Jeremiah 44:24-47:7 / 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17 / Psalm 94 / Proverbs 26:6-8
The very first book I learned to read was the Bible. The picture on this post is of my Granddaddy Wheeler and me. I credit him with my learning to read. Because my daddy was in the Navy, my momma and I lived with my grandparents while she was pregnant and until I was about 9 months old. My mom told me that from the moment I came home from the hospital, my granddaddy would sit me in my carrier and read to me, even showing me the books.
My mom said that no one taught me to read – I wasn’t yet in school – but that one day I just started reading. And as I said above, the first thing I read was the King James Version of the Bible. Thank you, Granddaddy, for reading to me! It’s a well-known fact that children who are read to become early and better readers, spellers and I would say they have an excellent command of the English language. Read to your babies and grandbabies!
Perhaps my love of the Bible as God’s Word came from those early memories or reading. I don’t know what books Granddaddy read to me. Maybe he read the Bible. I’m sure he read classic children’s books. By the time I was 5, I was reading, and I was ready for salvation. Seeds of the Gospel had been planted in my heart. I’m sure God will tell me when I see Him how all that happened. I’m just grateful it did!
Because I have loved God’s Word for so many years, the verses in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 grabbed my attention today. “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.” New Living Translation, (TPT)
Here are those same verses in The Passion Translation, (TPT): “God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you.”
Unfortunately, we are living in a time in history when many do not believe the Bible is infallible and divinely inspired. Some argue that the words, intent, and meanings have been changed and that we are missing parts of scripture that ought to be included. Whether that is true or not, I know that God guards His own Word and that what we have available has living power within the pages.
Perhaps the reason some make the statements is that they are hesitant to be accountable to the Truth contained in scripture. I love the Passion Translation where it says: “God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed.” That tells me all I need to know. Even if parts are missing or have been misinterpreted, we have enough available to live the godly life God desires. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:9-12, TPT, which states: “Our present knowledge and our prophecies are but partial, but when love’s perfection arrives, the partial will fade away. When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.For now we see but a faint reflection of riddles and mysteries as though reflected in a mirror, but one day we will see face-to-face. My understanding is incomplete now, but one day I will understand everything, just as everything about me has been fully understood.”
Even God’s Words tell us we see and know in part, so none of us can expect to have a full revelation or knowledge on this side of eternity. We must trust God with what we have, believe that He is able to make up the difference by His Holy Spirit and our relationship with Him. We are missing nothing when we have the Spirit of God living inside us!
The Bible, and the Holy Spirit, are correcting, teaching, preparing, and equipping us for everything God has planned for us to accomplish while we are on earth. Read His Word, listen to His voice and take action to accomplish the things you’re hearing Him say. I promise you have enough available to you to please and honor God with your life!
