Scripture . . . Apropos to Life!

The author of Hebrews said, ‘The Word of God is living and active…’ what an outrageous claim to make of something on a printed page! But
it is true. ‘It penetrates to the soul and spirit…’he
said, and that is true. Images flash in my mind of times
when I wanted to comfort someone, when I wanted to say something to a
friend--

. . . whose son was sick in the hospital, and the diagnosis not known

. . . who needed to make some tough decisions about work that would impact his family, and frankly, his family really mattered to him-- the anxiety was overwhelming!

. . . who has known nothing but abandonment all his life

. . . who had broken up his family because of his immoral decisions, and he has now given up on himself . . .

What could I offer? Where could I go to find something life-giving away?

……to the one book that could provide comfort, guidance, promise, and forgiveness . . . the Word of God.

To the mother whose son was sick: Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. And
the God of peace will keep your heart and your mind quiet and at rest
while you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4.6-7 I shared these verses with
her on the phone, and then she ‘texted’ me and asked me to please send
them to her; why? The verses were a lifeline to her.

What does the Bible say:

>To the man with tough decisions: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3.5-6 ‘Take it a day at a
time, and ask the Lord to guide each part of the process—interviews,
connections,’ I said. ‘Commit each part to him, and ask
him for wisdom.’ ‘Yeah, sounds good,’ he replied.

>To the one who feels he has always been ‘left’: God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13.5 People may leave;
God will not. He will not turn his back on you, or be gone
when you need him most.

>To the one who gave into sin, hurting his family: As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us. Psalm 103.5 You will be called by a new name that the Lord will bestow on you. Isaiah 62.2 ‘If God has forgiven you, then
you must forgive yourself and move forward. I know you are
dealing with the fallout, but nonetheless, you are a beloved child of
God! Do not live a defeated life anymore, Friend.’

The Word of God has the ability to seep into the very marrow of your being—to comfort, to bring peace, to lead, guide, convict, and offer forgiveness
too. That is why it is truly ALIVE. Unlike a
pretty, inspirational poem which can bring a smile, or even a kind,
encouraging word . . . Scripture offers divine sustenance, which cannot
be surpassed! While we can comprehend how we got the Holy
Scriptures, and how they are supported historically, scientifically,
etc., isn’t it incredible that God’s Word is also personal, applicable,
and life-giving, apropos to our daily living? Yes, my
friends, it is.

Christine