If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. [2 Chronicles 7:14]
God is so very, very good! I know that is said often, and it may seem pretty tired and overdone. If it is said often it’s because it is so very, very true! I’ve been sitting in my study this morning, checking emails and thinking about my past week. I have paused periodically to glance at book titles in my bookcase, wondering which one I should read or re-read to give me some pointers of being at peace in my soul. It’s been a rough week, but this too will pass. . . Silly me! There is only one book really needed!
One book. One source of peace. One God. That’s just way too simple for one who tends to be in the midst of drama, reorganizing, redoing, constant change and yes I’ll admit it, chaos, way too often! The answer to my pondering is not to read yet another book on spirituality or find a magazine article on how to make the most of your life in ten simple steps. The answer to everything is found on our knees. Books are good – some of them are outstanding. A few magazine articles can be helpful as reminders and for picking up a pointer or two. But the Bible is chocked full of words of comfort, wisdom, guidance, promise, hope, peace and . . . well . . . God.
One of the reasons I have several subscriptions to inspirational emails is because I forget all too often that the Bible is The Book of Life.
Having proclaimed the Bible as the book of life, I think I’ll close for now so you can spend a few minutes in scripture. I hope and pray that you seek God’s face, humble yourself and pray. And that you never forget He has called you by name.
I truly enjoyed your article of testimony praising the “Bible”, the “Word of God” the testimony of Jesus Christ, the “Word”. I am a born again Christian, along with my family, who also believe and agree with your article, but, of course, the Bible is the cornerstone. Thank you.
Unfortunately, you are incorrect. The Old Testament is full of hate, murder, rape, incest, and war – all in the name of God. The New Testament sets a better example, but Jesus was speaking only to his own people, the Jews; the message was not meant to be spread beyond the people of The City of David.
So, unless you are intent on being an uneducated, ill-informed, fundamentalist Christian, the Bible is insufficient. It would be better to read as many of theological tracts as you can, going so far as teaching yourself Greek, as that is the language the New Testament was originally written in. Then learn Latin, so as to read and understand the writings of Pope Gregory the Great. And on and on from there.