International Day of the Bible
Today’s Text: Psalm 119:9-12
FOUNDATION

The Bible is the Foundation for Life.

Today has been designated International Day of the Bible.

The 119th Psalm is dedicated to the value of the Bible in the practical reality of daily life. Because it is divided into twenty-two stanzas corresponding to the letters of the alphabet, one tradition teaches that this psalm was written by King David to instill a love for the Word of God, while at the same time teaching his son Hebrew script.

The beginning of the second stanza encapsulates the practical value of God’s Word:

PSALM 119:9-12

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.

With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.

Life filled with purpose and fulfillment begins when we focus on the Word of God. The psalmist highlights the example of a young man who during that specific time of life is intensely vulnerable to pressure and temptation. If the psalmist is indeed King David, he poses a rhetorical question to draw his son back to the heart of the issue. . . How can a young man hope for a pure and subsequently peaceful life?

INTERNALIZE GOD’S WORD

Whatever fills the mind and heart influences our actions. Reading, contemplating and memorizing the Word of God is not merely our religious duty, but a vital necessity for success in life.

Food for Thought . . . Reading the Bible.

Internalizing the principles of Scripture gives stability and perspective in a world system dominated and influenced by Satan who actively engages in attempting to circumvent God’s will and purpose. (1)

The apostle Paul affirmed:

“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16).

HUMILITY VERSUS ARROGANCE

Choosing to read and internalize the Bible demonstrates a humility that seeks the wisdom of God in coping with life experiences. Neglecting or avoiding God’s Word is the epitome of arrogance expressing an attitude that your finite mind is better equipped to deal with daily circumstances than the infinite God of creation. 

Reading the Bible doesn’t necessarily result in an emotional experience. However, when you choose to make those principles the primary input affecting your worldview, your life will change—for the better! Make that choice today!

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken authentically communicates biblical truth making his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via contact form under the ABOUT heading. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

ENDNOTE:
(1) While Satan persists unrelentingly to draw men away from God, we know his attempts are futile. God will decisively deal the final deathblow and crush Satan’s kingdom (Rom. 16:20; Rev. 20:10).

IMAGE CREDITS:
1) Bible opened to Isaiah. By, Ken Horn, [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios.
2) Food for Thought; Reading the Bible. By Rushay (RUSH) Booysen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rushay/300819410) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios.

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