August 9th is National Book Lovers Day when bibliophiles are urged to toss aside their smartphones and turn off their TVs in favor of a good book of ink-filled paper. While the urge is toward worldly books, I strongly urge leaning toward a heavenly one instead—and not only on the one holiday but on each and every day.
Let us consider Romans 15:4, For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Can we not greatly benefit from instruction leading to encouragement and hope?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Even the Greek Socrates knew “The unexamined life is not worth living.” The Living Word infused by the Holy Spirit guides us to know ourselves the way God sees us, allowing us to morph into that new creation promised by scripture.
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. says the Psalmist in 42:1. So should we thirst for the wisdom of Scripture as daily nourishment for our souls.
Love the Book daily and let it fill you with the uplifting word of our Savior. As I quipped many times: Word In, Word Out…
Lord, give us an understanding of Your Word so full of treasure. Lead us daily to your teachings so we may gain eternity. Amen.