I often pray, “God let me see the Scripture in this.”  When I’m in some kind of relational situation or counseling someone or facing an opportunity in my life, I ask God to show me true wisdom by bringing to mind Bible verses that apply to what I’m seeing.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

So what role, if any, does the Bible play in your life?

A 2007 Gallup poll reports that 31% of Americans believe the Bible is literally true (just somewhat higher than the 19% that believe it is ancient fables, history & legends).  Interestingly, 43% of those who attend church weekly stated they believe the Bible to be “inspired by the Word of God” or “the inspired Word of God” but not to be taken literally.

Do you believe the Bible is literally true?

There was a time in the prophet Daniel’s life when he prayed to God for an answer, but the answer was delayed - by an angelic battle! - for 3 weeks (Daniel 10:12-13).  And he was in mourning the whole time (Daniel 10:2). Then when the angel finally showed up with the answer, he explained the reason for the delay.

Daniel didn’t know why it took so long. Sometimes we don’t either.

So if you’re feeling discouraged, like God isn’t hearing your prayers, remember that things may not be what they seem. Press in. Hold tight. Draw near to God. He will draw near to you.

You know, I was going to try to wax eloquent about this, but I think God will get the glory if I just tell you that the worship team and some other dear friends completely surprised me a couple weeks ago with a brand new guitar.

I love it because it replaces my road- and family-worn TS02 (that’s short for: this was the 2nd guitar made by Pastor Terry back in, uh… 1993-ish). The headstock had been broken and repaired so many times (thank you, again, Terry!) that it was having a hard time getting & staying in tune while I played it.

I love it also because it’s the exact model I have been interested in for a number of years - a Taylor 314CE.  And the tricky little college, worship team and wifely people in my life made sure to buy the one I was so interested in.

But most of all, I love it because it represents undeserved love. Something like 40 people were involved in this, giving and planning and sneaking around so sacrificially just to bless me. I can’t believe it.

It reminds me of my trip to Uganda a few years back, when I had the privilege of giving a guitar to a woman there named Doreen. She wrote to me afterward to tell me she had named her guitar “Such Love” because it reminded her so much of God’s love for her.

Well, now I’m on the receiving end of that.

So the next time I get to play an acoustic guitar in church, I’ll be doing it with a double dose of gratitude and awe.  Thank you, friends.  Your kindness still speaks to me today.