November 24, 2016
The Lord, of course, would be first, and my family. But all of these things would not have come my way as they have without something most basic.
I'm grateful for God's Word.
The Psalmist, in the most exquisite passage on God's Word, Psalm 119, says it beautifully:
I have [earnestly] remembered Your name, O Lord, in the night, and I have observed Your law. This I have had [as the gift of Your grace and as my reward]: that I have kept Your precepts [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]. (Psalm 119:55-56, Amplified Bible)
God has been gracious to awaken me for many, many years in the early hours of the morning. They are undistracted and He knows this is the best time for me. I could not even estimate the hours and the precious moments I have had alone with God.
That God would condescend to meet with me, in His Word and in prayer, is beyond my comprehension. Everything—and I do mean everything—that is valuable in my life has come from Him and His Word and the grace to obey what He directs. To follow Him.
My salvation, growth, understanding, any wisdom I've gained, my ministry, preaching, the ways I think and every decision I make, even the decision to continue to have children and particularly, the last four children that will sit around my table today with their families, (a decision we made to let God control this area after a thorough study of God’s Word) ... I could go on and on. But it has all come about because God has graciously given us His matchless word.
I'm grateful for a lot of things, but this is most foundational to my life. Where would I be without the Bible. And where would others be?
Thank You, Lord, that you speak to a sinful man like me, through Your Word! Thank You that if I have nothing in this life, I will always have Your voice. And thank You, that one day we will speak FACE TO FACE!
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