HOW VALUABLE IS GOD’S WORD TO YOU? 

“All scripture is given by inspiration of  God, and is profitable for doctrine, for  reproof, for correction, for instruction  in  righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

HOW VALUABLE IS GOD’S WORD TO YOU? 

A man asked his pastor one day, “Pastor, what is the best translation of the Bible?”

The pastor answered, “When you translate it into your life!” 

Amen! That’s what Bible study is all about. If you’re not translating God’s Word into your life, you’re not reading, meditating, hearing and receiving the Bible the way God intended. God gave us the Bible to transform us, not simply to inform us. Studying and hearing God’s Word should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head. In the book of James, we’re told, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

In other words, God wants your beliefs turned into behavior. It’s only when we begin applying His Word to our lives daily that we will truly understand both the power and value of God’s Word.

A TRUE STORY.

I recently read an almost unbelievable story that illustrates how meaningful the Bible can become to a beleiver. William McPherson, lived in  Kansas City, MO and was severely injured in an explosion. His face was badly disfigured and he lost his eyesight, as well as, the use of both his hands. Before his tragic accident, this man was known as a person who not only had a great love and great knowledge of the Bible, but he was known as one who lived out the Bible in his life. After his horrific accident, one of his greatest disappointments, among many, was that he could no longer read his Bible. 

He heard about a lady in England that learned to read braille with her lips. Hoping to do the same he sent for some books of the Bible in braille. Much to his dismay he discovered the nerve endings in his lips had also been destroyed. One day while bringing the Braille pages to his lips, his tongue happened to touch a few of the raised letters and he was surprised that could feel them. Inspired, William went on to learn to read braille with his tongue! It took him several years, but he eventually read through the entire Bible with the tip of his tongue! If that wasn’t  amazing enough, he testifies today of having read through his braille Bible four times! WOW! I was blown away by this man! His example leaves those of us who can see with no excuse! God forbid we die and stand next to William in heaven, and we’re unable to say that we have read the Bible even once, with all parts of our body functioning properly. That would be a true tragedy. What a testament as to how both reading and living out the Word continually increases our love for the Lord and His wonderful Word!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

In our verses for today, God makes His purpose for the Bible clear. The purpose of the Bible is more than just showing us what is wrong in our lives or how we should live. God gave us his Word to radically transform our lives. And it’s as we apply His Word daily, our love for Him…His Word and our love for others will grow. 

The Bible describes itself in different ways. For example, it calls itself a hammer, a sword, and a scalpel. All of those are tools designed to make radical changes. God intends for the Bible to dramatically change your life. The Bible also describes God’s truth as milk, water, bread, and meat. What do all those things have in common? If you don’t eat or drink regularly, then you’ll die. 

In the same way, you were never meant to live without the Bible. The Bible is essential to our lives because it gives us life. And as we live His Word out, we see more and more the great value of His Word as we put His Word into practice. Jesus said about His Word, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye DO them” (John 13:17). He gave you His written Word, the Bible, to prepare you to live out your faith. The degree to which you love and value God’s Word in your life depends upon you. 

Pray a prayer like this today…”Lord, show me the commands, promises and counsel from Your Word I need to begin to apply in my life today. I don’t want to miss any of the many blessings that come obeying Your Word!” Then, get in the Word like never before! Read it, meditate on it, listen to it, and most of all …begin to put it into practice! 

Think it over!

Doug Pierce is a Church planter and a pastor. In 2003 he started, and continues to pastor First Independent Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. His #1 priority is to glorify God in all aspects of ministry. He does this through teaching his congregation to Love God, Love One Another, and Love Others to God. Prayer, outreach, and church growth through evangelism are vital parts of his ministry. He and his wife Suzanne live in Madison, Mississippi where they also enjoy their children and grandchildren.

Feature Photo by Tima Miroshnichenk