word reveals His heart. God's heart loves people with an everlasting love. But God's word isn't just about knowledge. D.L. Moody said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives."
"There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." 2 Timothy 3:15b-17 (The Message)
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) The "big idea" in this passage is to hear God's word and put it into practice. So pick up God's manual on how to live and begin to build a life on His solid foundation.
Dear Lord, Thank you for Your word, Your personal word to us that reveals who you are and guides us in Your paths. Please correct and expose those things in us that need to be changed, realigned, reshaped. Change our thinking, Lord, through the power of Your truth and help us to walk in it.
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