Abe lived in a country that was closed to the message of Jesus. We became friends in the first month I lived there, and he soon asked me to teach him the Bible. He gave his life to Christ during our second Bible study, and he eagerly devoured whatever I could teach him.
The next year I went home and then returned to Abe’s country with a new Study Bible. Abe’s face lit up when he unwrapped his present. He clutched his new Bible to his chest and promised that the precious book would “never touch the ground.”
I was overjoyed by his response, but also ashamed to think of how I had often treated my own Bible. I had tossed it on a table, piled other books on top of it, and had even occasionally set it on the floor. While none of these things are technically sinful, Abe’s response reminded me that I needed to value Scripture even more.
Psalm 119 reveals the psalmist’s love for God’s instructions. He said that he rejoiced in them “as much as in riches” (Psalm 119:14). God’s “instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver” (Psalm 119:72). “Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold” (Psalm 119:127).
The author gushed over what God has revealed in Scripture because it’s his access to Him. He wrote, “I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions” (Psalm 119:55). David clung to the Scriptures because they provided the path to life. “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope” (Psalm 119:114).
God is bigger than any book. We don’t worship the Bible, so we shouldn’t feel guilty when we stuff it into our backpack. But the Bible does reveal God and His ways to us. How we handle—and more importantly, how much we read—the Scriptures speaks volumes about what we think about Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 8:21-59
More:
Read Deuteronomy 6:1-25 to learn why it’s important to meditate often on Scripture.
Next:
How often do you read the Bible? Why is it vital that we take in its wisdom on a regular basis?
Gary Shultz on July 30, 2016 at 6:28 am
I am inspired by people who love the word like your friend. We phat Americans have it so good, we can read and study often, with as many Bibles and references as we like, and yet we often fail to take advantage of this great privilege. It’s like epoxy, it takes two parts, thoroughly mixed to make a strong bond. We need God’s voice from His word in each day of our lives. It would seem like we all want some kind of heavenly vision when God has reveled Himself in His Word and His Spirit waits to help us bond with it. We don’t have the insight to get us where we need to go or be, God’s waits to speak through His word. Thanks Mike
gagirllive on July 30, 2016 at 7:26 am
Amen, Mike. It is our daily bread for our daily journey. 🙂 (Couldn’t resist that) We should read it, study it, memorize it, and obey it. I like what Job said about it. “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23: 12) The word of God has never been more accessible to us than it is today. Yet many of us remain spiritually malnourished…not for lack of food, but lack of appetite. Thank you for this exhortation to make God’s word a high priority in our daily lives, Mike. Grace and peace to all today.
kamme on July 30, 2016 at 9:02 am
Mike, thanks for this personal devotional. Practical examples stay well in our memory. It always worried me to see how some christians disrespect the Bible by placing it on the ground, or throwing it around, sometimes even placing their feet on it. We do not worship the Bible, but we need to respect the book which is the Word of God. The Hindus will not touch their holy book till they have not bathed themselves, and it is kept on a high shelf wrapped in silk to keep away the dust. The Muslims, and Sikhs also give so much respect to their holy books. Why can’t we christians have more respect for God’s Holy Word. I hope more parents will teach their kids from a young age to respect and take care of God’s Word.
alexaoj on July 30, 2016 at 9:31 am
Good reminder for us Brother Mike. The Psalmist says in chap. 119:9. “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word.” If we value the whole council of God’s written Word, victory will surely be the outcome. Even though it might not seems that way, because of the challenges we face in our everyday struggles. Our walk is a faith walk—not sight. As we value God’s Word and let it leads us daily, the reality of His truth will be reveal to us through the Eternal Holy Spirit. He makes no mistakes saints. We’re forever loved by our Creator, and He wants what’s best for us. So saints of God, read, meditate and read some more. His truths are endless. Stay bless saints of God.
crossman61 on July 30, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Thank You Mike for this reminder . I remember my first Bible over 20 years ago a good friend gave me for a gift , it was the KJV . I read it cover to cover several times . I also used to treat my Bible very respectfully . Nothing was ever to set upon it . My hands had to be clean before I opened it . My heart had to be right before I opened it also. The past 9 years or so I added to my collection of different versions . I still hold Gods Word #1 in my life , but I have lost the old ways how I used to treat The Bible physically . I like to see a Bible worn out . From being used , Not abused !!! And my guess is Our Father in Heaven does also . I have to confess a few years ago I almost threw a Bible in my woodstove , after I spent a lot of money on a Bible for my Mother I found some scriptures , from this translation that I thought was great , I did not agree with . No names mentioned here . Anyways I am Happy I never did what I was thinking of doing out of anger . I am Thankful my good friend stopped me and talked some sense in me . I almost sinned in my anger there , but I did not .
gagirllive on July 30, 2016 at 1:42 pm
I’m enjoying everyone’s comments here today. We should definitely hold in high esteem this most holy book. However, as you all know, the ink and paper are not what gives it any value. The words are God’s words—His very breath that is so powerfully transforming. I read a story a while back about a man who lived in a country where the Bible was contraband. He worked for the prison system and had confiscated a Bible from one of the prisoners upon his arrest The worker tore the pages out and put it in the workplace bathroom to be used as toilet paper. Can you even imagine?Long story short…what was meant to be one of the most dishonorable uses of God’s word turned out to be the catalyst of many coming to Christ. No matter how ill-treated this precious Book is, it’s power remains undiminished. May we regard and share it’s message above all else. Grace and peace, my friends.
crossman61 on July 30, 2016 at 4:04 pm
I have heard this story too gagirlive. It’s great to see how , His Words can be used , for Him in different ways !!