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GOD’S GLORY – International Day of the Bible
Category Archives: God’s Word: The Bible
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE BIBLE – 2016
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. [Joshua 1:8 (NLT)]
If I told you that 88% of Americans own four or five of these, you’d probably think of televisions until I told you that less than a fifth of Americans actually use them regularly. It’s the Bible—almost all of us have more than one and yet few of us ever open it more than a few times a year.
It’s estimated that over six billion Bibles have been printed since Gutenberg printed the first one in 1454. Since then, the entire Bible has been translated into 554 languages and some portion of the Bible has been translated into 2,932 languages. Within our language, we can choose from a vast array of translations—from word for word versions such as the King James to thought for thought ones like the New Living Translation to paraphrase versions such as the Message. There are large print, study, chronological, life application, and even journaling Bibles (“Journibles”) that allow us to express our creativity with doodles and sketches on the page margins. For the younger generation, the Bible has entered the 21st Century with both the Kingstone Bible, which presents the Bible in graphic novel form, and the Emoji Bible – Scripture 4 Millennials, with its Unicode-approved emojis and internet slang and contractions. We have Bibles enough for every preference and faith—we just need Bible readers.
The Bible is the foundation of our faith—it’s our history, God’s love letter to us and our ode to Him. It’s our Lord’s biography, the Church’s handbook and our instruction manual for life. Today is the International Day of the Bible. At noon, local time, people of all ages are invited to celebrate the Bible, in public or online, by reading or creatively expressing their love of God’s word. While hoping that people will share favorite Bible verses with family and friends, the event’s sponsor, The National Bible Association, hopes for more creativity such as flash mobs, singing or dancing to Scripture, and artwork or photography that capture God’s glory and add a few lines of verse.
I don’t hold out much hope for a massive demonstration of Bible lovers because, according to a recent study by the Barna Group, only 37% of those who consider themselves “practicing Christians” regularly read the Bible and more than half read it only four times a year. If we love it so much, I wonder why we don’t read it more. Two-thirds of Americans say they would like to do just that but they just can’t find the time. Somehow, I think we can all find at least five minutes a day in our busy lives for God! Today, if you don’t share your love of the Bible with someone else, perhaps you will observe this day by pausing for a few minutes to open and read your Bible and to thank God for the privilege of reading His word. And, maybe, if you don’t already do so, you’ll commit to reading God’s word regularly.
When we open the Bible, it does not say to us, “Listen: God is there!” Instead, the voice of the Spirit whispers through each line, “Look: I am here!” [Chris Webb]
Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. [Psalm 119:89-93 (NLT)]
Copyright ©2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
VOTING
But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7 (MSG)]
If there ever was a time for wisdom, this election season is it. I’ve watched debates, read articles, researched claims, listened to the pundits, and still haven’t decided. The choice seems to be between bad and worse and whoever is worse seems to change daily.
I came across an article in The Aquila Report that posed an interesting scenario. With apologies to its author John Barber, here’s my version. For a moment, pretend you and your family are stranded in a sinking boat. Along come two rescue vessels. One is captained by an infamous liar and thief while the other is captained by a notorious adulterer and reprobate. Both promise to take you and your family safely to shore. You, however, don’t want to ride in a boat with either sinner and you’re not convinced either one truly knows how to pilot a ship. You’d prefer to wait for an evangelical Christian captain who shares your faith and values.
Many might advise, “Stand your ground; don’t compromise your values. Stick to your guns and stay in the boat!” Others might tell you to get in whichever ship is captained by whoever appears to be the lesser of two evils. This is the situation many of us feel we’re in with the Presidential election fast approaching. We have two candidates claiming they will take us to safety and yet there are few people who want to trust their future to either one. So, do we pick the lesser of two evils, write in a name, or not vote at all?
Let’s go back to that sinking boat and the lesser of two evils option. That’s clearly a no-win situation since no matter which captain we choose, we’ve chosen wrong. Even the lesser of two evils is still evil! In good conscience, can we get in any boat with someone of poor character? Unfortunately, sticking to our principles and staying in the sinking boat is also a no-win solution. Since that hoped for Christian rescue ship isn’t on the horizon, our boat will sink and our family will perish. We’ve failed them by doing nothing to ensure their future. Perhaps our only option is to look carefully at those two scoundrel captains and choose whoever appears to be the better one or will do the least amount of damage while at the helm. The important thing is to save our family and safeguard their future the best we can.
As to which captain or candidate is the better one, I wouldn’t presume to tell you. I will, however, tell you how I’m deciding. I’m consulting with the Captain of my ship—God. He’s given me plenty of guidelines in His word as to the qualities of a good leader and I will prayerfully weigh both candidates against God’s wisdom. While I think God is sorely tempted to throw a few lightning bolts at both politicians, as I mark my ballot, I will be asking myself, “How would Jesus vote?”
For starters, unless Jesus of Nazareth is on the ballot, any election forces us to choose the lesser of evils. … Across every party and platform, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. [Russell Moore in “Christianity Today”]
A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit. God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you’re smart to stay clear of someone like that. Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they’re like spring rain and sunshine. [Proverbs 16:10-15 (MSG)]
Copyright ©2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
MEMORY WORK
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. … I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. [Psalm 119:11,15-16 (NLT)]
“Biology!? Math!? English! AAHH!” groans Nancy in a recent one of Guy Gilchrist’s comics. “I shouldn’t have to memorize anything I can Google!!” she protests with a frown. Oh, I feel your pain, Nancy; indeed, I do! Were it not for my Bible’s concordance and Google, I’d be hard put to include Bible verses in my devotions. I can manage to remember the gist of many verses but don’t ask me for chapter or verse and you’d better not quote me because my words won’t be exact. If quizzed on Scripture, I definitely would need an open book test and, like Nancy, would much prefer having access to Google.
We are called to witness for Christ and yet, without a Bible (or a computer) in hand, I make a pretty poor witness. The Bible, however, is pretty clear about knowing God’s word—not just reading it—but actually knowing it. I may read it, I may study and write about it but, when it comes to actually knowing Scripture and being able to recite it, I’m at the bottom of the class.
Granted, being able to talk the talk and recite Scripture certainly doesn’t make someone a follower of Christ or a good witness for His kingdom. Having faith and walking the walk is more important that being able to rattle off Bible verses. Nevertheless, at some point, we’ll be asked why we walk with Christ and what makes us so sure ours is the path to take. It’s then that we need to be able to do some talking—to share what we believe and why we believe it.
At Bible study recently, someone asked our pastor how to defend his belief that Christ is the only way to salvation. The answer, of course, is found in Scripture—John 14:6 which says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Our pastor reminded us that the Holy Spirit will provide us with the words we need when witnessing and, indeed, He will. Yet, we need to remember that God already has provided us with most of those words in the Bible. Let us never forget that God’s armor has only one weapon—the Sword of the Spirit—which is God’s word. Even without our Bibles, iPads or a wireless connection, we’ll have all the weaponry we need if we have God’s word in our hearts and minds.
I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified. [Chuck Swindoll]
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. [2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)]
Copyright ©2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
REMEMBERING WHO I LOVE (and who loves me)
Wear me as a signet ring on your heart, as a ring on your hand. Love is as overpowering as death. Devotion is as unyielding as the grave. Love’s flames are flames of fire, flames that come from the Lord. Raging water cannot extinguish love, and rivers will never wash it away. [Song of Solomon 8:6-7a (GW)]
I was right. In fact, I was so right I deserved a gold star and he was so wrong that he should have gotten a big red “F” but he never admitted it. Although I congratulated myself for not saying, “I told you so!” I still wanted him to eat a little humble pie. Then the Holy Spirit did His job and rightly convicted me of being a bit self-righteous and a whole lot mean-spirited. I was reminded of Luther, a man from our church who I called “a disciple of Christ” in a previous devotion. He always greeted people with a smile and the phrase, “Jesus loves you and I do, too.” As I heard Luther’s words in my mind, I stopped in mid-gripe and remembered that Jesus loves my man and I do, too.
I wrote the previous paragraph several months’ ago and the devotion remained unfinished in my “work on” folder until I came upon it this morning. I don’t even remember what it was that vexed me so much but I do remember how I nearly allowed Satan to drive a wedge between me and the man I love. Had I allowed it, an incident that was trivial then could have developed into something rather troubling by now. Fortunately, I chose love instead of spite. Nevertheless, I shudder at thinking how easily something so trivial could have stolen our joy for even an instant.
If I made a list of my favorite chapters in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13 would rank way up there. No matter how many times I study it, I never tire of reading about love—not romance—but true love—love that gives of itself, overlooks, forgives and yields, love that is polite, committed, unconditional, and respectful. Love finds joy in sorrow, beauty in brokenness, hope in despair, abundance in scarcity and laughter in tears. Love blesses, honors, shares, protects and endures; it serves, cooperates, builds and trusts. When we love, we delight in one another, listen to each other, and give without expecting anything in return. Love overlooks all those petty annoyances that are part of living with someone and love certainly doesn’t waste a minute griping, nagging or serving up humble pie. Love is a choice and love always remembers that “Jesus loves you and I do, too!”
Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave. [Martin Luther]
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. Love never comes to an end. [1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (GW)]
Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends. [Proverbs 17:9 (GW)]
Copyright ©2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
THE FABRIC OF OUR LIVES
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. … See how I have loved your guiding principles! … O Lord, in keeping with your mercy, give me a new life. There is nothing but truth in your word, and all of your righteous regulations endure forever. [Psalm 119:105,159-160 (GW)]
I often find myself lost in the Bible, fascinated by this amazing book of history, poetry, passion, and wisdom. Comparing translations and reading commentaries helps me understand the context and meaning of verses. Knowing something about the specific church to whom Paul was writing, for example, allows me to better understand his directions, many of which seem peculiar in today’s world where churches don’t argue about circumcision and food isn’t offered to idols. For example, Paul wasn’t playing fashion police when giving instructions about hair length and head coverings to the church in Corinth. Although Greek women worshipped without head coverings, Jewish women had always covered their heads in worship—an uncovered head for them was a sign of loose morals. Moreover, in Corinth (the city with Aphrodite’s temple and its 1000 prostitutes) both long hair on men and short hair on women were signs of prostitution. Paul was trying to unify both Jewish and Gentile believers and prevent anyone’s appearance from interfering with their ability to be a witness for Christ. Bible study also makes old familiar verses take on deeper meaning. David’s sorrowful words of repentance in Psalm 51 are even more poignant when we know they refer to his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. Bible study, however, is far more than an intellectual exercise; it enables us to know God as He revealed himself in Scripture and then to weave His word into our daily lives.
As a girl, I used to weave potholders and I’ve taught both my children and grands to do the same. We attached fabric loops across a small metal loom and interlaced other loops at right angles. Over and under the loops we’d go until the loom was filled. When finished, instead of a bunch of unconnected loops, we had a thick potholder that could withstand heat. While that’s the only thing I’ve woven, I try to weave God’s word into the fabric of my life daily. Unlike the Corinthians, I don’t live in sin city but, like them, I’ve been challenged to live up to God’s standard of morality and to behave in a way that is considerate to the sensitivities of others. I’ve neither committed adultery nor murdered anyone’s husband but, like David, I have allowed my sins to drive a wedge between God and me. Yet, as I weave God’s word into my life, I can handle all of life’s circumstances, even when I get into hot water.
“The touch, the feel, of cotton…the fabric of our lives,” the television ads for cotton tell us. Sorry, Madison Avenue, but neither cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nor silk are the fabric of my life. That honor belongs to God’s word.
A Pew Research poll in 2010 found that evangelicals ranked only a smidgen higher than atheists in familiarity with the New Testament and Jesus’s teachings. [Newsweek Magazine (1/2015)]
Devotions of the Heart 