1 Timothy 4:13 – “Till I come, give attendance to reading.”
I read once of a couple who tried to teach their children
the importance of reading the Bible. When their oldest son left for his
freshman year at college, his parents gave him a Bible, assuring him it would
be a great help. He was, of course disappointed that they didn’t give him
money. Later, as he began sending them
letters asking for money, they would write back telling him to read his Bible,
citing chapter and verse. He became exasperated with their constant hounding,
so he would reply that he was reading the Bible--but he still needed money.
When he came home for a semester break, his parents told him they knew he had not
been reading his Bible, for they had tucked $10 and $20 bills by the verses
they had cited in their letters.
Paul tells young Pastor Timothy to keep up his Bible
reading, for it’s there that he would find answers to all the issues of
life. Let’s look at some of them: (from
an e-mail I received)
You say: “It’s
impossible.” God says: “All things
are possible.” Lk 18:27 – “The things which are impossible with men are
possible with God.”
You say:
“I’m too tired.” God says: “I will
give you rest.” Mt 11:28 – “Come unto
me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
You say:
“Nobody really loves me.” God says:
“I love you.” Jn 3:16 – “For God so
loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”
You say: “I
can’t go on.” God says: “My grace is
sufficient.” 2 Co 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient
for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
You say: “I
can’t figure things out.” God says:
“I will direct your steps.” Pr 3:6 – “In
all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
You say: “I
can’t do it.” God says: “You can do
all things.” Ph 4:13 – “I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
You say:
“I’m not able.” God says: “I am
able.” 2 Co 9:8 – “And God is able to
make all grace abound toward you; that ye … may abound to every good work.”
You say:
“It’s not worth it.” God says: “It
will be worth it.” Ro 8:28 – “And we
know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
You say: “I
can’t forgive myself.” God says: “I
forgive you.” Ro 8:1 – “There is
therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
You say: “I
can’t manage.” God says: “I will
supply all your needs.” Ph 4:19 – “But
my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.”
You say:
“I’m afraid.” God says: “I have not
given you a spirit of fear.” 2 Ti 1:7 –
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind.”
You say:
“I’m always worried and frustrated.” God
says: “Cast all your cares upon ME.”
1 Pe 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
You say:
“I’m not smart enough.” God says: “I
will give you wisdom.” 1 Co 1:30 – “But
of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom.”
You say: “I
feel all alone.” God says: “I will
never leave you or forsake you.” He 13:5
– “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
"Lord, Thank you for your precious Word. Help us to dive into it every day. Teach us through its pages. Amen."
