I look around today and I see or hear about great problems, desperate and lost young people. Many lack resiliency and perseverance and hope. Why the Bible is not made available to every person is a great mystery to me. Of all the books I have read, the Bible is far and away the most important to me. In it, I see that God is loving, powerful, and consistent. But, that doesn’t mean He is completely predictable. The Bible contains some of the stories of how He has interacted with a select group of people (the descendants of Abraham). And what has been written (in particular the life and teachings of Jesus) exist for our edification today. The Bible inspires me to persevere through difficulty and encourages me to do what is right and just. And the Bible imparts hope… hope for today and a bright future in spite of circumstances… and one day, a life that never ends in the presence of God for eternity.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6 NASB
What encouragement and hope do I need today? More importantly, who else needs it?
God, as this day begins, may I be aware of those who have never read the Bible, but desperately need to appropriate its message. May I be an encouraging dispenser of Your grace as I share the hope I’ve found. Lord, I do want to thank You for what You’ve done to turn a tragedy with Callan, around to become a faith building situation for everyone that knows him. I pray for those struggling with cancer… oh rescue and heal them miraculously or through modern treatments.
