The ABC's of a Faithful LifeSample

How does God direct our lives through Scripture?

Read Psalm 119:113–144

Reading and studying Scripture consistently and regularly is good for us! In a 2009 study by the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE), their research found a powerful relationship between engaging Scripture at least four times a week and moral behavior (Understanding the Bible Engagement Challenge: Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4; Arnold Cole, Ed.D. & Pamela Caudill Ovwigho, Ph.D. December 2009). God’s word not only guides our lives in the right direction, but it also shows us who God is and offers us the opportunity to know him intimately and personally.

Think about that truth: The Creator of the universe and all that is in it wants to have a personal and intimate relationship with us. In every book and chapter of the Bible, we see God’s holy, unchanging, faithful and loving nature, and he desires to share all of who he is with us. Through Scripture, God not only reveals who he is, but he also provides us with solutions for every life situation and teaches us how to live a life he can richly bless.

Samekh (Saw-meck…accent on the first syllable)

1. In a culture swayed by the opinions of others, how can we know what to believe, and therefore choose?
2. Why can’t God bless choices that bring harm?

Ayin (ah-yeen…accent on the first syllable)

1. Serving God oftentimes means we can’t serve the way others want us to. What do these verses teach us about God and why we need his discernment regarding those who influence us?
2. What happens when we desire to walk with God and obey his word?

Pe (pay)

1. God’s word is intended to be studied, not just read. What happens when we are intentional about studying God’s word regularly?
2. God’s word directs us away from sinful choices and wrong influence as we seek his face—his will. What attitude should we have regarding that understanding, and what should our response be to those who don’t understand God’s laws?

Tsadhe (Saudi)

1. God’s word is proven true regardless of whether or not people choose to believe. When we consistently allow God’s word to direct our choices, what is the result?

Conclusion

“Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.” Psalm 119:144

One of the best ways to know that the Bible is our best direction for life is that it has always been timeless, perfect truth. Scripture has helped countless generations live their best lives.

Elisabeth Elliot: “The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows us our own crookedness. We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture.”