Just Open The Book

These days it seems that the way we get to know each other, or stay in touch with each other is often through our social media accounts. Even when we have a closer personal relationship with someone we often communicate through text or email. We realize that deeper connection requires actual face to face conversation but, good or bad, the written words tend to be more widely used. 

Looking on the bright side, the written Word has long been the way for us to get to know Jesus. Just think of the Bible as a series of emails or text messages from the Lord.

Like a pregnant mother writing letters to her unborn child, or an elderly grandfather writing down his memories for future generations to read, our Heavenly Father had this book and these stories planned out for us. He had all of these instructions on how to live well and find our way to Jesus prepared for us way before we were ever born.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12

But there’s a twist. These words, though written long ago, are alive. They are always current, always relevant, with insights and wisdom for every situation we may face. These words pierce into our souls, way beyond our physical situations. If we allow them access they will bring out our deepest thoughts and desires, examine them, and help us to align them with the plans that God has for us. They expose not only what the Lord has to say, but our own innermost thoughts.

How many texts have you gotten that can do that? How many old emails can breathe new life into your current circumstances when you re-read them years later?

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.  
2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible is God’s book. He self-published it through the hands of men. He used many different men to get the words on the pages, but He was the author and the editor of the project. He wrote an instruction manual filled with stories of what happened when some got it right, and what happened to those who got it wrong. 

In these stories we see justice, grace, mercy, and most of all love. When we are confused by the many opinions we hear, when we don’t know what to believe, this is where we can go to find the Truth, to gain clarity. 

It turns out that life is actually an open book test and the Bible is the one book with all the answers. Why struggle to try to figure out the equation when you can just look it up in the book?

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.   
John 1:1

The Word is part of who God is. It was there from the very beginning, actually from before the beginning. He empowered some to write and record what He wanted to share. And then He sent Jesus, who was the Word in human form, to actually show everyone what He was talking about.

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.  
Romans 10:17

This book is where we learn who we are putting our faith and trust into. It’s where we get to know who God is, to know His heart for us. It’s where we meet Jesus and learn about His grace and mercy. It’s where we learn about what was, and what is to come.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.   
1 Peter 2:2-3

When we accept Jesus we are saved. But like babies, we need good food to nourish us so we can grow. The Word is the nourishment that we need to fully experience the goodness of God, the joy and peace of Jesus, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Salvation assures us an eternal life in heaven, knowing the Word allows us to experience the fullness of His plans and promises here on earth.

“But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.   
1 Peter 1:25

The Word of God always was, and will always be. It does not change to satisfy public opinion. It is the one thing we can count on to always be the same. As the world changes around us His Word holds us steady. It is steadfast. It is our anchor. It keeps us from being blown off course.

What I wouldn’t give to have a collection of emails, texts, and letters from my earthly father to read and re-read with all his words of wisdom. Are you ready to delve into the treasure trove of emails and texts from your Father? Start reading a text (verse) each day, or maybe an email (a chapter of a book). He composed them all just for you. There are nuggets of wisdom tucked away in every page that He wants you to know, just ask the Holy Spirit to point them out to you.

You can ace this test, just open the book.