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.

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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)
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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