My three sons have grown up and spread their wings, so I’ve become more and more thankful for texting. It’s one way I can stay in touch with them. Even though one lives an hour’s drive from me and another is 3 hours away, we can still digitally discuss the stuff of life.
One thing I often text them is Bible verses that have inspired me on a given day. I start those texts with the words “Today’s Verse” and then key in the Scripture. Sometimes I even get a reply!
The Word of God is powerful. Paul said that the “Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Romans 15:4). Following that verse, Paul dug into the Old Testament to instruct and inspire the believers in Rome—demonstrating how Scripture can truly lift spirits and point people to God’s ways. He first quoted Psalm 18:49: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name” (Romans 15:9). Then Paul penned Deuteronomy 32:43: “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles” (Romans 15:10). What encouraging and instructional words for both the Gentile and Jewish believers! They were struggling to “live in complete harmony with each other” (Romans 15:5). So these verses helped them consider the hope, joy, and peace they shared in Jesus (Romans 15:13).
As we follow Paul’s example by digging into God’s Word and sharing it with others, we plant seeds of wisdom and inspiration. Biblical promises and principles take root. Faith begins to sprout and flourish. The fruit of the Spirit-filled life begins to ripen.
Who will you share the life-giving, powerful Word of God with today? Scripture reveals His heart and loving ways to a waiting world—even when texted.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 24:13-43
More:
Read 2 Peter 1:20-21 and consider why Scripture reveals the heart and wisdom of God.
Next:
How has the power of God’s Word affected your life? What are some ways you could share Scripture with others today?
BearPair on September 30, 2015 at 2:35 am
Excellent exhortation Tom! Reminiscent of one of my favorite chapters in Proverbs, Ch. 2, wt such gems as vs. 4: “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.” And wt the ready access electronically, as you’ve already indicated, what grand opportunities await us and others, as we spread the Good News of Jesus Christ! Thanks!
Tom Felten on September 30, 2015 at 10:32 am
BearPair, this is something you two do so well. I appreciate how you use images and Scripture texts to help others draw closer to God. Press on!
BearPair on September 30, 2015 at 10:30 pm
Tom, you’ll never know how strategically placed your little word “two” was in your reply… I’ve worked very hard to make sure Pat has an active role in our CoCW creations, knowing how easy it is to become a “lone ranger.” Your gracious words of encouragement meant the world… to BOTH of us! ;O)
Gary Shultz on September 30, 2015 at 5:42 am
That is a great thing to be connected. Maybe I’ll even consider texting sometime. I guess I’m reminded we can’t give what we don’t have. To be what you have become there must be internal growth. The better the growth the deeper the root, the deeper the root, the better the fruit. Toot, toot, thanks
Tom Felten on September 30, 2015 at 10:34 am
Love that saying saying, Gary! So true—without growing in our knowledge of God through His Word, we lack the roots to establish a deep faith that will impact the lives of others!
Roxanne Robbins on September 30, 2015 at 7:41 pm
Tom, I appreciated reading how you keep in touch with your sons and use texts to send encouragement though out the day. The verse you alluded to, Romans 15:4 prompted me to think about something I haven’t been patient in waiting for. Thankfully in the midst of my impatience a friend has been sending me Scripture to help me place my hope in the Lord in the midst of waiting.
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 10:27 am
I like this image: “seeds of wisdom.” Thank you.
BearPair on October 3, 2015 at 12:39 pm
It is great imagery, isn’t it!