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Morning Devotional...


Why Study God's Word?

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who ... correctly handles the word of truth" (v. 15).

2 Timothy 2:15


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who ... correctly handles the word of truth" (v. 15).

- 2 Timothy 2
It may seem an odd question to ask—Why study the Bible?—especially when you probably wouldn't be reading this if you didn't believe that such a study is either necessary or at least in some way profitable. But too often we do things simply for the sake of doing them. There is certainly nothing sacred about the first day of a year, but it is as good a time as any to ask ourselves anew why we do what we do.

Though there are several compelling reasons to study the Bible, there are two common excuses for not studying Scripture. The first usually offered is that the Bible is difficult to understand and only highly skilled theologians with technical training are equipped for the task. This, however, is too often what we want to hear in order to quiet our consciences for neglecting our duty of studying the Scriptures.

The sixteenth-century Reformers answered this excuse by advocating the perspicuity of Scripture, meaning the Scripture's clarity. They maintained not that all parts of Scripture are equally clear, but that the Bible is necessarily clear in its basic message. This means that if we can read, we can, with the Spirit's illumination, grasp the essentials.

The second excuse is that the Bible is too boring. We complain that we need someone to "make the Bible come alive" for us, but it is alive, and its words make us come alive. There is nothing dull about the drama, passion, pathos, crime, devotion, and real life depicted in Scripture. The ancient settings may seem foreign to us, but the struggles and issues biblical characters faced are the same ones we also face.

As followers of the Lord Jesus, however, we should be motivated to study the Bible in order to continue growing in the things we have learned. We need to deepen our understanding of the backgrounds and contexts of scriptural books in order to better understand and apply to our lives the truths they contain.

Coram Deo

Our ultimate goal is to be pleasing to God in all of life. Certainly for the believer, a critical part of life is our handling and understanding of the Bible. As you begin another year of reading and study, commit yourself to the long-term goal of being found faithful to the task of presenting yourself as a workman who correctly handles the word of truth. Though a lifetime goal, it is achieved through patient daily practice.

Passages for Further Study

Deuteronomy 6:4–9
Joshua 1:6–9
2 Timothy 3:14–17




From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul.http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/why-study-gods-word/

Hi everyone on a clear 27 degree Sunday morning here in South Carolina.  Our little snow was all gone by 2 pm yesterday.  I had an email from my friend who lives in the Washington, D.C. area and he said they had between 30 and 36 inches of snow and winds up to 50 miles an hour and the snow will be around for awhile up that way and in many other places as well.  We will attend Sunday School and Church this morning and go out to eat.  After a period of rest this afternoon I plan on watching the two pro football playoff games later this afternoon.

Marilyn, what a wonderful surprise that Ron came to visit you.  Too bad his flight to Philly was cancelled but at least he had an alternate plan.  Does Ron live in Philly?

Buddy, thanks for providing us with a very good weekly devotional on the importance of Bible study.  Just this morning I learned of a website called Bible Hub ( www.biblehub.com ) that has many resources to help in studying the Bible and I was able to download it for my phone as well as put it here on my computer. 

Thanks, Larry!

Quote from: Larry Hanna on January 24, 2016, 07:47:47 AM
Hi everyone on a clear 27 degree Sunday morning here in South Carolina.  Our little snow was all gone by 2 pm yesterday.  I had an email from my friend who lives in the Washington, D.C. area and he said they had between 30 and 36 inches of snow and winds up to 50 miles an hour and the snow will be around for awhile up that way and in many other places as well.  We will attend Sunday School and Church this morning and go out to eat.  After a period of rest this afternoon I plan on watching the two pro football playoff games later this afternoon.

Marilyn, what a wonderful surprise that Ron came to visit you.  Too bad his flight to Philly was cancelled but at least he had an alternate plan.  Does Ron live in Philly?

Buddy, thanks for providing us with a very good weekly devotional on the importance of Bible study.  Just this morning I learned of a website called Bible Hub ( www.biblehub.com ) that has many resources to help in studying the Bible and I was able to download it for my phone as well as put it here on my computer.

Yes, indeed!  Bible reading/study is very important!!!  Thanks for the reminder, Buddy.

The storm, of course, missed here completely.  But with a son and family in New Jersey and a daughter and family in North Carolina, I'm waiting to hear how they made out.

Larry Ron currently lives in Augusta Ga, He is there working on the new Nuclear Power plant being built there. he was in Oregon to inspect to welds on some pipes at the Oregon Iron Works in Vancouver Wa.  that are going to the plant in Ga. He was to change planes and go on to Charlotte NC then to Augusta.

This picture was taken today http://s224.photobucket.com/user/tudogmom/media/2016/0124161029c_zpsyr49fjjl.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

What a wonderful picture, Marilyn! 

Thank you Jeanne

Hi everyone on a bright and beautiful 34 degree Monday morning and we should get up to about 57 this afternoon.  It was still dark when I awoke this morning so stayed in my nice warm bed and read my email and all of the postings in the discussions I follow. 

I have a light schedule planned for today as well attend my noon meeting and that should be about it.  We went to eat yesterday at a buffet called Baby Jane's.  There were two of similar buffets where we moved from so as I checked out I asked if it was a chain only to find out this restaurant is owned by the son of the lady who owns the two in Georgia.  We enjoyed a good meal and I came home and rested and then watched Denver beat New England and Carolina absolutely dominate Arizona in the pro football playoffs.  One big game to go in two weeks for the Superbowl Championship and then football is over for another season.

Jeanne, sure glad the bad storm missed you all so you are not having to dig out from under all that snow as they are in many places in the NE.  Hope your son and daughter and families made out well. 

Marilyn, Ron lives across the Savannah river from where I do as I live in North Augusta, South Carolina.  Glad he made it home nicely.  Augusta has a fine small airport but was shocked to read last week that they had over 500,000 people go through the airport last year.  I had no idea there would be so many.  He must be working on the Plant Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia, which is the first new plant to be built since the 1970s. That is a very good picture of you.

Janet:  I hope you don't mind that I  opened a spot for Beth in Prayer and Praise. 

For those who are interested in any way about having groceries "shopped for within the store", I suggest you check with Walmart or a Kroger store (King Soopers).  Perhaps Safeway, or any of the large corporations that are testing areas.  There are only two Walmarts in Tucson trying the program here right now and they will add more if it is in their interest. 

Thank you for the picture today of Mount Rainier - a special mountain for Seattle folks.  Congratulations to DoublyGraced for the wonderful bridge picture.

The topic Carol opened for prayers for Beth is in the Prayer and Praise board HERE

Thanks, Carol.

Hi everyone on another clear beautiful morning here in South Carolina.  It is already 41 degrees and is expected to get into the mid-60's this afternoon.  Our big activity for today is our monthly Senior Luncheon and program at church.  We always have a good meal and a good program.  Since we have a big lunch then Pat doesn't have to make dinner for us in the evening. 

Carol, thanks for the information on the grocery stores and I will have to inquire at our Walmart and Kroger stores.  Also thanks for opening that spot for prayer for Beth and Jeanne thanks for putting in the link to make it easier to find the discussion for Prayer and Praise.   

Hi everyone on a 52 degree Wednesday morning with the prospects of some rain later today and a high of only 54 degrees.  Pat and I attended our seniors luncheon yesterday and later in the afternoon make a fairly quick trip to COSTCO for a few items.  Today I think our son will some out this afternoon and I will take him over to COSTCO to get a couple of things he needs and then this evening we will all go to the Wednesday night supper.  I did get started on my Income tax yesterday--such fun.  At least I will have a head start on it when I get the final documents to allow me to file. 

Sure was quiet here yesterday.  Hope all are well.

Jeanne:  Thank you for adding the clickable to Prayer and Praise. 

Larry:  I can't take credit for the clickable.  Yes, do check around all the stores because sometimes the shopping and pickup of groceries is a hidden perk.  No doubt there has to be a certain level of interest (income for the store) for this service to be available.  Are you getting to know a lot more people through these luncheons and so forth?  Good for you two for getting out and about since the move. 

I feel pretty worthless today with lower back and leg pain but thankful for a pain pill yesterday and today, it is better to just try to keep moving but stopping a few times to sit with a pillow support.  This happens only once every year or two so I am happy that it is not often.

Don had a message from the class teacher on a man who collapsed yesterday - from dehydration.  We must all be aware of how important it is to rehydrate - I am a poor example as coffee isn't considered a good hydration. 

Does anyone know how Don Reid in Canada is doing after his time in hospital? 

Hi, friends,

Today has been a really busy day for me. I took someone to the doctor, then they wanted to eat breakfast afterward.

Afterwards, I called Walmart about a specific item I needed, and they only had 2 left in stock, so, off I went. I felt it a blessing that they would look before I left home. All in all, today, I ended up driving approximately 50 miles.

While in Walmart, I also got my update on some vaccinations. We have 500 people living in this apartment building, and many of them have family members and children visiting. So, I feel it best to stay up to date on my vaccines. After all, it sure would be odd to have whooping cough at my age.

I really like that picture of you, and also of you and your son, Marilyn. It's so good he could visit.

I appreciated the good devotional. That particular verse of scripture always motivated me to do my best at work, since it includes the phrase "a workman that needs not to be ashamed." In fact, someone was complimenting the amount of work I got done in a day's time, and I shared that particular verse with him.

Thanks for all the updates, friends. I feel I've had a cup of tea and chatted individually with y'all.

May our Lord bless us as He sees best to do,

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a rainy 46 degree Thursday morning.  It is only expected to get to 48 degrees today but will be cloudy all day.  Last evening it was just Scott and I who went to dinner at the church as Pat was not feeling up to getting out.  Today I will again pick up my friend to take to coffee, take him home and then attend the Wisdom group at church.  That will probably be it. 

Carol, I am getting to know a lot more people by participating in the various church activities I do.  I remember faces well but often have trouble coming up with a name although am learning more names as time goes on.  Sorry you are having so much back and leg pain.  Pat has been having a lot of upper back and top of shoulder pain which she attributes to her fibromyalgia.  Fortunately it hasn't lasted too many days this time.  You are so right about needing to stay hydrated.  Both my son and my best friend were hospitalized with it this last year.  I don't think hydration will be much of a problem for me as I try to keep a cup of ice water at my side most of the time. 

Ruth Ann, I see you have resumed your taxi service and help for those who need the help.  Has the snow pretty well melted up your way?  I just read an article a little while ago about the continued traffic nightmare in Washington, DC and that it will likely continue today.

Hi, friends,

The snow has indeed melted here in Nashville, but areas to the east of Nashville still have schools out because of the heavy snow and ice cover.

Today I was to take my sister in law out to lunch to celebrate her birthday, but she was not well enough to go out. She has many health problems. But it's a joy to be able to be with her when she is well enough to go out.

I've also been doing a work project for a friend, so life is a bit busier these days.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  In contrast to yesterday we have a bright and sunny morning and it looks so good outside.  It is now 41 degrees but is to get up to 59 degrees this afternoon.  I have nothing particular that I have scheduled to do today and may go for a haircut a bit later this morning.  This is the day the housekeeper is to come so expect we will be eating out either at noon or this evening. 

Ruth Ann, sorry that your SIL wasn't up to being taken out for her birthday dinner.  Glad you are thawed out up your way. 

Hi, friends,

Today's activities include a checkup on my C-PAP machine. So, likely while I'm out, I'll also have lunch.

Nashville is to be really busy this weekend - we are hosting the All-Stars weekend for the National Hockey League. And 4 of our Nashville players will be All Stars playing in the game. So, it will be a bustling area around Bridgestone Arena and the Music City Center. There's even an outdoor skating venue - imagine people outdoors skating in 50-60 degree weather!

Y'all have a wonderful day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I awoke to a 36 degree but sunny morning.  It is expected we will get to 63 degrees by afternoon. Yesterday was sure a beautiful day.  I did get a haircut, and filled the car with gas.  The housekeeper was here and Pat and I went out for a big lunch.  We went to a new barbecue place for us and the food was great.  We certainly will be going back.  However, they are open only three days a week but they also do catering.  My schedule is completely clear for today and don't anticipate we will be going anywhere so it should be a pretty restful day. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like it would be a good weekend to stay at home with all of the visitors to Nashville.  I bet the skating rink is very popular on 50 degree days.  When I lived in Alaska I decided I wanted to ice skate and bought a pair of skates.  However, I only used them a few times and found I didn't have very strong ankles and there was something wrong with my balance as I kept falling down.  Fortunately I was young and only my pride was hurt. 

Hi, friends,

I've been busy doing a data analysis for a friend. So, it seems I've been "nose-in" to the computer a number of hours since yesterday afternoon. I believe I'll be able to meet his short deadline. 

The first time my daughter tried ice skating was the time she fell and broke her arm. Thankfully, it was her left and she's right hand dominant. I think that time was also her last time to ice skate.

The weather is in the 60s today - how refreshing from the snowbanks last weekend. But, as in Nashville winters, the forecast is for us to go back to wintertime temps soon. (brrrrr!)

Well, I'm so glad you enjoyed that barbecue restaurant. I've been wishing for the light tasting barbecue that Witt's restaurants produce. The slaw on the sandwiches is lightly seasoned with a bit of a vinegary sauce. Thus, those sandwiches are delicious.

Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on this cloudy but mild Sunday morning.  We should get up to about 64 degrees for several hours this afternoon according to the weather man.  I think this will be a typical Sunday for us, i.e., attending Sunday School and Church this morning and then getting something to eat before coming home for the rest of the day.  We enjoyed a nice quiet day yesterday.

Ruth Ann, it sounds like you had a pretty busy day with the data work you were doing for a friend.  Your daughters experience with ice skating reminds me of my daughters experience on her first bike ride.  We had gotten bikes for both of our children at the same time.  They went out to ride and our son ran into his sister's bike and she fell and broke her arm.  Shortly thereafter both of the bikes were stolen from our board fence back yard.  So that transaction was not our best.  The boy next door to us had his bike chained to their outdoor gas grill and the thief tore it up.  At least maybe someone got some good out of the two new bikes stolen from our children.  It seems that each State has something a bit unique about their barbecue.  They do often offer cold slaw on the sandwich but it is generally not served that way here and you get it as a side dish.   

I hope Janet and Darrel are having a great time on their trip.  I don't recall her indicating how long they would be gone.  With so few postings here this is beginning to resemble the Ruth Ann and Larry show.    Hopefully a few more of our friends will be along today and leave a message. 

Time to start a new week HERE