The Bible - Monday
Today’s Verse
2 Timothy 3:14-15
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
Nolan, Jill, Mary Louis, Janice, Chuck, Scott, Rhonda, Marshall, Debbie, Gerry, Kelly, Rick, Georgianna, Steve, Patti, Dan, and many others taught me the Word of God directly and indirectly in childhood. As Scott shared yesterday, I, too, learned the song, “The B-I-B-L-E,” as well as the Truth of that book from a young age through faithful believers who loved me. The Truth is that Jesus, the Son of God, came to die in my place so I could experience forgiveness of my sins, receive the powerful Holy Spirit in my life, and gain the hope of heaven someday.
Like Timothy, I was taught God’s Word as a kid. Fortunately, what I learned in childhood could be trusted then and throughout my entire life. The “sacred writings” Paul implored his son in the faith, Timothy to stay true to, made us both wise for salvation.
I recently heard a man share his testimony. His story of coming to faith in Jesus was powerful. He had lived far from God into adulthood and had the painful results to show from it. It culminated in his callous reaction to a dear friend who had committed suicide. He realized his soul was dark because he didn’t really care. In his spiritual darkness, he had chased women, alcohol’s numbing buzz, and whatever else he thought would bring joy; he was far from God.'
My testimony is much more tame, and for a portion of my life, I felt like my story was inferior to stories like the one I just shared. What I’ve come to realize is that I had the same rebellious heart as the man I described above, but I did not wander as far down the painful road of rebellion as he did. I was a sinner just like he was, but because of some wonderful people, I became wise for salvation at a young age. After salvation, I wandered from God more times than I care to admit, but I avoided the depths of darkness and pain that man experienced into adulthood. Today, I thank God that, like Timothy, I was acquainted with the “sacred writings” from childhood.
APPLICATION
Whether you came to be saved by Jesus early in life, late in life, or somewhere in between, let’s thank God today for the people, by name, who opened up God’s Word and made us wise for salvation. If you haven’t been saved by Jesus, give Him your life today.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the people in my life who taught me about Jesus using the Bible. Thank you for salvation, which is only found in Him, and give me the courage to share the hope and joy I have with others.
