2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, well equipped for every good work.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Martin Luther once wrote, you use your word to train and retrain those who read it. You tell us how we have all fallen short of your glory; then all scripture points to Jesus, who has saved us. Then Luther wrote, we spend an hour in your catechism (or in the Bible) and think we know it all. However, all that we need to defend ourselves against the assaults of the world are written in your word, but we leave it lying on the shelf because we are too busy to read it. When an attack of the world, the devil, or my sinful flesh comes at me, I quickly run to you in prayer. Lord, forgive me when I do not see the importance of your word, and I take it for granted. It is useful in our everyday life, teaching us how to show our love back to you and deal with all those around us. When I do something stupid (which is quite often), your word is the rod that rebukes and corrects me. It also trains me up. Through faith, I am to live that life of righteousness to love you above all other things and to love others as I love myself. Lord, you established good works for believers from before creation for us to do, which you get us ready through your word. Lord, forgive me when I do not hold your word with the seriousness it deserves. Please send your Holy Spirit into my heart that I cling to your word, knowing my sins are forgiven. Then I am equipped today for the opportunities to share your word with others. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Clinging to God’s word is like the way tan dog hair attaches to black pants. The fur somehow embeds into the fibers of the cloth. Cling to God’s word so you may be taught, rebuked, corrected, trained, prepared, and complete for every good work.