Word!

I’ve been reading about some people, known as the Great Bible Reformers. They had a true love for the Word of God, and believed so much on it, that they died for it.

The more I read about them, the more jealous, zealous, and evaluative I become of myself.

So of course, the question that has been bothering me is simply this,

“Melody do you delight in the Word of God?”

Sounds like an easy answer, doesn’t it? But can you honestly answer with all certainty, that you delight in the Word of God?

Of course, there are some Bible stories which have plots that Hollywood can’t duplicate; they’re that dramatic! But outside of the dramatic elements of these stories, how enticing do we find scripture?

I do love the word of God and, yes, I find inspiration from it daily. But I can’t seem to be satisfied with what I have, I want more!

What was it that cheered the faithful Reformers during the horrible persecutions they faced? What gave John Wycliffe, John Huss, William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer, Martin Luther, and so many martyrs of the Middle Ages courage to face the flames and the sword?

They had an unshaken faith in the promises of God!

I want that, and more!

One writer said that the Bible reformers “rejoiced” in God’s Word. They “delighted” in doing God’s will. They “loved” His law. One of the most significant foundational truths of the Reformation was the joy that studying the Scriptures brought.

When last have you read the Word of God and smiled from ear to ear as you uncover some soul fulfilling truth? When last have you read the same verse you have read for years, but this time, it brought a new message and a new meaning that thrills your very being?

A few weeks ago, I was given a challenge to commit a famous quotation to memory. I did commit it to memory, but it took lodgment on my mind and heart. I’d like to share it with you. But when you’re reading it, take your time to go over each line, it will blow your mind; It goes,

The Bible is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as if we could hear it with our ears. If we realize this, with what awe we would open God’s word and with what earnestness we would search its precepts. The reading and contemplation of the scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the infinite one.

Testimonies for the Church 6:393

YES, that’s loaded!

In her book, the great controversy, Ellen G White said, “It(referring to the word of God) expands the mind, sharpens the perceptions, and ripens the judgment. The study of the Bible will ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as no other study can. It gives stability of purpose, patience, courage, and fortitude; it refines the character and sanctifies the soul. An earnest, reverent study of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of the student in direct contact with the infinite mind, would give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect, as well as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted from the ablest training that human philosophy affords.”

In other words, if we study the word of God the right way, we’d come in contact with God Himself.  Do you even grasp what this means?

Does it feel to you that you have been missing out on something great as you study God’s words? Perhaps we need a new approach.

I pray the Holy Spirit will give us that earnestness, and awe as we open God’s words and find ourselves in the presence of the Infinite One!

In the Word of God is spread before you the richest banquet. It is the Lord’s table, abundantly provided, whereof you may eat and be satisfied.