Preserved For Us

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5)

The rain continues to pour down waters of blessing. For some I suppose that may not be so true. It does keep me indoors and gives me time to reflect. I am holding the Bible in my hand, in awe I realize, not that I didn't know, that the words I am reading are some 3,000 years old. These writings are applicable now just as much as they were then. Preserved so that we can know the God of the universe, his plan, see how He has dealt with mankind, gives an assured hope, and it is the only book that has more than 95% accuracy over any other historical book. It has changed lives, so much so that others then and even now are willing to die before denouncing the God it portrays and have come to place their faith in. Now just because it is accurate, and people are willing to die for their faith does not establish its truth. Many people are willing to die for their faith. We have examples in our time for such people who die willingly and seem not to care if they kill others so that they can receive some glorious redemption, and rewards in their heaven. This word of God is a word of love for fellowman. It is sown in love towards others, and those who have put their faith in the flawless word of God only have the benefit of others in mind. The Bible does not tell us that we must by force make others become believers, instead, we just take the message that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die in our stead for a debt we cannot pay. For more than 3,000 years this has been the message, a message from a loving Father and God. No other book in the entire history of man can make that claim.

It is our shield, but not for everyone, only those who "take refuge" in Him. I heard someone recently say to me, "I don't believe in your God because He doesn't answer prayers as you say He does." My answer, "you are right, He doesn't necessarily answer your prayers. Why should He? You don't even believe He exists, you only want Him to give you what you want without any strings attached." The prayer God answers for everyone is the prayer of true repentance. If a person truly repents, this will be shown in a new way of life, demonstrated for all to see, not hidden, no lamp under a bushel, then God will become known and His "flawless word" will become truth to you. It is a word of love, and we begin, maybe a little bit here and there until we mature and become a beacon, but God in His "flawless word" will teach us what He desires of us and our life will change. A change that brings hope to others, the same faith, hope, and love that has the eternal good we wish to share with others. Not by bombs, not by threats, but by love.

It is good to know that the Bible is considered to be so accurate, it is good to know that the truth is from God. Applying the precepts, principles, and standards in our lives, accepting the One He sent forth to save us, we find peace, an indescribable joy, even in times of trouble. That truth is found in the Bible, show me another book that can make that claim! I know of no other. Should we not then, as ambassadors of this God and His Son take this Book, the Bible, and its truths to others? Become intentional, set time aside to do just that, in our workplace, demonstrate Christ, in our Churches, demonstrate Christ, in our play time, demonstrate Christ, for we have in our hands the Book of Life. It needs to be shared.

Daily Prayer:

Father thank you for preserving your flawless word that was kept so that I might come to know you and your Son Jesus who has brought to me salvation and paid my debt. Direct my paths to those You wish me to give the message of Your Hope. Teach me as I spend time in your word how to apply your truths in my life. I want to please you and bless you, for all I have to give to you is my obedience.          Amen