FEBRUARY 3, 2 Timothy 2:15 

“Well, Alex, what’s on your schedule for tomorrow?” asked Dad as he sat down in an easy chair.
Alex snapped off the TV and picked up the paper. “Oh,” he said, “tomorrow afternoon we have a birthday party.” He quickly read through the comic page while his dad took off his shoes. Then, handing Dad the newspaper, Alex added, “We’re having a Bible quiz at the beginning of the party. Maybe I’ll just go late.”
“Oh? Why is that?”asked Dad.“You used to enjoy quizzes.Why don’t you like them now?” Alex leafed through a sports magazine. “Because Joel always wins, that’s why. They’re no fun anymore.” “I see,” murmured Dad. “Maybe you should do a little studying. Do you know what chapters the quiz will cover?”
“Yes,” replied Alex, “but it doesn’t matter what chapters they are. Joel will know everything in them. That guy really knows his Bible! The other day in science class, Joel and our teacher got into quite a discussion about creation, and Joel did really good. He quoted verses from the Bible and talked about why he believed it was true. He really knew what he was talking about.” “Good for Joel!” cheered Dad.

Dad watched Alex for a moment, then he asked, “How do you suppose Joel learned so much?” Alex shrugged. “Well,” said Dad, “I don’t think it came from reading magazines or newspapers or watching TV. If you want to know the Bible, you have to study the Bible.”

Alex looked at Dad thoughtfully. He looked down at his magazine. Then, putting it down, he got to his feet. “Excuse me, please.” He grinned at his dad. “I have to go study a couple of chapters in my Bible. Joel’s going to have some competition tomorrow!”

Thought: Do you wish you had as much Bible knowledge as your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, or even a friend? It’s available to you, too, but it won’t come automatically. Listen carefully when God’s Word is taught in church and Sunday school. Study it by yourself, too. That’s the way to learn.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, may I remember the lesson and verse for today, that I may indeed study to show myself approved unto God. That though young, I may be a workman who needs not to be ashamed, that I may divide the word of truth in the right way. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.