“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful
for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so
that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
II Timothy 2:16-17 (NIV)
When
my son was small, I ordered a book for him that quickly became his favorite.
The reason? His name was in it. It was a book that you custom ordered and the
company placed your child’s name on almost every page.
Imagine
the delight of a child who reads “Eddie is the best ball player ever!” or “I
like to play at Eddie’s house.” And you are Eddie.
The
day it arrived in the mail, I read the book to him a couple of times. But that
was not enough. He begged me to read it to him over and over and over. By the
time his father came home that evening, I had the book completely memorized.
When
he heard the truck pull in, my son ran to the door, book in hand. “Daddy,
daddy, look!” he yelled. “This is MY book and it has MY name in it everywhere!
It’s about me, Daddy, and it’s written just for ME!”
The
comparison between my son’s book and the Bible is amazing. The Scripture from
II Timothy 2:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man
of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The
Bible was written just for us! Each page has something for every person to read
and learn. For example, do you feel unloved? God says in Jeremiah 31:3 that He
loves us with an “everlasting love.”
Do
you wonder what the future holds for you? He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He
has a special plan for each of us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to lean on God
because He is wise and will direct our present and our future.
Are
there days when you are discouraged and feel alone and frightened? Just stop
for a moment and read God’s encouragement to us in Deuteronomy 31:8.
The
Bible was written for all of us – not just for men but not women; for the tall
but not the short; for the wealthy but not the poor; for the introvert but not
the extrovert. It was written so that every single one of us could know the
depth of love and mercy our Father has for us. It is personal and tailor-made
for all of us because He knows us better than anyone.
Sure
we see names like “David” and “Joshua” and we read about “Peter” and “Rahab.”
But don’t you see? That’s US! That’s all of us. We are all, at times,
afraid. We struggle with wanting to do the right thing but failing. We deny
God’s nudging when He calls our names. Just like they did.
The
Bible: a book of guidance and direction, encouragement and love. A Book written
just for us.
Father, thank you for
your words of love, hope and mercy to us, your children. Help me to know you better
through your Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
R.A.P. it up . . .
Reflect
- Have you ever felt like the Bible was written only for
people who lived a long time ago?
- Why do you feel the Bible does not apply to your life
today in whatever situation you may be facing?
Apply
- Read the Scriptures in Power but replace every “you”
in the sentences with your name.
- Read each Scripture again. Does God’s Word feel more
personable and intimate to you now?
Power
- II Timothy 2:16-17 (NIV) “All Scripture is
God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training
in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for
every good work.”
- Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) “The Lord appeared to us in the
past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you
with loving-kindness.’”
- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “‘For I know the plans I have
for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.’”
