June 15 Edify Devotional

Today’s Devotional Theme      Benefits of Scripture   Daily Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Encouragement  The word “profitable” in today’s scripture can also be translated “beneficial” or “advantageous.” The meaning is that the profitable thing will lead to greater well-being or will put us ahead in some way. Surely we all want to feel better, make more money, perhaps achieve greater recognition, rear well-behaved, God-centered kids... the list could go on and on. Today’s scripture holds a wonderful promise. The Bible we hold in our hands (all scripture) is beneficial. But it’s only beneficial if we read and apply it. I’d suggest setting aside 15 minutes a day – longer if you can muster the time – to read and meditate on a particular passage. Let it soak in. Paul goes on to remind Timothy about four benefits of scripture. Today we’ll look at how the Bible provides “doctrine” and how doctrine makes sure our steps as we walk with God. Apply God’s Word A comment on the word “inspiration”: the Greek behind this word literally means “breathed out by God.” Some translations put it as “God-breathed”- a more emotional way to express it than “by inspiration.” Now what about doctrine? The dictionary meaning of doctrine is that it’s a “specific principle or an organized group of related principles describing or fleshing out a particular discipline.” So much for Webster! The word for “doctrine” is better translated “teaching” or “instruction.” The Bible is our teacher or instructor. Besides all the fascinating historical background between its covers, it’s a manual that gives us instruction that we can and must apply to our lives every day as we go upward in our walk with God. Come into His Presence Lord God, our great Instructor, I thank You for breathing out a detailed set of instructions by which to live our lives for You. Yes, Your word is a lamp for our feet and a light that shines on the path ahead! I thank You for appointing writers who breathed in Your instructions and put them on paper for us. In Jesus’ Name, amen. Mark Bacon Teacher & Mentor Email Mark

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