Time For God: May 21

Focus: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
 
Reflect:
The soldiers snapped to attention. The special parade was at a close. The Regimental Sergeant-Major requested the Padre to present gifts to each soldier—a camouflage-covered copy of the New Testament and Psalms. Before doing so, he told a story.

“I thought it was an urban myth,” he started. “I had heard of more than one soldier in battle carrying a personal Bible. Under fire it stopped a bullet and saved a life. But I had never seen one. I described that urban myth recently to a support group raising money for the Bible Society in England. Someone took particular interest in that tale. She and her husband were my hosts; I was booked to stay in their home.

“As we arrived that evening, she excused herself. A moment later she reappeared. ‘I want to show you this,’ she said. Unwrapping a small parcel, she showed me an old pocket Bible. ‘This,’ she said, ‘belonged to my father. He carried it into battle in WWII. As he ran up a hill to take an enemy position He was thrown to the ground. First he checked that he was not bleeding; then he looked for his buddy ready to accuse him of pushing him into the dirt. Later, in the relative safety of the evening he pulled out his Bible to finish his devotions. That’s when he saw this!’ She pointed to the hole where the bullet had lodged. He father had long-since pulled it out.

After telling his story, the Padre handed out pocket Bibles to the troops. At the close of the parade an onlooker, a Vietnam vet, approached him. He said, “Padre I know your story is more than just an urban legend.” The padre waited sensing there was more to the former Sergeant’s story. In tears the US vet said, “Look!” He reached into his button-down jacket pocket and handed the Padre his own pocket Bible. “See this? That’s where the bullet hit me. This Bible saved my life!”

The Apostle—in the contemporary language of The Message—says, Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another. I suspect that Paul did not have in mind those two Bibles I saw and held. The Scripture’s value lies in showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Those soldiers and their loved ones also know the battle truth that in all ways, through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

Consider:
When has God brought to your mind a specific Bible verse to protect or guide you? Why not pray for a specific word of Scripture to support a friend in need?
 
Pray:
Lord, by your Word speak directly to my heart today for the blessing of many. Amen.