MORNING MANNA          2-19-21

“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 Tim. 3:16-17

Yesterday’s article started with the suggestion to read the entire eighth chapter of Romans. I can’t help but wonder if anyone did. I also wonder how many feel that it is helpful or worthwhile. I hate to say it but in some cases I can understand why you might not have read the entire chapter. That’s why I post devotions rather than full length sermons. Some folks are busy getting ready for the day and have to crowd their reading in between things they have to do. I get it. However, sometimes we need to read extensively if we are to understand and appreciate a particular verse.

That’s why I often remind folks to consider the context. That is crucial. As someone said, “A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text”. In doing that they twist the scriptures to make them say what they want them to say. Naturally there are times when we’re dealing with a chapter, story, subject, or section that people are familiar with and we don’t need to read every word of a chapter, but we dare not get in the habit of neglecting God’s Word.

Some treat the most important and wonderful book in the world like a cheap novel or a morning newspaper and use it for entertainment purposes only. Truth is we all need to read all of God’s Word and do so for the purpose of apprehending  and applying it to our lives. We need the whole counsel of God because it is all profitable. And sometimes some of the most helpful things are tucked away in sections that don’t seem to be of any particular usefulness in our lives.

We need to rediscover the wonder of the Word. Within that blessed old book we find crucial commandments, priceless principles, tremendous truths, and precious promises. It instructs and inspires, thrills and transforms, counsels and comforts. Therefore we ought to search the scriptures and dig into its depths. Don’t rob yourself of its riches, deprive yourself of its delights, and miss the miracles the can make you the person God wants you to be. – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.