SEEKING AND FINDING
_________________________

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NRSV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing
from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known
the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient,
equipped for every good work.

_________________________

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (NRSV)
_________________________

OCCASIONALLY I am in the center of our small town early in the morning,
when the only shop open is the news agent's. People leaving the shop scarcely
wait to get out before opening the paper and halting to read something. What
are they anxious to find? Are they checking the obituaries or answers to
yesterday's difficult crossword? Have they written a letter to the editor and hope
to see it published? Or perhaps they are checking the sale ads, the gossip columns,
or stock prices. I have never asked. Yet I have wished many times that I could
display similar eagerness about searching the scriptures daily to find answers to
things I am concerned about.

We are advised to do this again and again in both the Old Testament and the
New Testament. Today's reading from 2 Timothy is just one example. Jesus told
his listeners they would find testimony of him in the scriptures and to follow where
the scriptures led (John 5:39). Paul and Silas praised the people who examined
the scriptures every day (Acts 17:11).

In times of sorrow or joy, doubt or assurance, tedium or excitement, I have found
that searching God's word has brought the right message for my particular situation.
I want to look eagerly for its daily message for me.

Prayer: O God, send your Holy Spirit upon us today so that
we may look to your word. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God's word has something to say to me today.

-- Elizabeth Urch (Pitlochry, Scotland)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those seeking God in the scriptures

Upper Room Ministries | 1908 Grand Avenue | P.O. Box 340004 |
Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA