“Just Do It!”
During the early years of ministry at First Baptist, several retired pastors/preachers made FBC their home. At times it was pretty intimidating, but each of those men became a good friend and encourager.
One of them, Dr. Roy Watson, would comment on a message simply by saying, “Good word this morning.” That was about as good as it got. He wasn’t prone to gushy compliments. I heard Roy say that so often, that I find myself saying it when I think someone has preached well or said something worthwhile.
I tell you the story to remind us all of the “really good Word,” God’s Word. From the earliest days of the Christian church, reading the Scriptures became a core practice of those who follow Jesus. The early church leaders knew the power of the Scriptures. They knew the transforming capabilities of God’s Word, and they encouraged those new believers to grasp its importance in their lives.
Richard Foster, who wrote Celebration of Discipline, in another of his books, speaks of the “streams of Christianity.” He describes the various traditions within the Christian faith. In his thinking, evangelicalism is a “word-centered” tradition, and I affirm that thinking. Part of the richness of the evangelical tradition is its commitment to Scripture and the teaching of God’s Word.
Consider the words of Paul, the Apostle. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
The benefits of Scripture are listed for us in two short verses. Those benefits help us become “competent, equipped for every good work.” They teach us. They reprove us. They provide correction. They train us in righteousness.
So . . . how do we get this practice rooted in our lives? Bible-reading plans abound. You can read from a Bible in your hand or on your computer or on your phone. You can read from one familiar translation, or you can discover fresh insights by reading from a less familiar translation. Perhaps the line from the old Nike ad campaign is the best advice: Just Do It!
Every traveler needs food for his journey. God’s Word is that food for the Jesus-follower. Let it become a practice that stays with you for as long as the journey continues.Let’s “Do It!” – Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor at First Baptist Toms River and is a frequent contributor to Freedom Fighter
Compass Pointers: Mark 14:36 He said,“Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” Gethsemane is where He died; the cross is only the evidence.
Anchored to the Rock: To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us … real prayer is life creating and life changing! Richard Foster
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