Daily Devotional

In the late 1800s, the three founders of The Gideons International sought to meet a need among their peers. They wanted to create an Association for Christian traveling men to identify  and support each other when away from home. The now familiar effort to place Bibles in hotel rooms started later…in 1908.

As an unbeliever  I  was not a Bible reader…except when I stayed at a hotel. I expected and was never disappointed to find a Gideon Bible in a drawer. I cannot remember a time when I did not open it.

I was intrigued by John 3:16 written in numerous languages. I loved trying out various  languages and I truly believe that verse sunk deeply into my desperately sinful and needy heart.

There was also quite a list of helpful verses in the front pages about many of life’s  issues. I often read a few that were especially timely for me at the time. Oh, how they ministered to my truth-seeking soul.

I was especially drawn to read the following regarding the power of the Bible. In fact, reading it recently drew me back to those early days of desperately searching for love, joy, and peace that I would later lesrn could only come from trusting in Jesus Christ alone (not religion or church membership) for my salvation. Let me invite you to read it today.

“THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, 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, and practice it to be holy. It contains 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 charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the  heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility,  will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”

Wow! What an amazing statement. It is so worthy of reading often.

Whether we are in a lonely room, or sitting in a comfortable easy chair, or working at  a cluttered desk, may God draw all of us to His glorious Word today…and every day. It truly is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Why not start with John 3:16…in English?

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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