How important is the Bible to you? Are you doing your Quiet Time out of an obligation to your parents, or has it become part of an everyday routine without much meaning or joy? You may be physically reading the Bible, but is your heart far away and your mind thinking about something else?

This was not the case with the Thessalonian church. When they received the Word of God, they received it as it is – the truth; God’s words speaking directly to them. Therefore, their attitude was to allow the words of truth to sink deep into their hearts. The Word of God started to work in them and its effects became visible to others.

When you read the Bible or hear it taught, what do you receive it as – God’s truth or the words of men? It will show in our attitude toward the Bible. The Thessalonian Christians received every part of God’s Word as truth. Thank God for preserving every inspired word for us today. It’s amazing! We have the very same words that the early church had!

Have you wondered what can make a greedy, lying, vulgar, sinful person repent? Man’s words, punishments, or attempts at counselling may only work for a short time. I remember when I was in school, no matter how many demerit points or detentions that the teachers threatened me with, I continued to break the rules! Lasting change can only come about through God’s Word working in us. This must start with receiving the Bible “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God”.

Read slowly this extract of the hymn “Thy Word is like a Garden”. What a beautiful picture of what the Bible is!

Thought: “...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to love and obey Your Word always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.