Why you should read this. 

On to Matthew 24.

You have choices, for instance:

Your newspaper may contain your horoscope,

but it will not help you live well.

Your online news may keep you informed about world goings-on,

but it will not give you a framework for understanding the events . . .

Sports talk may catch you up on the scores of yesterday’s games,

            but it will not grow your character.

The Today Show may give you an indication about trends and even weather,

            but it will not give you the wisdom you need to make right decisions.

Healing zen music may lend you a calming while you listen,

            but it will not give you the peace that cannot be taken away.

We discussed in our last Morning Briefing three arenas that will lead us over the line--of taking our last breath on earth and our next in heaven—with few regrets.(It was a good one: http://pastorwoman.com/ReadArchive.aspx?id=2748¹)

You see, we think we are so busy; sure, our schedules are full and we do indeed busy ourselves, but how much of what we do is vitally important? 

In our busy-ness, how much of what we do is essential in making our days count?  Our perception of our available, disposable time    influences our decisions about what we read and even think about. 

Nothing wrong with any of the aforementioned amusements, but they are limited. 

Disposable time = opportunity.

Of all the things you could opt to read or devote your attention, one stands alone – the Bible.  In these Morning Briefings, we are about to study the end of Matthew’s gospel, and it is not so easy to digest … starting with prophetic things Jesus said—some of which have been fulfilled (like the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and other things that have not yet happened), then the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  So, why study tough stuff, especially when you could opt for the sports page or the Today Show? 

Those things are fleeting.  Scripture endures.

I have oft been asked, ‘Why read the Bible? I have a hard time understanding it, and it takes a lot of work … so, what’s the point?’ Because unlike your newspaper or the Today Show, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever.”²

Simply put, the Bible has the ability to change our lives because it is the divine Word of God. The Bible is God speaking to us what he wants us to know—important things like how we got here, how he feels about us, the history of his people, the revolutionary Savior who showed us how to live, the plan of salvation, God’s purposes for our lives, the second coming of Jesus Christ and the destiny of those who believe in him, and those who reject him.

People choose to read the Bible for both information and inspiration, and find it is filled with more than they can ever fully comprehend.  Simply, there is nothing more worthwhile to read than the wisdom in the pages of the Word of God.

What exactly is contained inside the covers of the Bible?  Sixty-six books—39 in the Old Testament, written in Hebrew, spanning 1500 years; 27 books in the New Testament, which was written in Greek, spanning just 80-90 years. The Bible was God-inspired, or as the Greek word Paul used for inspired indicates, ‘God breathed’.  One of the ways we know that the Bible is true is that even though it was written by 40 different authors, there are no contradictions.  Amazing!

The main thing to know is that the Bible is what it purports to be . . . TRUTH.  It is the Word of God, regardless of what a person may think about it.  It is supported by archaeological evidence, fulfilled prophecy, historical and scientific evidence.  AND I notice that

those who read the Bible and seek to apply it,

are radically changed by it. It works!

Why does it have the power to change us?  As Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”³  

In these Briefings, I teach straight through books of the Bible, with interruptions for world goings-on and occasional events.  Therefore, readers get scripture + daily application to make the word understandable and valuable in our lives.  That’s why you should read this one, pass it on to friends and colleagues (better yet—have them subscribe! www.pastorwoman.com).    

God, inspire us, teach and grow us with the beautiful scriptures you have given us.  Amen!

^{1 – “No Regrets” – archived at www.pastorwoman.com}

^{2 – Isaiah 40.8}

^{3 - 2 Timothy 3.16-17}