All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

Without the living word of God, we would lose our way on this pilgrimage to the heavenly city. It was given by God to teach us the way of salvation and to change us into his image. However, it does far more, for it protects, encourages, and blesses us every day. In the dark ages the ruling authorities tried to stop the common people from owning or reading the scriptures. In fact, it was an offence to have the scriptures in their possession. Yet devout Christians in many lands risked their lives to read the word of God. Many years ago, I read a story of a humble family who secretly read the Bible. Perhaps someone suspected them, for one evening they heard soldiers approaching. The mother with a quick prayer opened the oven and pressed the little Bible into the soft dough of her weekly bread baking. Shutting the oven door just in time, the soldiers demanded entry and searched long and hard for the sacred book. At last satisfied that there was no Bible they departed. The bread was baked when the mother removed it minutes later. Uncertain if the Bible could survive in the oven for that length of time they were amazed when it was removed unharmed. God has preserved his word down through the ages. He did that for you. Spend time prayerfully reading his precious word and really meet Jesus in the pages. It will abundantly bless your life.

photo by tara-winstead-pexels            Story from Your Bible and You by Arthur S Maxwell (I think, details may not be quite accurate)