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Closed eyes cannot see; an unopened Bible cannot help.

4 min read

Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1:1-11. Text: “All scripture is inspired by God and PROFITABLE for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Do all of us live in peace, harmony, contentment, and security? If the answer is not exactly affirmative, then there is room for improvement. As we pay special attention to the written word of God on the second Sunday in Advent, let us ask the question: in what way will the Bible help us to live a more rewarding life? In our Scripture reading and text of meditation we find practical instructions of how to become what God intends us to be.

A FEW WAYS THE HOLY SCRIPTURES CAN BE PROFITABLE FOR US AT THE PRESENT TIME.

When you see a BEAUTIFUL picture, in what do you find its beauty? Is it in the topic of the painting, or in the style of the painter, or in the color combinations, or in the originality of the picture, or in all of the above? The experts will say that the beauty is revealed through the talent, style, and technique of the painter’s work.

Likewise the divine message is concealed, hidden, and ensconced among the words and sentences of the Bible. As there is no beautiful painting without a beholder, nor a concert without listeners, similarly the spiritual power in the Bible will not be sensed without faith, hope, and love in our hearts.

How will the written divine message affect, influence, or touch us?

1. The Bible DIRECTS attention to or FOCUSES it on the right issues, while the world

may show us the wrong goals and the wrong approaches.

2. The Bible CONNECTS and SORTS OUT our right ideas or thoughts, while the world may

confuse and mislead us.

3. The Bible INHIBITS base desires or harmful temptations, while the world may foster

wrong illusions and kindle wishful thinking.

4. The Bible ENCOURAGES motivation and determination to do what is right, while the world may scare and intimidate us to do the same.

5. The Bible SHARPENS or ACTIVATES our conscience to make the correct judgments, while the world may numb or dull our inner feelings.

6. The Bible CLEARS or CLARIFIES our vision and views, while the world may obscure

and blur the way we see and judge.

7. The Bible VALIDATES the truth so one can distinguish between good and bad, while the world may falsify and mix up the values.

8. The Bible HEALS the wounds especially those of the heart, while the world may inflict even more pain and anguish.

9. The Bible NOURISHES faith, hope, and love, while the world may offer other things

which seem to be easier to do and are more fun.

10. The Bible COMFORTS the bereaved ones who are grief-stricken, while the world may

encourage us to ignore the sorrow and just enjoy ourselves every moment.

11. The Bible STRENGTHENS our relationship between God and us and among each other,

while the world may erode the ties between friends and loved ones.

12. The Bible CALLS us to repent and REASSURES us about God’s forgiveness, while the world may blind us about the importance of our spiritual life.

13. The Bible PROMISES the greatest gift, namely salvation through Jesus Christ,

while the world wishes to exchange it for several smaller gifts.

14. The Bible is the LONGEST BRIDGE between the divine and human, now and eternity, and the physical and spiritual, while the world may deny any existing gap that should be abridged. Please read Luke 16:19-31.

15. The Bible is the most ENDURING BOOK; see its many translations and editions,

and although there were times when it was neglected, it was rediscovered, and it has helped mankind more than any other printed material.

Who will appreciate a drink more, the thirsty or those who are not; food, the hungry or those who are full; medicine, the sick or those who are healthy? Following the same line of thinking: who will love and read the Bible more, that person who is sure that he/she is righteous or that person who thinks that he/she is a sinner? Our Lord said: “‘I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.'” Luke 15:7.

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