02/12/09- Cracking the Code
Have you ever been around something or someone that is powerful, influential, or of great value?  What did you feel inside when you were near that person or thing for the first time?  Were you AWE STRUCK?  Humbled and a little nervous?

What happened when your audience with that thing or person became more frequent?  Like all things, the more we get around something, the more FAMILIAR we are with that person, or thing. I've noticed for me, familiarity often brings a slow leak of respect, honor, and passion for what I was once enamered with!

If you would allow me, let's bring the BIBLE into this discussion?  A topic that has sparked such controversy in so many because of the question, "Is the Bible REALLY GOD'S WORD?"  If it REALY is, what is the Bible supposed to do to those that read it?  Is there a CODE that must be cracked to allow it to work in those that read it?  Is this a book read to pass time or should it demand a certain response in the lives of those that read it?  Is it supposed to effect them?  Change them?  How can one NOT BECOME familiar with GOD'S WORDS and lose a passion and respect for them?

Pretty tough questions, I know! Take a look at this devotional, and if you've got a few minutes, write down some of your thoughts on each of the questions.

All you need is...
Bible
Notebook
Pen/Pencil
15 minutes

THE BIBLE...what's the big deal?

What does the Bible DO?
•    What do you think the Bible does to those that read it?
o    Increases - Acts 6:7
o    Spreads - Acts 19:20
o    Do you think the response that this Word could have on you is to INCREASE you and cause you to increase, stretch, or broaden you?
•    Do you think what is written in it is true?  Why/Why not?
o    Read John 17:17
•    Do you think the Bible is still active TODAY, thousands of years after it was written?  Why/Why not?
o    Read Hebrews 4:12-13

What is it useful for?
•    Can this Word make you successful?  Why/Why not?
o    Read Joshua 1:8
•    Can this Word help you have VICTORY over SIN?
o    Read Psalms 119:9,11
•    What other things does the Bible do to those that read it?
o    Read Ps. 119:98,99,100,105,165

What should your response be to it?
•    How do Christians respond to the Word?
o    John 8:31
o    What does it mean to "hold" on to something?
o    What does the Bible do to you when you HOLD TO IT?  (8:32)
•    What happens to a person who only listens to the Bible and never does it?
o    James 1:23-24
•    What does it mean to HUNGER and THIRST after something?
o    Read Mt. 5:6
o    What happens if you THIRST after the Bible?
•    Read Ps. 42:1,2 -
o    What does this verse mean?
o    Name one thing you "pant" for?