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October 2018 October 2018

Dr. Selwyn Hughes, who for many years was the author of ‘Every Day With Jesus’
Bible reading notes, said that his heart ached with the desire to encourage
people to read the Bible. He found the statistics were alarming in relation to the
regular reading of the Scriptures by modern day Christians. Few, it seems, turn to
the Bible on a daily or even regular basis.
He wrote, “The other day I came across this statement from the book of Job: ‘I
have treasured the words of God’s mouth more than my daily bread.’ (23:12).
How many Christians in today’s world would regard their intake from God’s Word
as important, let alone more important than their daily diet? All too few I believe.
Whenever I speak to a congregation these days I usually begin by asking how
many love the Bible. Most hands go up. How many believe the Bible? Again most
hands go up. How many read the Bible? Still lots of hands go up. How many
read the Bible daily? Few hands go up. Christianity is founded on Scripture. It
provides us with the basis of our faith, but not only that: the One who inspired its
pages still promises to speak to us through it. The Word of God, said the writer to
the Hebrews, is living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword.”
The Bible is an amazing book. It is made up of 66 books, written by 40 authors over
a period of 1500 years. And yet the Bible is a unity. There is a complete harmony
which cannot be explained by coincidence or collusion. The unity of the Bible is a
strong argument in favour of its Divine inspiration. There have been many
attempts over the centuries to destroy the Bible, yet today it is still the number one
best seller in the world.
It is quite likely that many people reading this will have a copy of the Bible
somewhere in their home, so why not get it out and decide to read some verses
from it every day. If you don’t know where to start, try reading one of the Gospels,
perhaps the book of Mark, about the life of Jesus. Before you start to read pray a
short prayer asking God to help you understand what you are reading and to
speak to you. God will bless you as you read.

Just a Smile!

A little boy opened the big old family Bible with fascination looking at the old
pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked it up
and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed
between the pages. “Mum, look what I’ve found, “ the boy called out. “What
have you got there, dear?” his mother asked. With astonishment in his voice he
answered, “It’s Adam’s suit!”
My grandson was visiting one day when he asked: “Grandma, do you know how
you and God are alike?” I mentally polished my halo while I asked, “No, how are
we alike?” “You’re both old,” he replied.
Joyce Healey

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