“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me”.–John 5:39

Of all the advice ever given by Jesus, or anyone else, it doesn’t get any better than this. Searching the Scriptures is the wisest thing you can do. This is exactly what the Bereans did—“they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily”(Acts 17:11). We should do the same! There we find the answers to life’s most important questions, promises the are exceeding great and precious, instructions that are flawless, and comfort that is sufficient.

We keep debating issues and wrestling with problems that could have been settled long ago had we simply searched the Scriptures and let God’s Word determine the conclusion. Sadly, instead of doing that, many–
–skip the Scriptures, as though they have more important things to do.
–skim the Scriptures, as though some parts aren’t important.
–slight the Scriptures as though they are of no value.
–substitute the Scriptures, as though something else is better.
–scorn the Scriptures, as though they aren’t worthy of consideration.
–select portions and ignore the rest, as though it was cafeteria style.
–suppress the Scriptures, rather than submit to them.

But, Christ tells us to “Search the Scriptures”. The word “search” signifies a close, careful, curious search. We should search as a miner digs for gold, as a hunter searches for game, etc. We ought to search the Scriptures as though our very lives depended on it. The reasons for such a search are numerous. The responsibility to search is clear. The results of such a search are glorious. In the Scriptures we find a treasure, due to its theme, which is Christ; theology, describing the glorious attributes of God; truth, without any admixture of error; topics, dealing with everything of practical value; transforming power, as it provides, protects and prepares us; and timelessness, as it is relevant to all generations.Don’t let another day pass without spending quality time in the Bible. Search its wonders. Seek its wisdom. Store its words. Submit to its will. Share it with the world. — HDS, 9/4/14

“ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Paul has no uncertain word about the inspiration of the Scriptures. The Bible alone is the Word of God. Holy men wrote it as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. There are other good books in the world — but none like the Word of God.

We ought to read the Bible reverently — since God speaks to us in its pages.

We ought to believe it — for His Word must be absolutely true.

We should obey it — since what God commands must be right.

We may yield our whole life to its influence — to be guided and fashioned by it.

Scripture is profitable for doctrine — that is, for instruction in all matters that concern life.

It is profitable for reproof — it shows us our sins, our follies, our mistakes.

It is profitable for correction — to bring us back from wrong ways to right ways.

It is profitable for instruction in righteousness — it gives us instruction for all true and beautiful living.

“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The purpose of the Bible is to make complete men of us. If we follow it in everything — it will show us the right way, it will reveal to us the perfect ideal of Christian character, it will inspire us to holy living. (Adapted from an article by J R Miller,– HDS)

“ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.(Rom 8:28)

How wide is this assertion of the Apostle Paul! He does not say, “We know that some things,” or “most things,” or “joyous things,” but “ALL things.” From the minutest to the most momentous; from the humblest event in daily providence to the great crisis hours in grace.

And all things “work’—they are working; not all things have worked, or shall work; but it is a present operation.

At this very moment, when some voice may be saying, “Thy judgments are a great deep,” the angels above, who are watching the development of the great plan, are with folded wings exclaiming, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” (Ps. 145:17)

And then all things “work together.” It is a beautiful blending. Many different colors, in themselves raw and unsightly, are required in order to weave the harmonious pattern.

Many separate tones and notes of music, even discords and dissonances, are required to make up the harmonious anthem.

Many separate wheels and joints are required to make the piece of machinery. Take a thread separately, or a note separately, or a wheel or a tooth of a wheel separately, and there may be neither use nor beauty discernible.

But complete the web, combine the notes, put together the separate parts of steel and iron, and you see how perfect and symmetrical is the result. Here is the lesson for faith: “What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.— John Macduff

In one thousand trials it is not five hundred of them that work for the believer’s good, but nine hundred and ninety-nine of them, and one beside.—George Mueller

You could say, all things work together for good all the time all because of God for all those who those who love God with all their heart. Have you given Him your “all”? —- HDS

“And He led them forth by the right way — that they might go to a city of habitation.” Psalm 107:7

God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts — neither are His ways as our ways! This truth is strikingly exemplified in the manner in which He led the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land. We would have chosen the way that was nearest and most direct — but God decided otherwise. He led them round about through the wilderness, and that for the space of forty years! And not merely was it the most distant way — but it was the most dangerous way as well. It was a land of deserts and of pits — a land of drought and death — a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt.

But, as strange as it appeared, we are fully justified in saying that it was wisely arranged.
Their long detainments;
their tiresome and circuitous wanderings;
their fierce conflicts with the Moabites and the Amalekites;
the bitter waters which they had to drink; and
the fiery serpents with which they were stung —
all fulfilled the high purposes of Him who is excellent in counsel, as well as wonderful in working. However contrary His way might have been to theirs — yet “He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.”

And His dealings with His people now, are still as unusual, and as much opposed to all their preconceived plans — as were His dealings with the Israelites! He has crossed their own schemes, and thwarted their most fondly-cherished purposes! He always effects His own ends — in His own way!

Christian, what is your duty?

It is to cherish high thoughts of God in all His inscrutable dealings towards you.

It is to trust His heart — even when you can’t trace His hand; believing that “all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.”

It is to follow His guidance continually; for as He led His people of old with “the cloud by day, the pillared fire by night” — so He has promised to direct all your steps, and preserve all your goings.

It is to wait His time; for although the way may appear long and tedious — yet remember, “all is well, that ends well.” And what will the end be? “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads! They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away!”–John MacDuff
May we never forget that the generation that missed this blessing is the one that thought they had a better idea than what God planned!–HDS

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels;–Prov. 1:5
As a boy one of the most irritating things I heard was, “I told you so!”, or “Didn’t I tell you?” And as a father to eight I have often dropped that bomb on my kids. I didn’t want to hear it and I’m sure my children felt the same, but sometimes we all need reminders like that. Being forced to face our failures can be a good, although unpleasant, thing. Especially when we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Thinking about this, I can’t help but wonder what God thinks when we turn a deaf ear to His instructions and warnings. Although He speaks out of the depths of His great wisdom and glorious love we tend to ignore what He says– to our own detriment. In doing this we deprive ourselves of His blessings and expose ourselves to great danger. Foolish indeed!

Whether as a child or a Christian I’m sure we can all look back and think of those times when we wish we had listened. And that reminds me of another one of the least favorite things my parents said–“When are you going to learn to listen?” Yeah, I bet you’ve heard that too. And you probably responded just like I did– with a blank stare. But it is actually a good question and worthy of our consideration. When will we learn to listen? After we’ve humiliated ourselves? Hurt ourselves? Harmed others? Hit rock-bottom? Would we not be better off to listen and learn?

God has given us competent counsel, clear commands, wise warnings, and precious promises. He demands that we listen and He deserves to be heard. If we refuse we have only ourselves to blame for the outcome. If we listen and learn we have only God to praise. Without His aid we neither would nor could do as we should. God still speaks today, and “A wise man will hear–“. Are you listening?—HDS