I enjoy Bible Study when people reasonably and respectfully participate. We can learn a great bit from the questions and experience that others have concerning the Scriptures.

The boy Jesus was found in the Temple listening and asking questions, and folks were astonished at his wisdom. The teachers around him were humble enough to include the young man that day. They had no idea that they had made room for God. How many times have we heard from God through ordinary folks who live the Word. These Saints may not know Greek and Hebrew, but they know the Author personally.

For several years a part of my sermon preparation was first teaching the text in an assisted living home. There was a plethora of ideas and illustrations among them. We had just studied the text of Martha working in the kitchen, and Mary not helping her. A dear resident said that day: “I was always a Martha, cooking meals and cleaning up. Now I have to be Mary.” Then she said with a tone of sadness, “I wish that I could be Martha again.” Those are life lessons that come from God through friends and neighbors when we listen.

The Scriptures are alive and not to be kept in the head, but the heart. We live by them and find encouragement in them. They are a light when the path is dark, and a map to direct us through troubles and trials. I am thankful that they are written in a unique language: the language of our heart.

This morning, will you take your Bible and hold it close. Just hold it like you would hold a love letter from Heaven.

“Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.

Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, wherever we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.”