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| November 13, 2001 |
| "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2Timothy 2:15 Today I have but one verse of Scripture to focus on. Last night's sermon at church lays heavy on my heart, and this verse was the sermon's topic of service. I read Scripture daily, as I'm most reasonably sure that you all do the same. But the word here that we all pretty much use, is read! What we should be doing with our Bibles is study God's Word, not just merely read a chapter or two. I imagine there are quite a few of us at times, when we just quickly read through Scripture, to satisfy ourselves with having done what is right in God's eyes. But if all we are doing is just reading, we may as well leave our Bible's sitting right where they are! Let me give you an example that came to mind: Many of us are reading the "Left Behind" book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. This is good Christian reading, and has brought many to come to know salvation. But as you are reading these, or any other book for that matter, and you lose sight of the context, what do we do? Naturally, we go back, and read it again so we better understand where it is leading us! Now, as you read a Chapter in your Bible, are you certain you understand what God has written there for you? Do you understand where it is leading you? Do you go back over it again and again? Or do you just "read" the Words, feeling somewhat satisfied when you're through? I imagine well over 50% of us are GULITY, GULITY, GUILTY! In all honesty, I'm guilty of this on several occasions in reading God's Word. But I hope to read my Bible now "rightly dividing the word of truth" as I "Study to show thyself approved unto God." I hope that you will also. Application: As we sit in our church pews and listen tentatively to our pastor's sermons, we learn a great deal about God's truth through His Word. If we would discipline ourselves at home in God's Word, as we do on those church pews a few hours a week, our knowledge of God's Word would be so much more useful in winning souls for Christ! And think about how pleasing that would be to our wonderful Lord! May God Bless you with a wonderful day as you "handle rightly" the Word of God! Love in Christ, Sandy |