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I feel better; that is why I read the Bible.
I took drugs in my teens and became confused and almost addicted. I exercise regularly and always feel great after the workout. But when I read the Bible, my perspective of life lifts.
The Bible predicts in the end-times our culture will lose the ability to love (Matthew 24:11); have an inability to think clearly and constantly be swayed by conspiracy theories (2 Timothy 4:4); and many will faint from fear (Luke 21:26).
No love, arguing, weariness, false teaching, conspiracy thinking – scripture teaches that all of this will increase with intensity and frequency in the end-times. Uggghhh! I need something to make me feel better.
I am reading five chapters today, instead of three!
All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man [or woman] of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I feel better after reading scripture because it is inspired. Those of us who have listened to Bible teachers know about the Bible being inspired. Inspiration means originating from God. Defining the meaning of “inspiration”, theologians use the words “verbal” and “plenary”. “Verbal” means that every word is God-given, while “plenary” means all parts of the Bible are divinely authoritative.
I believe this. I’m going for six chapters!
But I find doctrine too sterile when I need comfort. That’s why I love the Greek word that is translated “inspired”. In the Greek, it is “theopneustos.” This Greek word is two words put together – God and breathing.
Consider the image: God breathed out the Bible. Yes, the breath of God originated His Word. You get the same image in Genesis 1:7:
Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
God breathed life into us as humans and God also breathed scripture. This is the reason I feel better when I read the Bible. I’m connecting to the very life from which I was created!
I experience this whenever I read the Bible, and I have listened to others give the same testimony: that when we combine believing the truth of the Bible’s origin with sitting down to read scripture – love, hope, peace, and joy – begin to heal our weariness.
I am not only reading six chapters today but I’m going to recite from memory Philippians 4:7, 13, and 19 as these promises are breathed out by the same breath that created and sustains my life.
The peace of God, which surpasses what we can understand, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
My God shall supply all of my needs. Philippians 4:19
Promises of peace, power, and provision all breathed out from God.
We should all feel better!