All Scripture is given by inspiration of God

 

I believe that is true.  But does that mean that every word in Scripture is true and has to be taken literally or is some of Scripture to be taken as an allegory or parable?  Does God put some weird stuff in there just to see if we are paying attention? :)

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17(NKJV)

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.

Here are a couple of my thoughts on the subject. 

 

Jesus told us that he often He taught with allegories and parables.  So is it not probable that God did the same thing in other parts of the Bible? 

 

Scripture also tells us in multiple places that we need to learn to discern God's word.  If every single word in the Bible was to be taken at face value their would be nothing to discern would there?  Part of discernment is learning to separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak. 

 

 Lastly I think God has a great sense of humor.  I truly believe that God puts some stuff in there just to mess with us and see of we are paying attention! 

 

As a father I used to good naturedly screw with my kids just to see if they were paying attention.  As God the father, would it be out of character for God to do the same?  Its part of what I love about my study of Scripture.  :) 

If you had but one goal per day, this would be a great one!

 

What a great goal to have at the beginning of every day and what a great yardstick to measure against at the end of the day!

 

2 Timothy 2:15-16(NKJV)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 

 

My prayer for us all today is that we are all diligent to present ourselves approved to God.  Today and everyday.  Amen!

"…but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

 

I am reminded this morning of another foundational verse.  It just happened to be in my daily reading.  I so love how God's word through Scripture can speak to me that way.

 

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 

I recently had coffee with my sons and my grandsons.  My son Jed came up with this idea.  The guys have coffee on a Saturday morning once a month.  Its an opportunity to start teaching the boys how to become young men.  At our last coffee I shared my belief that if you expect good things to happen, they usually do!

 

For me this Scripture fits right in with that belief.  It is an approach to life.  Too many people act out of fear instead of faith.  I understand how that can happen because fear is a powerful emotion.  Fear can be paralyzing.  It can make people feel helpless.

 

Memorize this Scripture!  Next time you are feeling a bit paralyzed remind yourself that God gave you a spirit of Power, and of Love, and of a sound mind.  Expect good things to happen. Take joy in the struggle, and step out in power built on your faith that God has you covered!!!