My Passion Devotion

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

         There are 66 books in the Bible. One of the things that I am most passionate about is the Word of God. I write blogs, books, bible studies, devotions, but these blogs and books should never take place of the Word of God in your life. I am afraid we live in a culture today that wants us to grab hold of the latest Christian best seller, the latest fad of teachings that crosses our paths. We get caught up in the advertising, the main stream hoopla of the next best Christian teacher. But we have forgotten the one most important writing of all times- The Holy Bible.

          Paul tells us that ALL scripture is given to us by God and is profitable for doctrine. If you want to know how to live this life as a Christian, if you want to know the latest fad in Christian teaching, then perhaps instead of running to Lifeway you should run to your Bible sitting there next to you. Paul also tells us that the Bible is given to us for reproof, for correction. Maybe the reason why we would rather read the latest best seller is because we don’t want to hear what God really has to say to us. Maybe the reason why we as Christians rely more on the bookstores instead of the True Author of our faith is because we really don’t want to know how bad we really are.

“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises everyone whom He receives.”
Hebrews 12:6 ESV

           Paul also tells us that in the last days we, yes, us Christians who go to church every single Sunday, serve in various ministries, even those of us who lead the women’s ministry, lead the men’s ministry, lead the flocks of God will “not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate teachers to suit their own passions.” (2 Timothy 4:3 ESV) I am passionate about teaching the word of God, and teaching women how to study the Bible for themselves. Why am I passionate about this? Because the more I talk and fellowship with women the more I see their great depravity for the word of God.

            The word of God is the only true and living source of life. It is the one place where we can not only find hope, salvation, and eternal life, but we can also find direction and instruction in righteousness. Peter said it best when he said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life?” (John 6:68 NKJV) We cannot live this life without it. More and more I see churches picking up the latest book from the best sellers list and feeding that to the church at large. What has happened to just opening up the Bible, the Word of God and teaching it to the people? If your leaders don’t know how to teach the Bible, then maybe they shouldn’t be leading? If you teach the Bible, God will raise up leaders and gift your people with teachers. That’s how it worked in Acts, and since we believe that God’s word still applies today, why are we trying to change it now?

             If ALL scripture is given to us by God, then why do we feel the need to have something else? Is His word to us not good enough? Do we not believe it is the infallible word of God? Or is it that if we begin to teach the word, those people who fill your pews and fill your coffers will leave? Maybe we don’t teach the word of God because we are afraid of what it might actually reveal inside our hearts? Maybe if we just substitute it long enough, eventually we will begin to feel good enough about ourselves and we won’t need His help after all.

             So, ask yourself- what are you reading? What are you studying? Are you accumulating teachers to fulfill your passions, or are you passionate about His Word and what He has to say? If you teach books about the books of the Bible, then are you really teaching the Bible at all? Let’s get back to the word of God. If we truly seek revival in this nation- then start it with the Word of God. Amen? 

I do want to say this: I am not saying that you shouldn't read other Christian literature, I would however, want to encourage you, implore you before God, to not let it replace His Word in your life. There is nothing wrong with biblically sound books, but make sure His word is first. Amen?