“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105

If you were to ask me to make a list of the things that have made the greatest impact on my life, close to the top of that list would be the words of wisdom I have received from my father and grandfather. Both of those men have loved me deeply, set great examples, and lived out their faith in such a way that it made me listen intently to the advice they gave me as I was growing up. You know what would not make it on that list? Not a single one of the pages of rules I have been forced to read throughout my life. I have had to follow them, but their impact on my life as a human being has been very minimal. They have told me what to do but have given me very little help when it comes to knowing how to live.

When you read the Bible, are you reading a book of rules or are you listening to the wisdom of a loving Heavenly Father? The way you answer that question will probably shape how much of an impact Scripture will have on your life. You can see it as a book full of things you have to do, or you can see it as a light shining on your path to show you how to truly live. Rules will show you what you have to do in order to stay out of trouble. Wise words from your Father will shape you into a person who knows how to truly live. Rules may change your actions. The words of someone who loves you deeply will change your heart. So, I encourage you today to open the Scriptures, not to find a list of dos and don’ts, but to find your Father speaking. Pray and ask God to give you his loving words of wisdom to change you from the inside out and shape you into a beautiful child of God.

Heavenly Father, as we open Your Word, speak to us. Let us not just read words on a page but let us hear Your loving voice. Then use that voice to shape us into who You desire us to be.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon