A thought by Rick Warren from his book. God's Power to Change Your Life (Living with Purpose) (p. 29). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
I love reading the Bible and the difference it makes and has made in my life.
Rick says, “Through Scripture he teaches us how to live. Second Timothy 3:16 – 17 tells us, ‘The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point’ (LB).
“Has the Bible transformed your life? I heard about a converted cannibal on an island in the South Seas who was sitting by a large pot reading his Bible when an anthropologist wearing a pith helmet approached him and asked, ‘What are you doing?’
“The native replied, ‘I’m reading the Bible.’
“The anthropologist scoffed and said, ‘Don’t you know that modern, civilized man has rejected that book? It’s nothing but a pack of lies. You shouldn’t waste your time reading it.’
“The cannibal looked him over from head to toe and slowly replied, ‘Sir, if it weren’t for this book, you’d be in that pot!’ The Word of God had changed his life — and his appetite.”
Rick goes on, “When people tell me their faith is weak, I ask them, ‘Are you reading your Bible regularly?’
“‘Not really.’
“‘Are you studying the Bible?’
“‘Well, not exactly.’
“‘Are you memorizing Scripture?’
“‘No.’”
Rick then says, “‘Well then, how do you expect your faith to grow?’
“The Bible says, ‘Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:17 NKJV).”
The Bible is the first place to go if you want to change. So, do you want to change?
Yes, yes!
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