Blessings

Dan Bailey

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:3

It is sad today that many of those who claim to be Christians do not read, study, and meditate upon God's word. The Bible is like a great fountain of water in the middle of a desert. It brings life to all who honestly follow and obey its teachings, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).

We read in the parable of the sower, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15). It is impossible to really keep the word if we are not fully acquainted with it. And it is impossible to be fully acquainted with it unless we study it carefully and rightly divide it.

Paul told Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). All of us know that we should study the Bible in order to learn how to live and to please God, but few ever really consider all of the great blessings that we receive from the Holy Scriptures.

The scriptures bring joy to the life of a Christian. There is no way for anyone to realize this unless he truly breaks the bread of life. The great apostle John said, "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:4). God wants His people to have joy. In a world of pain, sorrow, tragedies and trials, how wonderful it is to have joy in our hearts concerning God, Christ, and the promise of eternal life. We have the assurance that God is with us every single second of every day. Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).

The scriptures help us to have peace through Christ our Lord. It is in the Bible that we read, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your" (Philippians 4:6,7). In this particular instance we are instructed in the word of God to pray for help from God instead of worrying about the affairs of this life. There is a peace that God blesses us with that truly surpasses all understanding.

The scriptures are able to comfort us in times of sorrow and difficulty. Paul wrote the Thessalonian brethren concerning the second coming of Christ and the final resurrection from the dead. He concluded that particular thought with "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  Our God is called "...the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). God comforts us with His Word and in a providential way. The psalmist said, "Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant" (Psalm 119:76). And we also read, "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me"  (Psalm 119:50).

The scriptures will help to crown us with wisdom. David said, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7). We read in Proverbs 3:13-15, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." God's law is His Word or Truth. When we study it carefully, we learn the secrets of wisdom. Our God is infinite in wisdom and understanding. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33).

God has given us the Bible in order to make us wise unto salvation and wise in our daily living. A good faithful Christian who studies his Bible and relies upon God will be blessed with wisdom. "He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:4-7).

These are only a few of the great blessings that we receive from the Word of God. Let us praise God for His eternal Word. Apply it to your daily life and receive God's blessings.