What if…Those two words can be powerful, they can engage the imagination to see greater things, or stir fear and hatred. They can help us to see things outside the box, or to try to keep people inside the box. What if implies possibility or even wonder. As we start a new year I want to spend the next few weeks asking some of those what if’s of faith. Some what if’s I want to explore: What if the bible is really as important as it says it is? What if God is really listening when I pray? What if I am the only Christian someone ever meets, what would they learn about God from me? What if the words I speak are the most lasting memory someone has of me?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
If you read Psalm 119 it is filled with gushing love and affirmation of the bible, and for God’s laws. But his passion may seem foreign or strange to you. A poll by LifeWay Research of over 2,000 Americans who read the Bible at least once a month found that only about a third of them read it almost every single day, although the average reader owns 3.6 copies of the Bible. You may own a bible, but it’s another thing to believe that the bible is as impactful and important as the Psalmist says. For so many the Bible can be perceived as boring, irrelevant, or confusing.
What if the Psalmist is right? What if the Bible is a light to protect you and guide you? What if the Bible can change how you live? I think the best way to find out is to experience it yourself. In the New Year try out a bible reading plan to help keep you on track (some great ideas can be found at youversion.com). Another option that I am doing is to read The Story (www.thestory.com), a chronological overview of the whole bible as single story of God at work in and through this world and his people. Read regularly, take your time and process what you read, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Head to resources like biblegateway.com, or blueletterbible.com to help, or contact me if you have any questions. What if the psalmist is right? I think the answer could change your life, if you give it a try.
Pastor Bill