Where in the Bible will you find the following words?
“God helps those who help themselves."
“God works in mysterious ways.”
“God works in mysterious ways.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness”
“Honesty is the best policy.”
“This too shall pass.”
“Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop”
“All men are created equal.”
“Beggars should not be choosers.”
We’ve heard many of these time and time again. We quote them (as God’s words) to others when they ask. Some have them hanging in their homes or scribbled down in the margin of a notebook. We know we’ve seen them before... but where can we find them in scripture?
Nowhere. They aren’t quotes directly from the Bible.
But many believe they are.
Why do so many not know what’s actually in the Bible? The answer is simple.
They don’t read it.
In an article “People of The Book”, John Ortberg writes: “It’s a strange thing: the book has never been so accessible. According to Guinness Book of Records, L. Ron Hubbard’s writings of scientology have been translated into 65 languages; the Koran is supposed to be read in Arabic so it hasn’t been translated as much; the Book of Mormon is in about 100 languages. But 2,656 languages have all or some of the Bible. Some 65 million copies of the Bible are brought or distributed in the U.S. every year--nothing else is a close second. The average house has at least three. People cheer the Bible, buy the Bible, give the Bible, own the Bible-they just don’t actually read the Bible. According to George Gallup: One Third of those surveyed know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Fewer than half can name the first book of the Bible; 80 percent of born-again Christians believe the phrase God helps those who help themselves is in the Bible (it’s Ben Franklin, if you’re curious). So I’m thinking a lot these days about how to help the people that God brings my way to know and love the book"
I want to issue a challenge. Be different. Read the scriptures... Don’t let this devotional be your only touch with God for the day. Spend time with the Bible... it’s useful for so many things:
“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
Find a translation that you understand... Memorize key verses... keep God’s word in your heart... and live out what they ask you to do. Many ask me what they should read... I always encourage starting with the books of John, Romans, Acts, and James. Move through the Psalms and Proverbs too. Don’t worry about covering ground and “getting through” them. Read until God reveals something to you and then stop. Write the verse down. Meditate on it. Let God explain to you what it means and how it applies. Far too many try to stick to a reading regimen and get frustrated when they get behind. If you miss a day, simply get back to it as quickly as you can. Not only will you grow spiritually, you will have God’s word in your heart to help you handle life’s issues.
