The Bullet of Thanksgiving: The Glorious Word of God
When I stop to count my blessings one of my top items for gratitude is the opportunity I have to possess, study and hear the Father’s Voice through the Scripture.
Written by over forty authors, about many subjects, in three languages, over a period of 1,500 years … the wonder is that the Bible exists at all! Yet for centuries it has been recognized as one book with a central theme beginning with Genesis 1:1 and consummating with Revelation 22:21! These chapter and verse distinctions were not even added until much later. The current system we know so well first appeared in the Sixteenth Century A.D.!
The Bible has existed, as it is now, for 1,600 years with relatively few changes despite being translated into more than 18,000 languages and dialects as well as many English revisions. Every revision, incidentally, strives to more accurately reflect the original language texts and the intention of the authors. We must also mention the relentless efforts of the Bible’s critics and antagonists through the centuries. Their aim has been to destroy it literally … or to discredit it totally … a task which has preoccupied some of the finest non-believing intellects from generation to generation!
In spite of everything the Bible remains today, as it has for centuries, the best annual seller year after year! More copies are sold in any one year than all the other best sellers put together! Some time ago, one publisher indicated that more than five hundred million copies of the Bible are sold annually in the world. Its timelessness … its perseverance … its popularity … its perennial relevance … its universal influence … is the unmatched phenomenon in the history of all book publishing.
The Bible contains the Mind of God … His reasons, His desires, His attitude, His thoughts … for His creation. It is His “love letter” to all who know they need love to survive and thrive in a fallen world of hurt! I believe I’m as grateful for this Book as almost anything else on earth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17, RSV)
Let me paraphrase the Greek: “Every word of Scripture has in it the breath, energy and life of God. We can experience this reality if we are hungry for His Presence. Every word will be of benefit to us … profit us in any circumstance … and give us the advantage no matter what our situation might be. These words from the Father’s Heart tell us what to do, what not to do, what to do better and what to do that’s best. These words of Scripture are essential and critical … needed in large doses … if you truly plan on the Father putting your life together in such a way that you most perfectly look like Him and become a complete human being … a man or woman of God. Only then will you be in shape to achieve and finish the Lord’s purpose for your life!”
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