“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

“Sometimes it may seem like God is silent. But, for starters, the Bible tells us that creation began with a word from God. The Bible also tells us God’s promises-for a future and a hope, for forgiveness and new life. Finally, the Bible tells us that Jesus is God’s Word-in Jesus we can see and hear God. God still speaks to us today through the Bible. Like the very best stories, you can read the Bible over and over again and hear something new each time. You don’t need to be religious, just open up a Bible. Read. Listen. Repeat. (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Edition.)

Not Just the Good Book – But the Best Book

The bible has good stories, hard stories, sad stories, and great stories. The Bible has been called the “Good Book” for centuries – but it is more than just a good book to read. It is the best book to read. As such it is one of the few books that you should read over, and over and over again.

For example, one of the best stories to read is the story of Joseph (Genesis 41ff). He is favored by his father which brings scorn from his brothers. He is sold into slavery, accused of misconduct, given the gift of interpreting dreams, and eventually lifted up to second in command in Egypt. It is a story I can read again and again and again. Then there is the story of the woman who is cut into twelve pieces and mailed to the twelve tribes of Israel (Judges 19). It is a horrible story. Finally there is the story of the talking donkey (Numbers 22ff).  

Not everyone is a reader, but the bible is more accessible now more than ever. There are so many translations geared toward particular audiences that everyone can find something that speaks to them. And don’t feel you have to read the whole thing in one setting. Just start with the beginning – and see where your journey takes you.

Let us pray,

Oh God of the message, your good word still speaks. Thank you for your words that continue to ring true to this day. As I read the Bible, help me listen to you. Amen.

Pastor Dave

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12

“Do Jesus’ followers, also called “the body of Christ,” have what it takes to make a difference in the world? Well, think about this: First, Jesus continues to live and breathe through us. Second, as we act, the love of Christ spreads into new corners of the world. We don’t need the time and ambition of [these] [guys] with the [extended phone coverage.] Mother Teresa, a humble woman who gave much of her own life to help the poor, said we as Christians cannot do great things, but little things with great love.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Edition.)

Even Sore Thumbs Are Useful

Did you ever hit your thumb with a hammer? Did you ever get your hand stuck in a car door or pinch your finger in a tight space? It hurts – a lot. I was carrying my daughter Leah down the steps one morning when my right foot turned under me and my big toe broke in many small pieces. I heard the crunch – and poor Leah went tumbling down the steps. She was ok, but my big toe swelled up to the size of two big toes. And it hurt a lot. We often don’t realize how important our “digits” are until we slam one in a car door.

As Laurie Hanson says in the little snippet above, it does not take texting the entire New Testament to be messengers for G-d. As Mother Theresa says, it takes doing little things out of love of our neighbor and love for G-d. Just living our lives with these principles, with Jesus as our teacher is a small step toward being a messenger for G-d. Of course, if you want to tweet or text out a message for G-d once in a while, that is also a good idea. You have no idea who you may encourage and entice toward the love of G-d.

Let us pray,

Creator of the first text, show me where I belong in the body of Christ, and how my words, actions, love, talents, and time can make your amazing love real for others. Amen.

Pastor Dave