TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 46:1-4; Genesis 15:13-16
I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. - Genesis 46:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
How long is too long to wait for a promise to be fulfilled? A couple of days? A month? A year? After 430 years, you'd probably start to get a little impatient.

That's precisely how long, to the day (see Ex. 12:41), that the nation of Israel would have to wait for the fulfillment of the promise in today's verse. Jacob may have been afraid to go to Egypt both for fear of what might happen to his sons, especially Benjamin (42:4)—or he may have feared that leaving would be unfaithful to God's promise to give him the land of Canaan (35:12). When God assured him that there was nothing to fear, believing that assurance was a great leap of faith. By heading to Egypt, Jacob was entrusting the future of all his sons to the protection of God in an unfamiliar land.

Jacob's faith was well-placed. God had foretold this excursion into Egypt in the early stages of Abram's nomadic life in

Canaan. The full weight of that prediction was probably not on the minds of Jacob and his sons, for God had predicted enslavement and mistreatment—not exactly an assuring thought. But the fact that God foresaw this four-generation detour is an amazing encouragement. Egypt was a sort of cocoon for Israel, and when they emerged from it, they were a mighty nation.

But for Jacob, God promised more than just many descendants and national prosperity—He gave him a personal promise, similar to the one he had given Abram, of a peaceful death in the company of his beloved son Joseph. That might not seem very significant, but for Jacob, it meant a lot. After the excruciating grief he endured when he believed Joseph to be dead, Jacob couldn't have wished for more than to see his son again. The knowledge that the Lord had cared for his sons and arranged for their futures allowed Jacob to die in peace and be buried in Canaan (50:13)—but the record of his faith has endured to this day.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What are you waiting for? Christ's return? A loved one's salvation? Peaceful relationships? Don't lose heart. God's timing doesn't usually match our scheduling preferences, but the lives of the Patriarchs testify to the faithfulness of God. Be sure to set aside time every day to focus on God's faithfulness. What you see and experience throughout the day may remind you that the wait goes on—but put your faith in the powerful promise of Him whom you cannot see.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 48, 49
Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. - Genesis 49:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and then all of his own sons, he assembled the fathers of the nation of Israel, and he blessed them and prophesied about their future. The author of Hebrews describes this blessing as Jacob's act of faith (Heb. 11:21). It was this faith that was passed down through the tribes of Israel, on through their descendants including Jesus, and through Him to everyone who believes on His name.

In chapter 48, Jacob adopted Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob passed on the primary blessing to the younger of the two (48:19). Unlike the blessing Jacob tricked from the lips of his father, this blessing was intentionally given to a son other than the firstborn. It's interesting that no firstborn son in the history of the Patriarchs was ever the recipient of the preferred blessing—perhaps that's God's way of showing that His plan is distinct from the adopted plans of men.

One blessing that stands out from the rest is Jacob's blessing of Judah because of the clear messianic implications, especially the claim that the “scepter will not depart from Judah” (49:10). Even at this early stage, God gave His people insight into His plan for bringing the King of kings to the throne.

Perhaps the most descriptive blessing, though, is found in 48:15-16, not for what it predicts, but for the past events it recounts. Jacob called God his shepherd throughout his life and an angel that delivered him. This is the first time in Scripture that God is described as a shepherd, and it's so apt in the lives of all the Patriarchs. They weren't perfect. They didn't always make the wisest decisions. They spent their entire lives wandering as nomads through the land God had for them. But they, like sheep, found their salvation in their allegiance to the Shepherd. They followed Him, and they recognized Him as their protector. More than anything, from looking at the lives of the Patriarchs we learn about our God who is faithful, good, and gracious. Now, thousands of years later, we still serve and obey that same God!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
No matter what your nationality is, the descendants of Abraham have blessed you, not because of any marvelous thing they did or skill they had, but because of their faith and God's faithfulness. Praise God for His elaborate plan of simple faith. Since He first called Abram, God has been giving out the gift of faith to people like us who follow Him like sheep. As hopeless as we are on our own, how encouraging to know that our Shepherd is the Lord Almighty!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
All Scripture is God-breathed. - 2 Timothy 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The world's most valuable book is now available to scholars and browsers on the Internet. This two-volume Gutenberg Bible owned by the University of Texas was printed in Germany in the 1450s and used in monasteries as late as the 1760s. The university library carefully scanned the linen pages and used special software to enable good quality viewing online. As one scholar said, “This is probably the most extensively annotated and corrected copy surviving. This is a very great treasure.”

The Word of God is indeed a very great treasure. Our devotional theme for 2006 is “Every Good and Perfect Gift: God Supplies Our Needs.” Throughout the year, we'll consider with grateful hearts the many ways that God provides for our needs and blesses us above all we can ask or imagine. These first few months will focus on some of His greatest gifts, including the Word, the Holy Spirit, and the Church.

This month's study will begin by considering the qualities and effects of the Word, then move forward to our proper relationship and responses to it. Several principles will guide our study: the Bible as we have it today is the text that God intended, and all of Scripture possesses the same qualities. Thus, when a Scripture passage refers to specific parts of the Bible, we may apply what it says to the whole Bible. This month has a theological orientation, but we'll keep our eyes fixed on the fact that the Bible is a gift intended to enrich and transform our lives.

That the Bible is “God-breathed” or “inspired” is the reason for its power (v. 16). This description characterizes the words of Scripture as breathed out by God and emphasizes their divine authorship. While God did not overrule the human authors' unique personalities or distinctive vocabulary, He made certain their words would convey only what He intended. As a result, the Bible is useful for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” That is, it shows us truth, is the standard to which we conform, and is essential for true discipleship or being “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (v. 17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we begin this month's study on what the Word of God is and how it works in our lives, why not think about upgrading your own knowledge of Scripture? One good way to do this is through Moody online and independent study courses. Check them out by visiting www.moody.edu and clicking on “Distance Learning Center.” One of them just might be a great way for you to learn more about “Every Good and Perfect Gift” of God!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 1:16-2:3
Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 1:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
An English businessman is marketing “Sprayonmud” for SUVs that don't actually go anywhere rough or outdoorsy. “Sprayonmud is an urban camouflage designed to give the impression that you are a serious off-roader,” he said. He's been doing brisk business selling it from a Web site for $14.50 per quart, and by the time you read this the product is scheduled to have its own North American distributor.

Sometimes the genuine and the fake are difficult to distinguish. One fact we can count on, though, is that the Bible is the real thing, truthful and reliable from top to bottom. Arguing for the authority of the gospel message preached by himself and the other apostles, Peter appealed first to the fact that they were eyewitnesses (1:16-18). During the Transfiguration especially, God clearly revealed Jesus' identity and glory as His Son.

To strengthen his argument, Peter next appealed to the prophets of the Old Testament (1:19-21). They too had spoken of Christ. How could they have known? Humanly speaking, it was impossible, so Peter explained that their prophecies had in fact originated in the will of God. “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The point is that God is the ultimate Author of the Word, and that Peter's readers can thus have complete faith in its truthfulness. In that case, they would “do well to pay attention to it” and be guided by it until “the morning star rises,” that is, until Christ returns and His truth reigns supreme (cf. Rom. 13:12).

Living in the light of God's truth won't be easy—greedy false teachers will “bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2:1-3). Instead of listening to their made-up tales and taking their road toward destruction, we must take our stand on God's special revelation in Scripture.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you watched a sunrise lately? Try to do so sometime in the near future. As the first fingers of gold and crimson stretch across the sky, reflect on this verse: “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:1-4
I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning. - Luke 1:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thucydides, author of the History of the Peloponnesian War (written around 424 B.C.) is regarded as the first true historian. He included concise, objective, and detailed descriptions of events in a war between Athens and Sparta, along with analytic commentary. In addition to using his firsthand knowledge as a former army general, Thucydides interviewed eyewitnesses, examined battle sites, and studied war-related documents. He wanted to report the truth as accurately as possible.

Luke approached writing his Gospel narrative with the same attitude. Before writing, he had “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” and was well aware of fulfilled prophecies and oral traditions handed down from eyewitnesses (vv. 1-3). As was the case with Peter yesterday, Luke stressed these first-person accounts, as well as noting his own research, both within the context of the proclamation of the gospel message (the “eyewitnesses” were also “servants of the word”). Though his point here is not to give a detailed description of the process of divine inspiration, we do see part of the human dimension of God's supernatural work of inspiration.

Luke wrote an “orderly account” that would strengthen believers' faith and give them confidence in the “certainty of the things [they] have been taught” (v. 4). “Theophilus” means “friend of God” or “one who loves God” and is almost certainly a general address, as when writers used to begin, “Gentle reader.” New believers might have wondered about the stories and doctrines they'd been taught. Luke wanted them to know that the facts had been checked, that their faith had foundations.

Part of the Bible's overall truthfulness is its historical reliability. Our faith is built on facts, chief among them the fact of the Resurrection. Christ's resurrection from the dead is not just an inspiring concept, symbol, or tradition, but an historical event that occurred at a specific point in space and time.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the classic chapters of Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15, is based on the historicity of Christ's resurrection. If this key event never actually happened, wrote Paul, then we ourselves have no hope of resurrection, and in that case “we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Cor. 15:19). Take a little extra time in your devotions today to read through this entire chapter.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 30:1-6
Every word of God is flawless. - Proverbs 30:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many music lovers regard Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, including its famous “Ode to Joy,” as the height of artistic perfection. Certainly one anonymous buyer thought so, as he was recently willing to pay $3.47 million at auction for the final 575-page manuscript, which was made by a copyist but is marked with revisions and comments written by Beethoven himself. Sadly, the composer had been deaf for eight years by the time this symphony was first performed in 1824, so he never actually heard his own masterpiece.

Whether Beethoven's symphony is “perfect” might be debated, but there can be no debate about the “flawless” perfection of Scripture (v. 5). Agur, a wise man about whom we know nothing beyond this passage, set the stage with exaggerated statements of his ignorance, thus emphasizing God's omniscience, and rhetorical questions highlighting God's power and authority (vv. 2-4; cf. Job 38-39). In one breathtaking verse, readers are swept up to the heavens, overwhelmed with the forces of nature, and confronted with the Holy One who established all this and holds it in the palm of His hand. The question “What is his name?” effectively means “Not yours!”

Given who God is, how could Scripture be any less than “flawless”? This word is also translated “tested,” meaning “purified,” like metal refined in a furnace. God is wise, holy, powerful, and great, so His words must also be acknowledged as wise, holy, powerful, and great. A clear implication is that they are utterly trustworthy, which explains the parallelism that follows. Because God's words are certain and true, He is our shield and refuge.

Given who God is, we dare not presume to “add to his words” (v. 6; cf. Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:19). This doesn't mean, though, that God has stopped speaking in modern times. As we know, He continues to guide us through experiences, tradition, leaders, and other means, but these sources must always be checked against the Word.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The lyrics to the chorus, “Refiner's Fire,” say: “Purify my heart, let me be as gold and precious silver. . . . Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy, set apart for you, Lord. I choose to be holy, set apart for you, Lord, set apart for you, my master, ready to do your will.” In light of Agur's longing for “knowledge of the Holy One” in today's reading, close your devotions today by singing this song or reading through these lyrics as a prayer to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 3:6-19
It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. - Luke 16:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most stifling defenses in football history was the “No-Name Defense” of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. The unit allowed only 18 touchdowns in 17 games, while intercepting 26 passes and sacking the quarterback 34 times. Though they had no big-name players, with the possible exception of linebacker Nick Buoniconti, they helped propel the Dolphins to what remains to this day the NFL's only perfect season.

Perfection is a rare commodity, yet in today's passage we see once again the perfection of the Word. Every detail matters, even the “least stroke of a pen,” as today's verse affirms. No wonder God told Jeremiah: “Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word” (Jer. 26:2).

The perfection of Scripture is seen in its details. Part of Paul's argument in Galatians 3 turns on a minor grammatical point—the difference between singular and plural. “The promises were spoken to Abraham and his seed. The Scripture does not say ”˜and to seeds,' meaning many people, but ”˜and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ” (v. 16; cf. Gen. 12:7). That is, the promises given to Abraham were fulfilled specifically in Christ (v. 19).

The perfection of Scripture is also seen in its overall themes. Justification by faith is not a new idea that suddenly sprouted in the New Testament, but one found throughout the Old Testament and Jewish history. Abraham was saved by faith, and all who believe in this way are children of Abraham (vv. 6-9).

The Law's purpose was never to bring redemption, nor can it do so (vv. 10-14, 19). God had planned to save the Gentiles all along. The “one story” of the Bible is the story of God's promise of salvation in Christ, available to all through faith. And as shown through Paul's personification of the Word (v. , God has given Scripture an active role to play in the unfolding of redemption history.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many of us regularly use only one translation of the Bible. But different translations can often help us read Scripture in a fresh way—we may actually pay attention to the words since we can't skim through familiar phrases. To explore and compare various English translations of the Bible, you could get a parallel edition, which shows four or more translations side by side. As you read, ask the Lord to show you truths in His Word that you may have missed before.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 4:1-12
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. - Psalm 145:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that initial published studies claiming that certain drugs or treatments work often do not hold up over time. Researchers examined 45 highly publicized research reports published in 1990-2003 in three well-known medical journals and found that 16 percent were contradicted by later research, with another 16 percent cast into doubt. For example, Vitamin E pills were thought to help prevent heart attacks, but that was later discovered to be untrue. The editors stated: “A single study is not the final word, and that is an important message.”

By contrast, the Bible is consistent across history. What was true yesterday remains true today and will be true tomorrow. How? Even when the human authors couldn't foresee or understand clearly all the ideas and images in their words and messages, the ultimate Author was God, who plans and governs all (cf. Heb. 13:. The Word is, after all, His Word, and in the end it reveals His person, perspective, and plan, which is far greater than our limited human perceptions of situations and change. This consistency is part of its perfection and yet another reason why we can consider it absolutely reliable or trustworthy.

Like yesterday's reading, Romans 4 argues that the doctrine of justification by faith is not new, as illustrated in two of Israel's greatest heroes. Abraham was saved by faith not works (vv. 1-3), and David rejoiced in the blessedness of free, undeserved forgiveness (vv. 6-8). To those who still doubted the global scope of God's redemptive plan, Paul pointed out that the initial promise to and faith of Abraham pre-dated the sign of circumcision (a sign of chosenness). The implication is that there are actually two branches on Abraham's family tree (vv. 11-12).

An “eternal kingdom” (see today's verse) does not change its essential nature over time. The Bible's words always hold up!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To dig deeper into this study of Scripture, you can explore various branches of theology. Systematic theology and historical theology can both add greatly to our understanding of the Bible. This might be as short as a look at a doctrinal outline in the back of your study Bible, or as in-depth as reading Is There a Meaning in This Text? The Bible, the Reader, and the Morality of Literary Knowledge by Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Zondervan), available at www.christianbook.com or at your local Christian bookstore.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 19:16-30
He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature. - 2 Peter 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Cell phones equipped with tiny digital cameras captured some of the most memorable images from the London subway bombings last July. People on the scene could transmit text, photos, and even video nearly instantaneously, bringing a sense of personal immediacy to headlines and news reports. One individual, for instance, sent a picture of passengers trapped underground near the King's Cross station, their subway car stopped, the air heavy with smoke from the explosions.

Similarly, the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament contextualize John's Passion narrative with timely urgency. The prophecies fulfilled during Christ's crucifixion drive home the point that God's words are a sure thing. Specifically, John mentioned that gambling for Jesus' garments matched a prophecy (v. 24; Psalm 22:18). Generally, he also pointed out that Jesus had chosen to do all that He had done “so that the Scripture would be fulfilled” (v. 28). We've read the past two days how God's plan of redemption in Christ was not “new,” much less “plan B,” but had been revealed in Scripture long before. At the time of Christ's intense physical and spiritual suffering, it's instructive and humbling to see that obedience to God's Word was uppermost in His mind.

The certainty of biblical prophecies and promises illustrates again the reliability and trustworthiness of the Word. “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num. 23:19). Even more succinctly, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). No wonder the psalmist celebrated: “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil” (Ps. 119:162). But as today's verse emphasizes, God's promises are not just about “what's in it for me,” but an avenue to personal holiness and a close relationship with the Holy One (cf. 2 Cor. 7:1).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Given that God's promises are as good as “in the bank,” putting several into your “memory bank” is always appropriate. Choose several biblical promises that are precious to you personally and commit them to memory. If you need a place to start, here is a particularly beautiful promise: “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth” (Isa. 25:.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:18-21
Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God. - Deuteronomy 4:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1833, New Hampshire Baptists affirmed: “We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.”

Human attempts to add to the Bible display at least two sinful attitudes. The first is disrespect. Failing to treat special revelation as a sacred process governed by God devalues the Word. As Moses knew in today's verse, such a careless attitude brings about disobedience—the point of respecting Scripture is keeping God's commands. Those who want to evade or modify them have their own ends in mind rather than God's glory.

The second sin is pride. Are we really so conceited as to think we can add to God's Word? As described on January 4, God still speaks to us today, but those words and leadings need always to be tested against the Word.

This is serious business. Deuteronomy calls down curses on anyone who alters God's words. John warned that the same judgment executed on the beast and his followers awaited anyone who added anything to the prophecy of Revelation (v. 18). Those fearsome events are described in chapter 16, including blood in the water, darkness, and drought. He also warned that eternal life would not be in store for anyone who subtracted anything from God's words (v. 19; cf. Rev. 22:1-5). False teachers, beware!

The final line uttered by Jesus in Revelation is: “Yes, I am coming soon” (v. 20). From this day until that one, by grace we must live in His truthful words.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Given the number of popular misconceptions and even lies about the canon (the books of the Bible), it's helpful to read more about the formation of the canon to understand how we got our Scriptures. From God to Us, by Norman Geisler (Moody), would be a good choice for newcomers to this topic, and Origin of the Bible, by F. F. Bruce, J. I. Packer, Philip Comfort, and Carl F. H. Henry (Tyndale), is helpful for those looking for more information.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 5:17-22
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. - Isaiah 40:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
A famous American novel little more than a century old is embroiled in textual controversy. Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage was published in 1895, following many changes and cuts to his original manuscript. In 1982 Norton and Company published his original, arguing that Crane made the changes under pressure from an editor who wanted a more upbeat tale. The Norton editor claimed that only in the original does the main character, Henry, grow meaningfully through his Civil War experiences.

The Bible also has some passages where scholars disagree about the specifics of the text. But most of textual variants are minor, and none calls into question any fundamental Christian doctrine. From the perspective of faith, we can have complete confidence that the Word we have is the Word God gave. As today's verse makes clear, the words of God are eternal.

That's why Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, meaning to “complete” or “enflesh” them (v. 17). Temporal words can be abolished, but not eternal words. In God's unfolding of historical revelation, we see His master plan of redemption. Jesus meant “fulfill” not only in the sense of fulfilling the details of specific prophecies, but also revealing or incarnating the overall meanings and themes of Scripture. As found in all four Gospels, His life and teachings clearly do so.

Scripture is eternal, which is one of its essential qualities (v. 18). Once again, we see that the Bible is perfectly reliable and trustworthy, a point spotlighted in the dramatic hyperbole “least stroke of a pen.” As a result, our relationship to the Word should be one of sincere obedience (vv. 19-20). As opposed to legalists and hypocrites, those who practice God's commands “will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Because God's Word is what it is, our response should be to joyfully follow, obey, trust, stand on, and live by it! Nothing else in life is more reasonable.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How would you describe your current relationship to the eternal, perfect Word of God? Do you just open it randomly from time to time? Do you read it critically, reserving the right to reject some portions? Or do you read it with a humble heart and an open mind? Do you approach your daily time in the Word as a meeting with your beloved Shepherd and Friend? As you honestly evaluate your relationship with God and His Word, know that the Shepherd offers grace to you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 6:10-18
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. - Ephesians 6:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
The samurai warriors of medieval Japan believed their swords had spiritual reality and power. These swords were always with them, from birth to death, whether in the bedroom or on the battlefield. Those who made the swords approached their craft as a spiritual endeavor, fasting, praying, and even wearing priestly white robes. They mixed and hammered layers of hard and soft steel to forge swords that excelled in both sharpness and strength. To the warriors, these swords represented their honor.

We should take the “sword of the Spirit” with equal seriousness, for its truth and power come from God. Today's reading describes the “armor of God,” by which we put on His strength rather than relying on our own (v. 10). Spiritual warfare is real, for the Devil is scheming how to put stumbling blocks in our path, and if we trust in ourselves to fight these battles we will surely fall (vv. 11-12).

The sole offensive weapon in Paul's extended metaphor is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). Under house arrest at the time that he wrote Ephesians (v. 20), he may have been using his guards as a visual reference as he described the belt, breastplate, shield, sandals, helmet, and short sword.

While a typical Roman soldier also carried a spear, these guards wouldn't have needed one for this assignment, which probably explains why there's no spear in Paul's picture.

Hebrews 4:12-13 uses the same vivid comparison. In these verses, we understand that God's words are dynamic, purposeful, and powerful. They penetrate and judge us accurately, leaving no room for hiding or self-deception. They wound us with razor-sharp edges when we harbor sinful attitudes or actions.

Because God is the Author, His Word is effectively linked to His omniscience, wisdom, and right to judge. This truth should inspire in us humility, respect, and gratitude. The live words of a live God are a very great gift!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have never before memorized Hebrews 4:12, today is a great time to start! If you feel overwhelmed with idea of Scripture memory, try at least one phrase a day.

The verse reads: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. - 1 Peter 1:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1789, a group of mutineers put their officers on a longboat, took control of the H.M.S. Bounty, and sailed to Tahiti to enjoy a comfortable life. Fearing punishment, some of them, along with several Polynesians, later moved to uninhabited Pitcairn Island and burned the ship so there would be no evidence. Despite the South Pacific paradise-like setting, sexual immorality, jealousy, anger, alcohol, and disease took their toll until there was only one Englishman, ten women, and many children left.

The remaining Englishman, Alexander Smith, discovered a Bible in the ship's goods, and thankfully, the next-to-last man had taught him to read before he died. Smith studied the Word, decided it held the answer to the community's problems, and initiated Sunday worship and daily prayer times for the remaining people. In 1808, an American ship happening upon the island was surprised to discover a thriving group of 35 English-speaking Christians.

The power of Scripture can transform lives! As we learn in today's reading, the Word has an important role to play in spiritual rebirth and sanctification. The reading begins with a moral imperative found throughout the New Testament: “Love one another deeply from the heart.” This should be the natural result of purity and obedience (1:22). This pursuit of holiness and love should in turn spring from our salvation, which is linked with the message of salvation, the gospel (1:23; James 1:18). Being born again is a spiritual and eternal event (John 3:5-6), and the Bible is a spiritual and eternal revelation. Much more than a “good book,” it is the “living and enduring word of God,” as Isaiah had also proclaimed (1:23-25).

After being spiritually reborn, we are to “grow up” in our salvation (2:2), progressing from spiritual infancy to maturity, as displayed in increasing love and righteousness. Our motive is greater intimacy with God (2:3; cf. Ps. 34:.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“Born again” is a popular phrase, but not everyone knows what it means. Do you? It means that when a person trusts in Jesus for salvation from sin, he or she essentially starts a new life as a new person.

But without that trust, the Bible says you are “dead in your sins” (Col. 2:13). There's nothing you can do to save yourself. If you've never trusted in Jesus, let today be the start of your new life!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 22:3-20
When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. - 2 Kings 22:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
A Scottish scholar working in New York found a previously unknown drawing by Michelangelo. Sifting through storage boxes at a Smithsonian museum in 2002, Timothy Clifford found a drawing of an elaborate candelabrum that he was sure was by the master Renaissance artist. “It was just as I recognize a friend in the street or my wife across the breakfast table,” he said, and leading art scholars have concurred. The museum director said, “The manner in which the drawing was discovered is straight out of a children's storybook.”

A similar story is found in today's reading, when a copy of the lost Law was discovered during Josiah's temple restoration project. Josiah was the last godly king before the Exile. Since he took the throne at age eight, his mother Jedidah should probably be given much credit for putting her son on the right spiritual path. The young king dedicated his life to the Lord at age 16 and began campaigning against idolatry at age 20 (2 Chron. 34:3-7). Jeremiah and Zephaniah also prophesied during his reign.

By the time of the events in today's reading, Josiah was age 26. A collection had been taken for repairing the temple, and the king put the priests in charge of making renovations. During this project, they discovered a copy of the lost “Book of the Law,” which may have been the entire Pentateuch or at least the book of Deuteronomy. When had it been lost? Perhaps Manasseh or Amon, Josiah's predecessors, had tried to destroy all copies in their thoroughgoing wickedness.

Hearing God's Word, Josiah responded with repentance; tearing his robes showed grief over the nation's sins. Deuteronomy 28 would have been quite clear about why God was angry with His covenant people. Thanks to Josiah's humble and responsive heart, revival came to Judah and the prophesied judgment was delayed (vv. 16-20). God's Word changes hearts, and changed hearts change history.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Creating a specific, personal narrative about one impact Scripture has had in your life can help you remember the power of the Word. It need not include a “torn robe,” and the story can be told either through speaking or writing.

The narrative might tell about a discovery, or perhaps a problem with a solution, or conviction of sin, or comfort in grief, or one of the many other powerful functions the Word performs in our lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-8
Everything created by God is good . . . because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. - 1 Timothy 4:4-5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Working in the early 1970s, engineers Irwin Lachman, Ronald Lewis, and Rodney Bagley designed a catalytic converter for automobiles. The ceramic converter, with which almost all cars today are equipped, turns toxic fumes into water vapor, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. In the last 30 years, this device has kept an estimated three billion tons of pollutants out of the atmosphere. Last spring, President Bush awarded each of the men a National Medal of Technology. Fighting environmental pollution is part of our stewardship of creation. Analogously, the Bible fights spiritual pollution in our lives as believers.

Since God's Word is true, anything that deviates from it is false. Through Paul, the Spirit warned the church about false teachers, who “follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (v. 1). Clearly, part of spiritual warfare is discerning truth from error. These false teachers earned a harsh description—“hypocritical liars” with hardened consciences (v. 2). What teachings deserved such strong words? Legalistic prohibitions against marriage and certain foods (v. 3).

Since God's Word is holy, it consecrates not only marriage and food, but also “everything God created” (vv. 4-5). God's purpose is that we enjoy His created blessings, receiving them as blessings with thankful hearts. We believe and know the truth that He is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). To reject this is not merely a “lifestyle choice,” but blasphemous opposition to His purposes. This truth is integrally connected to a godly life and must be clearly taught by pastors and elders (vv. 6-8).

Despite the Fall and gnostic heresies, God's material creation remains “good” and “very good” (Gen. 1). The truth of the Word gives us the right orientations: first, a grateful focus on the Giver rather than the gift; and second, a submissive attitude to the King rather than a possessive or self-centered attitude toward His world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are your mealtime prayers getting a little routine, even stale? Today's verse might inspire you to freshen them up! You might sing a hymn sometimes instead of praying.

Or you could keep a basket of missionary picture cards on the table, picking one each dinnertime to remember in prayer. Another idea is to use a book of prayers (if you usually pray spontaneously) or pray spontaneously (if you usually use a book or set form)