Nancy Hughes devotion: Written just for me

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
II Timothy 2:16-17 (NIV)

When my son was small, I ordered a book for him that quickly became his favorite. The reason? His name was in it. It was a book that you custom ordered and the company placed your child’s name on almost every page.

Imagine the delight of a child who reads “Eddie is the best ball player ever!” or “I like to play at Eddie’s house.” And you are Eddie.

The day it arrived in the mail, I read the book to him a couple of times. But that was not enough. He begged me to read it to him over and over and over. By the time his father came home that evening, I had the book completely memorized.

When he heard the truck pull in, my son ran to the door, book in hand. “Daddy, daddy, look!” he yelled. “This is MY book and it has MY name in it everywhere! It’s about me, Daddy, and it’s written just for ME!”

The comparison between my son’s book and the Bible is amazing. Today’s Scripture from II Timothy 2:16-17 says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Bible was written just for us! Each page has something for every person to read and learn. For example, do you feel unloved? God says in Jeremiah 31:3 that He loves us with an “everlasting love.”

Do you wonder what the future holds for you? He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a special plan for each of us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to lean on God because He is wise and will direct our present and our future.

Are there days when you are discouraged and feel alone and frightened? Just stop for a moment and read God’s encouragement to us in Deuteronomy 31:8.

The Bible was written for all of us – not just for men but not women; for the tall but not the short; for the wealthy but not the poor; for the introvert but not the extrovert. It was written so that every single one of us could know the depth of love and mercy our Father has for us. It is personal and tailor-made for all of us because He knows us better than anyone.

Sure we see names like “David” and “Joshua” and we read about “Peter” and “Rahab.” But don’t you see? That’s US! That’s all of us. We are all, at times, afraid. We struggle with wanting to do the right thing but failing. We deny God’s nudging when He calls our names. Just like they did.

The Bible: a book of guidance and direction, encouragement and love. A Book written just for us.

Father, thank you for your words of love, hope and mercy to us, your children. Help me to know you better and to understand your plan for me in your Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up

Reflect

Have you ever felt like the Bible was written for people who lived a long time ago and not for you today in whatever situation you may be facing?

Application

Read today’s Power Verses but replace every “you” in the sentences with your name.
Read each Scripture again. Does God’s Word feel more personable and intimate to you now?
As you read Scripture in your daily walk, remember that God’s Word was written specifically for you. Thank Him for His faithfulness to you.

Power Verses

II Timothy 2:16-17 (NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.’”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing and information about her books, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)