Today is the last day of the old year, 2016.  It will soon be placed into the history books.  A New Year will be here in less than twelve hours.  Some of us lost friends and relatives, and thus it will be a lasting memory.  Some had good fortune come their way over the past year, some had the births of children and some lost jobs.  Some became Christians and still others may have walked away.  All mile stones in the year of 2016.

The day before Christmas this year, a young man who used to be a member of my congregation, got up to go get a haircut.  They buried him this past week.  20 years old.  He used to wait on the Lord’s table.  I had not seen him in a while for his parent’s moved, but I still remembered him and how tall he was.  This year will be a sad memory for his family.  We never know what a day may bring forth, so it is imperative we feed on His Word and be prepared to leave this life.  We are not here to stay and not promised the next breath.

I pray each one who reads this post will begin anew and study their Bibles on a daily basis.  This is God’s road map to heaven.  Just as in life, without a map we get lost.

When you study God’s Word you will find comfort, direction, instruction and the plan of salvation.  The more you study, the more you will understand how you are to direct your life.  And then one day you will think to yourself.  How did I ever come this far without reading such a mine of wealth?  It is the food of heaven which feeds our souls. His Word.

BIBLE: n., THE BOOK, by way of eminence; the sacred volume, in which are contained the revelations of God, the principles of Christian faith, and the rules of practice  It consists of two parts, called the Old and the New Testaments.  – American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828

“The Bible should be the standard language as well as of faith.”    ~ Anon

“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.”     (Psalms 119:2)

“In this masterpiece on the Word of God – Psalm 119 – the poet said, “My tongue shall speak of Thy Word” (verse 172).  Concerning its efficacy, here are eleven distinct functions:

1.  Cleanses:  “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed . . . to Thy Word”  (verse 9).

2.  Guards against sin:  “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”  (verse 11).

3.  Counsels:  “Thy testimonies also are my delight, and my counselors”  (verse 24).

4.  Gives hope:  “Remember the Word . . . upon which thou hast caused me to hope” (verse 49).

5.  Quickens:  “Thy Word hath quickened me”  (verse 50).

6.  Puts a song in the heart:  “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage”  (verse 50).

7.  Makes wise:  “Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies . . . my teachers . . . the ancients”  (verse 98-100).

8.  Feeds the soul:  “How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste!  yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth”  (verse 103).

9.  Gives light:  “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”  (verse 105)

10.  Gives joy:  “Thy testimonies . . . a heritage forever . . . they are the rejoicing of my heart”  (verse 111)

11.  Provides the only infallible way:  “I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right”  (verse 128)

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”     (Ephesians 6:11)

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”     ~ George Washington

Eileen Light