Charlie Brown was having a serious conversation with Lucy in one of the “Peanuts” cartoons. Said Charlie, “I’ve made a giant step forward in unraveling the mysteries of the Old Testament, Lucy!”

“What’s that?” asked Lucy, bursting with interest.

“I started reading it,” he replied.

Many people view the Bible as a collection of fables, myths or tales and unintelligent stories about a god who hides himself in deep, unfathomable messages. Some claim it is a book beyond the ability of humans to understand its truth. True, it is a book written by humans but it is not a “human book.” It is the story of God making Himself known through Himself, through words and “The Word,” and His beloved Son. It is not beyond the ability of humans to understand its contents. God Himself will make its message clear when people ask Him to speak to them through His Holy Spirit.

Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed His Person and plan of redemption and reconciliation – the Gospel Message. The authors of the God’s revelation in Scripture were inspired by His Spirit to speak on His behalf. God wanted to make Himself known because He wants us to know Him, to love Him and to trust Him.

If we want to know and understand God we need, as Charlie Brown did, to “start reading” His Word.

Prayer: You have spoken to us, Lord, through Your Word. If we seek Your truth and want to know You and please You with our lives, Your Word will show us how. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The president of a large corporation was so challenged and inspired after he read the book, Men Of God, that he called the local book store to order 375 copies for his key leaders. After explaining his request for the books, the sales associate said, “I’m sorry, but we don’t have 375 Men Of God in Chicago, why don’t you try Detroit.”

How do we recognize these so called Men Of God? Who are they and where can we find them? Paul wrote to Timothy that God gave us His inspired Word that “is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.” Because the whole Bible contains God’s specific directions to lead and guide those who would become “men of God,” it is to be read, studied and applied to one’s life everyday. It is the standard for our conduct and will provide us with the guidance and direction we need to show the world God’s love, salvation and hope. It is the only source of instruction for what God wants us to do.

In the Bible we will discover what is true, what is right, what is just and what is required of both men and women of God. In it we will find the strength to do what He wants us to do and the truth that will give us the courage and confidence we need to be His disciples and witness His love, grace, mercy and salvation to others. Through its teaching we will find light for our paths and guidance for decisions, insight for our problems and hope when we cannot see beyond our moments of despair.

If we choose to commit ourselves to become “men and women of God,” we will find everything we need to know about the journey in His Word. And when we begin, He will be with us!

Prayer: Lord, may we strive to become men and women of God through a life of surrender and service to You and those for whom You died. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

An attorney was chosen to serve as moderator of his church. He was uncomfortable with his new responsibility.

At his first church council meeting, a deacon read a portion of Scripture and then paused. The moderator stood and said, “If there are no corrections, the Bible will stand as read.”

He was right. The Bible must stand as read.

The Bible is not a random collection of myths, stories, fables or ideas about God. It did not originate with man, but with God. Although the Bible was written by people, what they wrote is what God wanted them to write. Scripture came to us from God Himself, and because it originated with God, it is completely trustworthy, and we can believe in it for our salvation.

Paul wrote in a letter to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach 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.”

Because the Bible is God’s Word, we can read it, believe it, and live it every day!

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your Word. May we read it daily, and look to it for guidance, salvation, discipline and direction. May Your Word come to life in our lives and give us nourishment and strength each day: in Your name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Timothy 3:16-17