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"THE BREATH OF GOD UPON THE SCRIPTURES" "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 Timothy 3:16-17) "The Scriptures are the mind of God telling us the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It gives light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is explained, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, on to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; and yes, to glory itself for eternity."You know folks, God could have given us a book that equipped us on how to “get rich quick.” He could have given us a text that included all of the medical and scientific information that we would need in order to heal every disease or cure every illness. God could even have given us a copy of the Book of Life, which Revelation tells us the names of all His children (20:15). And yet He determined it to be more important to give us the Bible. Why? Because of what it is able to do. What can it do? Can it make us wealthy? Yes, with riches that cannot be lost or stolen. Can it treat our illness? Yes, with that holy balm that ministers to the soul. Can it give us assurance that we will live in Heaven forever? Yes, by describing those who have trusted Christ for salvation and to whom eternal life is promised and by instructing us how to live like it. Apparently, God places a higher value on these spiritual qualities than He does upon the material wealth or health that He could have provided us. Should not we do the same? Shouldn’t we lay aside popularity for purity, success for sanctification, and comfortableness for conformity to Christ? Our answer to that should be a resounding Yes with a capital Y. Friends, every verse in the Word of God has been written to learn and lean upon while providing us with hope and comfort concerning all things!