Pastor Bill's Thought for the Day

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in it he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither, And whatever he does shall prosper."  NKJV

The above describes the life style of a man (or woman) who prospers in the important things of life.  They are people who "delight in the law of the Lord and they meditate on it day and night."

God gave us the Bible that it could and should be read.  I am an avid reader, but I am careful that the Bible is my most read book. There is an old story about a lady who wanted to impress the visiting pastor and called to her granddaughter, "Honey, bring Grandma the book"  "What book Grandma?"  "You know, the book that Grandma is always reading."  The little girl brought the Sears catalogue.

I list a few things to look for when reading God's word: (12) A command to obey!  (2) A promise to claim!  (3) A warning to heed!  (4) A good example to follow!  (5) A bad example to avoid!

Our home Bible study this morning (Sunday) is in Hebrews 2.  Verse 2 reads "Therefore we must give earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest we drift away."  The things that the early Christians, mostly heard by word of mouth, we have on the printed page, so we cannot claim ignorance.  In the letter to the first church (Rev. 2) the Lord said,  "I know your works, your labor, your patience...."  (v.2) but then He said,  "...you have left your first love."  (v.4)

What happened?  Did they get so busy working they didn't have time to listen?  We do live in a busy time, but if we are so busy that we can't read God's word, daily, and "give earnest heed" (Heb. 2)  "meditate on it" (Psa. 1), we are too busy.

There is another temptation that works quite well for the enemy.  Paul wrote, "All things are lawful for me but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me but not all things edify."  (1st Cor. 10:23)

Let me paraphrase that just a little,  "Many things are entertaining but not edifying."  We can be so busy "relaxing" that God's word is neglected.  It is a matter of putting first things first.
   ( Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, Jan. 29,2013,  drbc@bresnan.net)