March 2: THE PRACTICAL BIBLE

One reason that I love the Bible is because it is so practical. In the Bible I met Jesus and became a Christian, the most practical good thing that has happened in my life. Every situation is spoken to in a direct and practical manner. One example: David said to God in Psalm 18: 36 (NIV) “You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not turn.” Here is a picture of God’s love that cares for such details as removing loose rocks from the path so the shepherd does not turn an ankle. Imagine a shepherd with his flock of sheep, far away from any human companionship, dealing with the consequences of a twisted ankle. There would be no help for him. The sheep would scatter without food or water. Some like to say that spiritual truths are worthless philosophy or dreamy theories, no possible practical good would come from it.
But that ignores the facts. Check the roots of many of the greatest institutions of higher learning or medical care and you will find the practical application of Christian truth. The majority of international helping organizations have the same kind of spiritual roots. The more you understand your faith, the more practical you will become in applying it. Let the insult never apply to you that states, “he is so heavenly-minded that he is no earthly good.”
If we are truly heavenly-minded people we will be able to help so many ordinary people in ordinary ways that they will be interested to meet our Extraordinary God. Jesus said we must express our faith practically: things such as giving a cup of cold water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, warm clothing to the cold, and visiting the sick. (See Matthew 25) Matthew 5:13-14 also talk to us about being the “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. You know, its not too late to promise yourself that you will read this very, very practical Book daily.

“Yes, God, your Bible is a light for my path and illumination for my
meanderings. Help me to stay focused. Help me to read daily. Amen”