Reading It Yourself

Where in the Bible will you find the following words?

“God helps those who help themselves."
“God works in mysterious ways.”

“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”

“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.  

Following Directions

An old sailor repeatedly got lost at sea, so his friends gave him a compass and urged him to use it. The next time he went out in his boat, he followed their advice and took the compass with him. But as usual he became hopelessly confused and was unable to find land. Finally, he was once again rescued by his friends.  Disgusted and impatient with him, they asked, "Why didn’t you use that compass we gave you? You could have saved us a lot of trouble!"  The sailor responded: "I didn’t dare to! I wanted to go north, but as hard as I tried to make the needle aim in that direction, it just kept on pointing southeast." 

That old sailor was so certain he knew which way was north, that he stubbornly tried to force his own personal persuasion on his compass. As a result he was unable to benefit from the guidance it offered. 

Sometimes our life gets off course... and we are in desperate need of direction.

So many ask for it.  So few accept the answers they receive. 

The Bible talks about this type of person:

“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”  James 1:22

I talk to so many who listen to what we teach at Potential Church... read God’s word for further confirmation... and when it comes time to make the decision, decide to go a completely different direction.  

Many blame God for not stepping in and helping... providing no insight or course of action for them.  Not true.  It isn’t God’s unwillingness to lead.. it’s our unwillingness to follow.  

Far too often we know the truth.  We know the way to go.  We understand what God wants us to do. But we don’t want to follow it because it isn’t convenient, easy, or popular.

God has our best interests in mind.  He knows what’s best for us and provides a way for us to live our lives filled with blessings and joy.  Sure there are challenges, but by seeking and following His guidance... He leads us through and strengthens us in the process.

God’s word is our compass.  It is always the right way to go.  When we follow it, we stay on course.  When we alter from His direction, we find our lives detached and adrift from His purposes.  North is north and God’s Word will always be the absolute truth.  Feeling lost today?  Not sure which way to turn?  Seek His solution and be bold enough to follow it.  I promise that when you do... where you end up will be the exact right place.

Lived Out

Do you remember the “Peanuts” cartoon strip?   One of the recurring scenes had a determined Charlie Brown trying to kick a football held by Lucy.  Time after time he’d run at the ball... and at the very last minute Lucy would snatch it away and Charlie would go flying past.  Lucy would apologize and Charlie would accept... draw back.. and run at the ball again only to find the same outcome.  

Flat on his back.  No football.  Only air.  

Why did Charlie Brown stay at it so long?  Why repeat the same behavior again and again with the same outcome?  He knew it was never going to change if he kept on doing it the same way... why didn’t he adjust?  Why didn’t he change his ways?  Why didn’t he do something to make things different?  Young Mr. Brown forgot a simple truth that so many of us do...

It’s one thing to know something’s not working... it a whole other thing to actually do something about it and make a change.   Knowing isn’t enough.  

The Bible addresses this.  Let’s look at what James says about this in Chapter 1 and verses 22-25.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (James 1:22-25)

We read so much in scripture that guides us toward our God-potential...

Love God first

Love your neighbors

Control your anger

Give to those that need

Don’t worry

Trust when you don’t see it

Serve others with your talents...

We know what we need to do... but is it happening?  Are we living it out?  

The Bible is a life-changing book.  But knowing what the Bible says is only half of what’s necessary.   We’ve got to apply it.  Ever feel like Charlie Brown?  Ever wonder why things aren’t changing?  Why the scenario isn’t playing out like you hoped it would?   

In many cases it’s simply a matter of living out what we read... adjusting our lives to God’s plan rather than asking Him to approve our own.   

We can quote scripture... have highlighted key passages in our Bibles... take pages of notes during the weekend teaching... but if we fail to apply it, make some changes, and actually live out God’s word... we find ourselves flat on our back.   Again.  

The Bible’s not just informative... it’s transformative.   It gives us hope, strength, the power to endure, wisdom, creativity, changes our perspective, teaches us right and wrong, and is the textbook on how to love God and others.  

In printed form it’s powerful.  When it’s lived out by those that read it... it’s world changing.   

It’s time to stop seeing the Bible as an ancient book of advice meant for others to follow.  It’s God’s love letter to us... His directions... His plan for success... His reminder that we are His masterpiece and He wants what’s best for our lives.  It is as relevant today as it has ever been.

 God has huge blessings for those that are committed enough to read, internalize, and actually do what He tells them to.  Are you ready to change the world?   We have God’s plan... let’s make the adjustments... live out every word... and go for it!   

Trusted

A Costco store in Simi Valley, California had a display table filled with Bibles for sale.  While looking through them, Pastor Caleb Kaltenbach discovered a bright sticker had been placed on every cover… it contained the price… and the word “Fiction” next to it.

Fiction?  As in “not real”?  

At once, the Pastor brought the mistake to the attention of the management and the stickers were removed at once.  The man in charge chalked it up to “human error” from the warehouse.

This got me to thinking… although our Bibles don’t have “Fiction” stickers on them…do we really believe what they say inside the covers?  Is it possible that what God says inside those words is 100% true?  How can we be a masterpiece when our thought-life is what it is?   How can we be forgiven by the One who created the oceans and calmed the storms?  Is everything REALLY possible through Christ?

Yes.  

What you read in that wonderful love letter from God is absolutely true.  Every syllable of it.  We are sinners.  We are imperfect.  We make mistakes.  But we serve the God who time after time gives chances to return to Him.   We serve the God who hears the cries of the hurting and responds with the love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.  Be assured… you can count on what you read in the Bible.  It is far from fiction.  It is rock-solid fact that has withstood the test of time and the assault from countless critics.   Hold it boldly and read it with confidence.    It is God’s unshakeable word… and it can be trusted wholeheartedly.  

Staying in Touch

How many times do you touch your phone in a day?  Maybe you just tapped the Facebook icon to read this… or to unlock it.  Perhaps you swiped the screen to answer a call, send a snapchat, or make a photo bigger or smaller…  In any case, you probably make contact with the smooth glass screen more often than you realize.  A research study was conducted that found that users average between 2,617 and 5,427 touches in a DAY!  Hard to believe.  When confronted with the data, the people in the study were initially shocked… only to admit that even though the numbers were high it wouldn’t change the amount they used their device.  

But here’s the question… how many touches with God do we have in a day?  How often do we stop and think, pray, sing to, or interact with Him?  My guess is far fewer.  Scripture tells us that we need to be in constant contact…

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:8)

“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Church on the weekend should reinforce the relationship that you spend building all week long through daily consistent interactions with God.  It’s not meant to be the only source of spiritual contact.  Find yourself in a tricky situation at work?  Pray.  Need encouragement and guidance?  Turn to your Bible.  Feeling melancholy or weak?  Write down some scripture that reminds you that you are far stronger than you realize.   It is through intentional touches with God that we are able to have joy in the storms and hope when things seem to crumble around us.  

So today, rather than reaching for your phone every time it beckons… spend some time in the Word.  Hear your text message tone ringing?  See that as a call to prayer.  Feel your pocket vibrate with an alert?  Use that as an opportunity to thank God for what He’s doing in your life.  Keeping up with the world is important… but staying in touch with the One who created you for greatness is even more so!

Instructions

I read a national survey where they asked spiritual people... “how does your faith affected your ability to make decisions?”   31% said that they made choices based on what “feels right and is comfortable.”  18% said they make choices based on whatever is best for them at the time. 14% said they choose whatever causes the least conflict with others... 16% said they choose based on God’s Word.  

Out of all that were asked... less than 2 in 10 said that they followed the Bible’s guidance over their own.  In Luke 6:46, God addresses this... He says “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”   Jesus gives us instruction through scripture and the Holy Spirit nudges us... yet lots of people ignore both when deciding a course of action.  It seems that many appreciate the wisdom between the covers of the Bible, but fail to follow and apply it because it’s difficult or unpopular.  Today... be different.  Make choices based on God’s truth... not feelings... and watch your life be blessed as a result.  

The Word

Do you remember the “Peanuts” cartoon strip?   One of the recurring scenes had a determined Charlie Brown trying to kick a football held by Lucy.  Time after time he’d run at the ball... and at the very last minute Lucy would snatch it away and Charlie would go flying past.  Lucy would apologize and Charlie would accept... draw back.. and run at the ball again only to find the same outcome.  

Flat on his back.  No football.  Only air.  

Why did Charlie Brown stay at it so long?  Why repeat the same behavior again and again with the same outcome?  He knew it was never going to change if he kept on doing it the same way... why didn’t he adjust?  Why didn’t he change his ways?  Why didn’t he do something to make things different?  Young Mr. Brown forgot a simple truth that so many of us do...

It’s one thing to know something’s not working... it a whole other thing to actually do something about it and make a change.   Knowing isn’t enough.  

The Bible addresses this.  Let’s look at what James says about this in Chapter 1 and verses 22-25.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (James 1:22-25)

We read so much in scripture that guides us toward our God-potential...

Love God first

Love your neighbors

Control your anger

Give to those that need

Don’t worry

Trust when you don’t see it

Serve others with your talents...

We know what we need to do... but is it happening?  Are we living it out?  

The Bible is a life-changing book.  But knowing what the Bible says is only half of what’s necessary.   We’ve got to apply it.  Ever feel like Charlie Brown?  Ever wonder why things aren’t changing?  Why the scenario isn’t playing out like you hoped it would?   

In many cases it’s simply a matter of living out what we read... adjusting our lives to God’s plan rather than asking Him to approve our own.   

We can quote scripture... have highlighted key passages in our Bibles... take pages of notes during the weekend teaching... but if we fail to apply it, make some changes, and actually live out God’s word... we find ourselves flat on our back.   Again.  

The Bible’s not just informative... it’s transformative.   It gives us hope, strength, the power to endure, wisdom, creativity, changes our perspective, teaches us right and wrong, and is the textbook on how to love God and others.  

In printed form it’s powerful.  When it’s lived out by those that read it... it’s world changing.   

It’s time to stop seeing the Bible as an ancient book of advice meant for others to follow.  It’s God’s love letter to us... His directions... His plan for success... His reminder that we are His masterpiece and He wants what’s best for our lives.  It is as relevant today as it has ever been.

 God has huge blessings for those that are committed enough to read, internalize, and actually do what He tells them to.  Are you ready to change the world?   We have God’s plan... let’s make the adjustments... live out every word... and go for it!   

Fact

A Costco store in Simi Valley, California had a display table filled with Bibles for sale.  While looking through them, Pastor Caleb Kaltenbach discovered a bright sticker had been placed on every cover… it contained the price… and the word “Fiction” next to it.

Fiction?  As in “not real”?  

At once, the Pastor brought the mistake to the attention of the management and the stickers were removed at once.  The man in charge chalked it up to “human error” from the warehouse.

This got me to thinking… although our Bibles don’t have “Fiction” stickers on them…do we really believe what they say inside the covers?  Is it possible that what God says inside those words is 100% true?  How can we be a masterpiece when our thought-life is what it is?   How can we be forgiven by the One who created the oceans and calmed the storms?  Is everything REALLY possible through Christ?

Yes.  

What you read in that wonderful love letter from God is absolutely true.  Every syllable of it.  We are sinners.  We are imperfect.  We make mistakes.  But we serve the God who time after time gives chances to return to Him.   We serve the God who hears the cries of the hurting and responds with the love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.  Be assured… you can count on what you read in the Bible.  It is far from fiction.  It is rock-solid fact that has withstood the test of time and the assault from countless critics.   Hold it boldly and read it with confidence.    It is God’s unshakeable word… and it can be trusted wholeheartedly. 

Parenting By the Book

According to the UK Mail... heir to the throne Prince William prepared for the birth of his son in a unique way.   While most dads thumb through simple parenting books, the Prince turned to a book written by former Commando and father of three, Neil Sinclair.  The title?  Commando Dad - Basic Training, a handbook in the style of Basic Battle Skills .  The contents of the book read like guidelines given to new army recruits... it’s pages filled with survival techniques and strategies for soldiers on the front lines.  

While parenting can seem like a battle sometimes, there is a far more effective book to get us started... the Bible.  God’s word instructs like no other... it’s wisdom, clarity, and insight is all we need to raise children that will grow up to be God-honoring adults.  Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”   Parenting isn’t about being perfect... or battle-ready... it’s about being intentional.  Teach children who God says they are... tell them how loving and graceful He is... share with them why obedience is important to Him... and great things will happen!  We may not know what to expect when we’re expecting... but by turning to and following God’s handbook... we’ll be ready to equip our children for anything.  

Ourselves

Have you ever heard it said that elephants are afraid of mice?  How about that cobras can be charmed by the playing of a flute or that ostriches bury their heads in the sand?  If you (like many) have heard these and accepted them to be true... it’s time to set the record straight.  Elephants are nearly fearless and don’t run from mice... cobras can’t hear sound at all - they are distracted by the movement of the flute.... and ostriches only lower their head to tend to their nests and not bury them.  

Why the zoology lesson?  Simply to make a point.  Often we hear things that we are told are from the Bible... but aren’t.  “This too shall pass”  “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” “Money is the root of all evil” “God will not give you more than you can handle”  -  All of these are attributed to scripture, but the Bible contains none of them.  It’s critical that if we are going to grow as Christ-followers... we need to read the Bible for ourselves.  Study each passage... memorize verses... and before long, we’ll know the difference between man’s catchy sayings... and God’s truth.   

Course of Action

I read a national survey where they asked spiritual people... “how does your faith affected your ability to make decisions?”   31% said that they made choices based on what “feels right and is comfortable.”  18% said they make choices based on whatever is best for them at the time. 14% said they choose whatever causes the least conflict with others... 16% said they choose based on God’s Word.  

Out of all that were asked... less than 2 in 10 said that they followed the Bible’s guidance over their own.  In Luke 6:46, God addresses this... He says “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”   Jesus gives us instruction through scripture and the Holy Spirit nudges us... yet lots of people ignore both when deciding a course of action.  It seems that many appreciate the wisdom between the covers of the Bible, but fail to follow and apply it because it’s difficult or unpopular.  Today... be different.  Make choices based on God’s truth... not feelings... and watch your life be blessed as a result.  

Where?

Where in the Bible will you find the following words?

“God helps those who help themselves."
“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.

World Changing Words

Do you remember the “Peanuts” cartoon strip?   One of the recurring scenes had a determined Charlie Brown trying to kick a football held by Lucy.  Time after time he’d run at the ball... and at the very last minute Lucy would snatch it away and Charlie would go flying past.  Lucy would apologize and Charlie would accept... draw back.. and run at the ball again only to find the same outcome.  

Flat on his back.  No football.  Only air.  

Why did Charlie Brown stay at it so long?  Why repeat the same behavior again and again with the same outcome?  He knew it was never going to change if he kept on doing it the same way... why didn’t he adjust?  Why didn’t he change his ways?  Why didn’t he do something to make things different?  Young Mr. Brown forgot a simple truth that so many of us do...

It’s one thing to know something’s not working... it a whole other thing to actually do something about it and make a change.   Knowing isn’t enough.  

The Bible addresses this.  Let’s look at what James says about this in Chapter 1 and verses 22-25.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (James 1:22-25)

We read so much in scripture that guides us toward our God-potential...

Love God first

Love your neighbors

Control your anger

Give to those that need

Don’t worry

Trust when you don’t see it

Serve others with your talents...

We know what we need to do... but is it happening?  Are we living it out?  

The Bible is a life-changing book.  But knowing what the Bible says is only half of what’s necessary.   We’ve got to apply it.  Ever feel like Charlie Brown?  Ever wonder why things aren’t changing?  Why the scenario isn’t playing out like you hoped it would?   

In many cases it’s simply a matter of living out what we read... adjusting our lives to God’s plan rather than asking Him to approve our own.   

We can quote scripture... have highlighted key passages in our Bibles... take pages of notes during the weekend teaching... but if we fail to apply it, make some changes, and actually live out God’s word... we find ourselves flat on our back.   Again.  

The Bible’s not just informative... it’s transformative.   It gives us hope, strength, the power to endure, wisdom, creativity, changes our perspective, teaches us right and wrong, and is the textbook on how to love God and others.  

In printed form it’s powerful.  When it’s lived out by those that read it... it’s world changing.   

It’s time to stop seeing the Bible as an ancient book of advice meant for others to follow.  It’s God’s love letter to us... His directions... His plan for success... His reminder that we are His masterpiece and He wants what’s best for our lives.  It is as relevant today as it has ever been.

 God has huge blessings for those that are committed enough to read, internalize, and actually do what He tells them to.  Are you ready to change the world?   We have God’s plan... let’s make the adjustments... live out every word... and go for it!   

Sticker Shock

A Costco store in Simi Valley, California had a display table filled with Bibles for sale.  While looking through them, Pastor Caleb Kaltenbach discovered a bright sticker had been placed on every cover… it contained the price… and the word “Fiction” next to it.

Fiction?  As in “not real”?  

At once, the Pastor brought the mistake to the attention of the management and the stickers were removed at once.  The man in charge chalked it up to “human error” from the warehouse.

This got me to thinking… although our Bibles don’t have “Fiction” stickers on them…do we really believe what they say inside the covers?  Is it possible that what God says inside those words is 100% true?  How can we be a masterpiece when our thought-life is what it is?   How can we be forgiven by the One who created the oceans and calmed the storms?  Is everything REALLY possible through Christ?

Yes.  

What you read in that wonderful love letter from God is absolutely true.  Every syllable of it.  We are sinners.  We are imperfect.  We make mistakes.  But we serve the God who time after time gives chances to return to Him.   We serve the God who hears the cries of the hurting and responds with the love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.  Be assured… you can count on what you read in the Bible.  It is far from fiction.  It is rock-solid fact that has withstood the test of time and the assault from countless critics.   Hold it boldly and read it with confidence.    It is God’s unshakable word… and it can be trusted wholeheartedly.  

Real Self Help

Throughout history, people have tried thousands of ways to improve themselves.  Some  are philosophical, some religious, and others scientific.  After 2000 years of self-help, those ways can be boiled down to three common themes.  The first.. if we want to change... we have to alter our surroundings.  Just being in a different space can improve our outlook about ourselves and others.  The next is to watch ourselves carefully.  When we keep track of what we say and do, we increase awareness of what’s not working and can make the necessary shifts.  Finally, the third most commonly used self-help tactic is accountability.  When we partner with others, and ask them to point out what needs fixing, we are more likely to make the adjustments and improve our lives.

It’s no wonder why these seem to be the ways that work the best... they are Biblical!  Proverbs 4:14 tells us to watch where we hang out... “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men”.  Lamentations 3:4 challenges us to watch ourselves at all times...”Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD”  Finally, Galatians 6:1 tells us to set up accountability so that we can become self-aware. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted”  Feeling the need to make some positive changes?  Don’t turn to the huge self-help section in your local bookstore... open the cover of the book you spend time with each morning...the Bible!  God’s word is filled with wisdom to help us keep good company, see ourselves accurately, and include others in our walk as we work at becoming who God created us to be.  

Everything You Need

     During Superbowl XXXVII, FedEx ran a commercial that spoofed the movie Castaway, in which Tom Hanks played a FedEx worker whose company plane went down, stranding him on a desert island for years. Looking like the bedraggled Hanks in the movie, the FedEx employee in the commercial goes up to the door of a suburban home, package in hand. When the lady comes to the door, he explains that he survived five years on a deserted island, and during that whole time he kept this package in order to deliver it to her. She gives a simple, "Thank you."  But he is curious about what is in the package that he has been protecting for years. He says, "If I may ask, what was in that package after all?" She opens it and shows him the contents, saying, "Oh, nothing really. Just a satellite telephone, a global positioning device, a compass, a water purifier, and some seeds."

He had everything he needed at his fingertips...  He just never opened it up.

Life-changing tools sitting dormant...unused... ineffective.

Some of us find ourselves in the same position.  We feel stranded...alone... hopeless... and desperately searching for rescue.  We stare at the sky and wring our hands in worry.  Days pass and we wonder if anyone will ever come to our aid.  And at our fingertips... there sits a Bible.  God’s love letter to us... unopened, unread, and underutilized.  

The answer to every life challenge is contained within the covers of the Book... yet many never go to it.  Instead we sit and just hope things work out... that rescue will just happen... that the problems we find ourselves in will just float away.  We put our cares on a slip of paper, put them in a bottle, and throw them out to sea... hoping they will miraculously drift to where they need to go.  God wants better for us.  He gave us His Word for a reason.... to assure us that life isn’t built on random luck or on the possibility that the tides will change and everything will just fall into place.  God is intentional... and the Bible was given to us for a specific purpose (as seen here in 2 Timothy 3).

“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

We are to learn from God’s word... internalize the truths and wisdom contained inside it....and live out what God tells us to do on a daily basis.  And when we do... when we choose to spend daily time reading it... we receive God’s blessing, priorities re-align, understanding grows, we get stronger, and life begins to have greater meaning.   

We move from just surviving to thriving.   From treading water to standing on solid rock.  

All because we read and apply the most wonderful Book ever written.  

If you find yourself struggling to get into the Word... I want to encourage you to start today.  Carve out some time, choose a book (John, Romans, Acts, James... so many good starting places), and dig in.  Read until God tells you something... Something that makes you stop and think.  Meditate on that scripture.  Memorize it.  Write it down somewhere where you can see it.   

And tomorrow morning when you wake up... repeat the process.  Before long, you’ll have clarity and wisdom like you never thought you’d have... fewer questions about God’s heart... and a better appreciation for Christ’s love and sacrifice on our behalf.  

Non-Fiction

A Costco store in Simi Valley, California had a display table filled with Bibles for sale.  While looking through them, Pastor Caleb Kaltenbach discovered a bright sticker had been placed on every cover… it contained the price… and the word “Fiction” next to it.

Fiction?  As in “not real”?  

At once, the Pastor brought the mistake to the attention of the management and the stickers were removed.  The man in charge chalked it up to “human error” from the warehouse.

This got me to thinking… although our Bibles don’t have “Fiction” stickers on them…do we really believe what they say inside the covers?  Is it possible that what God says inside those words is 100% true?  How can we be a masterpiece when our thought-life is what it is?   How can we be forgiven by the One who created the oceans and calmed the storms?  Is everything REALLY possible through Christ?

Yes.  

What you read in that wonderful love letter from God is absolutely true.  Every syllable of it.  We are sinners.  We are imperfect.  We make mistakes.  But we serve the God who time after time gives chances to return to Him.   We serve the God who hears the cries of the hurting and responds with the love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross.  Be assured… you can count on what you read in the Bible.  It is far from fiction.  It is rock-solid fact that has withstood the test of time and the assault from countless critics.   Hold it boldly and read it with confidence.    It is God’s unshakeable word… and it can be trusted wholeheartedly.  

Healthy Living

It has been said, “Being well is more than eliminating the negative. Rather, it requires the addition of the positive.” 

When I read that statement I thought of our walk with God. Many times we are tempted to read the Bible as a book of “don’t”s. I need to stop doing this... quit that... get rid of this habit or that behavior. And while there are many things God asks us not to include in our lives... only subtracting the bad leads to a life that is one-sided and lacking. Scripture tells us that alongside the “no”s, we have to have some God-honoring “yesses”. Colossians 3:10 says to “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” Want to grow more like Christ? Be more spiritually healthy? Get rid of what is holding you back.. and in turn.. fill your heart with things like love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and patience. Out with what’s bad and in with what’s good. And before long both mind and heart will be healthier (and more Godly) than ever.