At the time of this writing the blades need sharpened, the oil needs checked and a riding mower battery is all that stands between me and the big green monster I call my lawn. Aw, I know it could be worse. It could keep raining till we start looking up those dimensions God gave Noah in Genesis! Still I suppose mowing and trimming are good ways to relax and get your mind and body focused on other things. And it does feel real good to relax from my hammock view with a big glass of iced tea surveying the finished product, a well manicured lawn. As I go about the process of readying the afore mentioned man toys for use, I think of how we ready ourselves for the things of life. Education begins earlier than ever as children are shaped, sharpened and equipped to deal with life. Higher education prepares men and women for specialized careers and of course there is pre marriage counseling for those who are preparing for Holy matrimony. Often though as many of you can attest there are things we face in life that nothing has prepared us for. That is except the Bible.
No one really knows how many copies of the Bible have been printed, sold, or distributed. The Bible Society’s attempt to calculate the number printed between 1816 and 1975 produced the figure of 2,458,000,000. A more recent survey, for the years up to 1992, put it closer to 6,000,000,000 in more than 2,000 languages and dialects. Whatever the precise figure, the Bible is by far the bestselling book of all time. So with the pages of Holy Writ available to us in more ways today than ever before, why is there such a lack of understanding and application of its principles and truths? Don’t get me wrong, reading the Bible isn’t a quick fix or a lucky rabbits foot, but its truth if learned and applied can shape, change and mold a life. Years ago I read, “Three steps forward and two steps back” by Chuck Swindoll. In regard to the scripture writes, “Think of the Scriptures as an absolutely accurate map. A map tells you how to get to a certain destination. But just looking at a map won't automatically transport you to Arizona or England or Peru. Getting to those places means you have to make the effort...pay the cost...take the time for travel...stay at it until you arrive. In a word, persevere. So it is in the Christian life. God's map is reliable and available. It is also clear and direct. But there is no hocus-pocus in its pages that automatically sends its reader by way of a magic carpet. Please don't misunderstand. I love God's Word! I am more convinced than ever in my life that its trustworthy truths are of inestimable value. But although the Bible may be a trustworthy book, it is certainly no magic potion that you rub on yourself three times a day to chase the devil away. Nor is it something you take internally with a pious promise to God, hoping that the next morning you will suddenly know and experience all its truths. There is no such "instant maturity" available on this earth. God does not offer a formula that produces fully mature Christians overnight. Christian growth comes through hard-core, gutsy perseverance (a forgotten word!) of applying what you hear and obeying it...and thereby learning how to handle those inevitable problems.” It seems that famed scientist Albert Einstein had more trouble finding his way home from work than he did finding the key to atomic power. One evening as Einstein sat deep in thought aboard the train that brought him home each night, the porter approached to collect his ticket. Einstein rummaged around in his coat, through his pockets, in his shirt, and everywhere else he could think of, growing alarmed at his inability to find the ticket. "That's okay, Dr. Einstein," said the porter. "I know you ride this train every day. I can collect tomorrow." "That's fine for you, young man," Einstein replied, "but how am I supposed to get off the train without my ticket?" The Bible is a ticket as well as a map. You need its wisdom and direction to determine and confirm your final destination.
An unknown writer said, "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.”
Getting the mowers and trimmers ready for another year is important if they are to work well and last long. Getting a soul ready for an eternity is a bit more important and time consuming. I can tell you this with great confidence, you know that iced tea moment I mentioned earlier that occurs from the vantage point of my hammock and reminds me of a job well done? It will pale in comparison to the words of my Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Well, got to go. Better get those blades sharpened so I can get Terri started on that grass!
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