OCTOBER 10-11

“The truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free,and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard,but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy” - James 1:25.

The Bible is a peculiar book. It's language harks back to an ancient time, it's events were recorded in Middle Eastern countries, yet it's counsel and purpose is as applicable today as it was 5,000 years ago. Logic says the Bible shouldn't have survived. It has been banned, burned, scoffed at, and ridiculed. But it has survived and thrived, being the best-selling book in the world year after year. Millions have tested it's claims, and claimed it's promises.

“Why, what is in this book?” Now you're asking! Whether your interests are wide, or selective, if you love reading, this is the book for you. It's a history book like no other as it's pages in Daniel and Revelation detail events from the beginning to the end of time. How about adventure stories? Wars and battles? Seduction, murder and intrigue? Triumph and failure? survival, despite the odds.  The first two books of the Bible, Genesis and Exodus, has all of these – and if that lot leaves you in need of a bit of counselling, spend a while in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Yet that's not all, there's more, lots more in other sections of it's pages. Did I hear someone say “I'm not into all that macho-man muscle rippling stuff. I prefer music and poetry, or a good love story?” Again, look no further than Psalms for your lyrics and poetry, and Genesis, Ruth and the Song of Solomon for romance – not forgetting the love story of Mary and Joseph, told by Matthew. Can you imagine how strong their love would have been to withstand the gossip, sniggering and finger-pointing when it became known that Mary was expecting Jesus? Then the heartbreaking agony as He was crucified for love of us. Yes, love flows through the Bible's pages.

Okay, “so what is the purpose of this Book?” 2 Timothy 3:15 gives the answer, “Since you were a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Salvation is the purpose of the Bible – God's passion to get His children home – His plan of salvation. This is why the Bible has survived down the centuries, as it has tackled life's toughest questions - “Where do I come from?....Where do I go when I die?....How do I know there's a God?....Why does God allow children to suffer?”

The Bible has answers. But “how do we find these answers?” How is a treasure found? “Search for it like silver and hunt for it like hidden treasure. Then you will understand respect for the Lord, and you will find that you know God” - Proverbs 2:4,5. There are several versions of the Bible available online, one will suit the way you read - download it onto your favourite piece of technology - take a little a day, a bit at a time, search for that day's message. A story's told of a little girl who returned home from her first day at school. Her mother asked, Did you learn anything at school today? “Apparently not enough,” the girl replied. “I have to go back tomorrow and the next day and the next.” Like a good nourishing meal, God provides enough 'nutrients' for the needs, demands and concerns that day will bring.  If you would like someone to discover with you, or discuss with, do contact either me, or Sam.

We've asked, we've searched, and now it's time to knock. “Knock, and the door will open for you” - Matthew 7:7. Max Lucado puts it this way: 'To knock is to stand at God's door. To make yourself available. To climb the steps, cross the porch, stand at the doorway and volunteer....ask, “What can I do? How do I obey? Where can I go?” It's one thing to know what to do – it's another to do it.' When we're ill, do we just read the label and not take the medicine? Or, saddle the horse and not get on? The Bible is the same – Ask, Search, Knock. Join me, let's give it a try, and claim the promise of happiness.

(Adapted from Max Lucado)

This song has a message for us all, The Marshall Family singing “You Never Mentioned Jesus To Me.”

       

     Housekeeping details for you

     The point of this short blog will become clear if you decide to use this reading in the way we intend it. Netherfield Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in healthy churches. You can see what that means if you head to the relevant Healthy Churches page of the website. We also want other churches to be healthy. That means you can join in our campaign to create healthy churches, with healthy people serving the people in those churches.

     A healthy church is one where Jesus comes first. A healthy church is one where the people work together to put Jesus first. One thing we are doing is to join people together to spread that news. I would like you to look at our prayer partners page. This will explain how we want you to use this short devotional. Very basically we want you to find a like-minded Christian friend who you will join with to : choose to pray together every day, decide together on a way to serve other people together, to help them grow as Christians - and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life every day. This blog that you will receive every day simply gives a common spiritual purpose. If you are a newcomer and want to join the blog with this object in mind click here