Does the "The Fountain of Youth" exist?

I'll give you the answer at the end of this post, and you may be surprised by The Answer.

(originally posted in May 2013)

I'm sitting here Saturday morning in my easy chair, deep in thought, talking to and hearing from the Lord with my Bible opened to Isaiah.   Today the earthly body of my Aunt, my Dad's baby sister, his last living relative from his immediate family (parents & siblings), will be laid to rest, while she is now in Heaven in the presence of Jesus.  She has reunited with her sister who went before her, her daughter who went before her, her mother and father, as well as many others loved ones who died "in Christ". 

Many thoughts are going through my head, pertaining to man (and woman's) endless pursuit to prolong the life in this body, keep it from aging, and try to defeat the natural process that was set in motion from the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they were cast out due to sin, and removed from the presence of the "Tree of Life".

From the ancient writings of Herodotus, to the explorations of Ponce de Leon in the 1500's, to the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie, men (and women) have been looking for the fountain of youth.  I can also think of many more movies, literature, etc. that have "immortality" in the flesh as part of it's subject, such as "Tuck Everlasting", "Highlander", "Peter Pan and Neverland", etc., and even "Wolverine".  Needless to say, I enjoy these kinds of stories and movies as much as the next person for "entertainment", but also realize the futility of such earthly pursuits.

In the pharmacy where I work I see on a daily basis people trying to defy the aging process.  Men getting pills, injections, L'Oreal hair coloring kits, hair implants, all desperately seeking to defy the aging process and return to their youth.  Women getting every kind of cosmetic plastic surgery, implants, etc. they can to try to look young, and defy the aging process.  Infomercials abound with anti-aging products, work-out videos, etc., and friends on facebook are pushing AmWay-like products they think will work miracles.  People spend much more time in the Gym, running, biking, etc. than they do in prayer and personal Bible study.  But like in an old "Twilight Zone" episode, they don't realize how futile, vain, and ultimately useless their attempts are, and that end the end, we will all return to dust (unless we're alive when Jesus returns).

The Bible teaches that after death, we will all spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell, and will be given new bodies prepared for such eternal existence.  Eternal life in this body would be eternal torment.  This body was born to one day die.  We can spend all our time, money, and efforts searching for the "Fountain of Youth", but will never find it in the natural realm.  Most literature and movies dealing with the subject show a tragic end to such pursuits.  In the words of Ecclesiastes, "Vanity, vanity, all is vanity".

In Isaiah 40 (ESV) the prophet wrote"
All flesh is grass,

and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades

when the breath of the Lord blows on it;

surely the people are grass.

8  The grass withers, the flower fades,

but the Word of our God will stand forever.

Now comes the answer my question.  The Fountain of Youth-is it real?  
Absolutely, but its just that we're "lookin for life in all the wrong places" (I know-a lame alteration of Mickey Gilley's "lookin for love in all the wrong places" lyrics-lol)
As I sat and pondered this morning, I was reminded of the encounter Jesus had with a woman at Jacob's well in Samaria, told in John Chapter 4.  Jesus told the woman where the real fountain of youth is found, and how to partake of it and live forever.  It's simple, and can be received by Grace through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  It can't be found in Florida, in the Caribbean, in a pill, injection, in a Gym, or anywhere else but in the Lord Jesus Christ.  So here's where the Fountain of Youth is spoken of in Scripture, and has been right under our noses all this time.  Problem is, people are spending far too much time searching the world for answers, rather than searching the Scriptures.

John 4:13  Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this (earthly) water will be thirsty again,
John 4:14  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a SPRING of water WELLING UP to ETERNAL LIFE." 

So there you have it-The Real Fountain of Youth, the Lord Jesus Christ!

I thought I was through typing, but just had another thought come to mind, where the "tree of life" is mentioned again by John, in Revelation 22.  Adam and Eve were banned the Garden, and from its presence, but in the Eternal state, those in Christ will see and partake of it again.

Rev 22:1  Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
Rev 22:2  through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life...
Rev 22:14  Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
Rev 22:15  Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

My Aunt partook of this "Living Water" when she was but a child, and found the REAL Fountain of Youth, springing up to Eternal Life, which she is now partaking of in Heaven.  Have you?  If not, and you want to know more, send me a message and I'll be glad to share more of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you and talk about how you can drink of this water too!

How will your pursuit for the Fountain of Youth and/or the Tree of Life end?  Futile? or Fruitful? Where will you spend eternity?  Inside (Heaven)? or Outside (Hell)?

"Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God." - William Carey

William Carey (1761-1834), known as the "Father and Founder of Modern Missions," was the first missionary to India sent out by the Baptist Missionary Society, which he helped found. I've been intrigued and inspired by what I've read and heard about Carey, and I hope to read more on this great man of faith in the future.


One of his most famous quotes was:

"Expect great things from God.
Attempt great things for God."

The story is told that while Carey lay on his death bed after about 41 years in India, he was visited by Alexander Duff, a young 24 year old Scottish Highlander preparing to set out on his own life’s missionary work in India, who is sometimes referred to as Carey's successor. Duff spoke to him about Carey’s life’s work until...

Carey whispered “Pray!”
Duff prayed and then started to leave the room.
Carey’s feeble voice called him back and then said to him
“Mr. Duff, you have been speaking about Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey;
When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey – speak about Dr. Carey’s Savior.”

On the morning of June 9, 1834, William Carey’s earthly life ended. His epitaph (written by himself) simply states:

William Carey
Born, August 17, 1761
Died, June 9, 1834
“A wretched, poor, and helpless worm,
On Thy kind arms I fall.”

Additional Scriptures:
Psalm 22:6(ESV) But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
Isaiah 41:14(ESV)Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel!
I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
John 3:30(ESV)He must increase, but I must decrease.

William Carey, the man known as the "Father and Founder of Modern Missions" believed and held to the truths taught in Scripture commonly called the Doctrines of Grace. He knew that God's plan was and is to save people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, including India, and was compelled by the Holy Spirit to go. He knew that God uses men to preach His Gospel, and he knew that all the Glory goes to God alone when sinners are saved!

A proper understanding of God's absolute Sovereignty in all things including Salvation, as missionaries such as William Carey, Andrew Fuller, David Brainard, Robert Moffat & his son-in-law David Livingstone (just to name a few) had, leads to a greater sense of evangelistic responsibility, fervor, and more mission-minded endeavors in the life of the believer.

A few other historic Christians who believed in the absolute Sovereignty of God in all things include Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Owen, John Bunyan, the Reformers, the Puritans, and for us Southern Baptists, James Petigru Boyce, the Founder & First President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

some info on Carey taken from http://www.wholesomewords.org/devotion6.html

We must obey God rather than men!

Scripture tells us to be subject to governing authorities:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1 ESV)

However, there may come a time-maybe sooner than later-when "we must obey God rather than men":

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."

(Acts 5:27-29 ESV)

A Kingdom that cannot be shaken!

Yes, our nation seems to be on "shaky ground" over the last several years, and seems to be getting worse day by day.

BUT...

As Christians, we are part of now (and in eternity) a Kingdom that cannot be shaken!

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV)

Good News!

Amidst all the "BAD NEWS" posts and feeds all over Facebook, I felt I had to share some "GOOD NEWS" I read in John MacArthur's introduction to The Book of Revelation this morning!

"Revelation provided a message of hope: God is in Sovereign control of ALL the events of human history, and though evil often "seems" pervasive and wicked men all powerful, their ultimate doom is certain. Christ will come in glory to judge and rule!

Only Daniel rivals this Book in declaring that God providentially rules over the kingdoms of men and WILL accomplish His Sovereign purposes regardless of human or demonic opposition!"

What's the Proper Posture of Prayer?

On a lighter note, on the subject of prayer, I know we've all heard people argue about the proper posture of prayer. Everyone has their own "opinion". Truth is, there are many postures for prayer "described" in scripture, but not always necessarily "prescribed".

Some standing, some kneeling, some prostrate on the ground. Some eyes open, some eyes closed, some blinded by the Glory of the Lord. Some from a lions den, some from the belly of a fish. Some from the depths of a well. Some from a mountain top, some from a valley. Get the point?

Here's a humorous poem that addresses some of the disagreements, and 'ol Cyrus Brown gives pretty good insight in the end. His experience was from a similar place as Jeremiah the Prophet. (well, maybe in a very small way)

The Prayer of Cyrus Brown, by Sam Walter Foss(1859-1911)

"The proper way for a man to pray,"
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
"And the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees."

"No, I should say the way to pray,"
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
"Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapt and upturned eyes."

"Oh, no, no, no,"
said Elder Slow,
Such posture is too proud.
"A man should pray with eyes fast-closed
And head contritely bowed."

"It seems to me his hands should be
Austerely clasped in front
With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,"
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.

"Last year I fell in Hodgkin's well
Headfirst," said Cyrus Brown,
"With both my heels a-stickin' up
And my head a-pointin' down.

"And I made a prayer right then and there,
The best prayer I ever said,
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,
A-standin' on my head."

KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD (I counted approximately 70 times-maybe more, maybe less-in just 35 chapters)

I'm in Ezekiel(ESV) for my daily Bible readings this cold Saturday morning, underlining words or phrases that stick out to me.  I kept seeing the phrase...KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD...with variations preceding it such as "then they shall, or then you shall, or then the nations shall" know that I am the LORD.  So I decided to count them this morning, and from Ezekiel Ch.5 through Ezekiel Ch.39 (ESV), God says this so many times over & over throughout Scripture.  It becomes very obvious that the LORD God considers it of utmost importance to Himself that I, you, and the nations of the world KNOW THAT HE IS THE LORD.

Isaiah 45:22(ESV)  "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 

People across the world today mistakenly think that all roads lead to heaven, and that we're all worshiping the same God, in different forms, whether it be Buddhism, Hinduism, New Ageism, Islam, Mother Earth, Pantheism, Panantheism, or whatever other idolatrous systems you want to include. They say Jesus was "a way" but not "The Way"... God's attribute of "love" is the only one they want to acknowledge, but Scripture speaks of God's attributes including "jealousy", "wrath", "judgment", just to name a few...

Jesus said
John 12:48(ESV)  The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a Judge; the Word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

I think the Westminster Short Catechism had it right:
Question. 1. What is the chief end of man?
Answer. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

Happy Reformation Day!

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!

It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther, a young Augustinian Monk nailed his 95 THESES to the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg, Germany, sparking what's now known as the Protestant Reformation!

Ephesians 5:16
...redeeming the time, because the days are evil.(KJV)
...making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.(ESV)

Newspapers? Cable News? nah, my hope is in the "GOOD NEWS"

 Where's your hope?



 
Matthew 5:18 ESV  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 

The LORD will reign forever...Praise the LORD!  Psalm 146:10(ESV) 

(Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Napoleon, Stalin, Mussolini, Herod, Hitler, etc. did not reign forever, and Barak Hussein Obama will not either.)

Psalm 145:13  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

Psalm 146:5  Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
Psalm 146:6  who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever

I was going to post this comment on FB but it got too long, so I changed it to a blog post to spare those that don't want to read a long entry on FB.  Sharing my thoughts this morning, the first off day I've had in a while.

I've not been blogging much over the last year or so, because a lot of things have changed in our lives lately. I've changed jobs and and am now working more hours, and am more physically tired and mentally strained at the end of the day as a result.  Kim has taken on a full-time high school teaching position after many years of being a home-maker, and her workload has increased tremendously.  The kids are busier than ever.  We're actively involved in ministries at our Church.  Because of our limited free-time, some things had to give, and I now spend much much less time in Newspapers and watching Cable News, but I decided decades ago that I would not neglect the daily reading of  the Good News, God's Holy Word.  

My wife and I began our Facebook accounts a few years back when our kids wanted to get them, so we could monitor their activity.  As a result, we both reconnected with friends and family that live far off that we had lost touch with, and have really enjoyed checking in on FB fairly regularly to see what's going on with everyone. 

Here lately, I've been getting on FB less and less due to my busy schedule.  I realize many readers of this blog are international, but here in America, through this last election, I read daily posts that I agreed with, but it seemed to me like people were putting all their hope in the Republican party and Mitt Romney, whom I had/have real problems with (but yes, I had/have even more problems with Barak Hussein Obama-the most ungodly leader this country has ever seen).  It grieved my heart that these were our two choices, and still believe its the "Judgment Hand of God" on our Nation.  I believed Romney was the "better of two evils" mainly because he appeared to be able to work with Christians on some common grounds that reflect Biblical and moral values such as protecting the unborn babies from abortion, marriage being only between a man and woman, and other such issues which I ALWAYS look at when considering a candidate.

But now, after the fact, I question whether I should have even voted for a Mormon, who believes and devotes his life to another gospel, which is no gospel at all, and another god and another jesus (no caps because they're not the God and Jesus we know).  I prayed, made my decision, held my nose, and voted.  He lost, I felt better for exercising my right to vote, which I've always done since I was old enough to vote, knowing the sacrifice our military men and women have made through the years for our "right to vote".

However, I had this issue resolved in my mind back during the Bill Clinton era, when I was studying through the Book of Daniel in the 1990's.  God is Sovereign, and He is in control of every little detail in His Universe.  Even the placement of evil rulers over His people.  I (we) should pray and vote, but we have to trust in Him, no matter the results. Daniel was a child of God, an Israelite, who had been taken as a prisoner/slave into a foreign country by a foreign tyrant.  But he continued to serve God, pray toward Jerusalem three times and day, and not compromise his faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  These are his words, while living as an exile in a foreign land under a pagan idolatrous king, Nebuchadnezzar.


Daniel 2:21  He (the LORD) changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings

Daniel 4:17  ...the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.

So sometimes God's people are put under ungodly rulers for God's own purposes, which sometimes include His judgment, and purification of His people.

Now, after the election in America is over, much on Facebook is all about gun control, and I have many guns, and will vote accordingly, and am concerned as well about Obama's agenda(s).  But I realize there are greater forces at play here than just us.  There's a spiritual warfare going on, and this country has turned its back on God.  God is turning us over as a nation to suffer the consequences of our own ungodly actions. 

Now for my point...My Hope is in the Tri-une God of Scripture- God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His Gospel, not in man, and not in "increasing awareness" of social/secular issues by multiple daily postings of the latest secular news articles that do nothing for the soul, but only increase stress from an already stressful day. 

Wow, I feel like I'm just getting started with relaying the thoughts going through my mind this morning, and have much to do today, and am now remembering why I haven't blogged in a while.  I can't seem to stop once I get started-lol.  But even now, as I began in prayer and reading the Scriptures before daylight this morning, then took a few minutes to browse through Facebook to "catch up", and got side-tracked with this post, I am being drawn back into His Word, then only "everlasting Good News".

Psalm 138:2(ESV)  I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word.
Psalm 138:3  On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul You increased.

Something I thought of the other day while studying the Old testament, by the way, is how Jesus said "destroy this temple and I will build it again in 3 days", referring to His body.  So, I believe this passage to us today as New Testament Christians, is saying "I bow down to You, my precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

F.Y.I., the following is how my Facebook post started this morning, until I decided it was too long, and changed it to a blog post.

Are the latest stories from newspapers and news channels keeping you down? Sure seems like it for many FB friends out there.  I agree with what most of you are saying and posting about Obama, gun control, losing our liberties, rights, etc., and I'm as much a Christian, conservative, gun owner, etc., as most of you, and I have voted, vote, and will continue voting for candidates and bills, laws, etc. that reflect Christian/Godly/Biblical and yes, U.S.Constitutional principals accordingly, but man, how depressing to read all this stuff everytime I get on FB.  I recommend getting your heads out of the newspapers and on-line news so much, turn off the TV sometimes, and spend more time reading the everlasting Good News!  Just sayin!  Feel free to delete me if this offends you.

I'm not going to find a good stopping point this morning, but time to go.  In summary, do you want to be blessed with the Good News?  Or do you want to be discouraged with all the secular bad news?
Psalm 146:5  Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God

Ever been asked "If God is Sovereign, why pray?"

I've been asked this by many people who either don't understand, can't seem to reconcile, or just don't really believe in God's absolute Sovereignty over all things.  Let me start by saying I don't fully understand, but I believe Scripture teaches that God is Sovereign, AND we are both responsible and accountable for our actions (or inactions) to walk in obedience to His Word.

There are many ways to go about answering this, one of which involves explaining how prayer changes us, and gets us in line with what God is doing. But that discussion is for another day.

For today, here's an excellent summary quote from Packer that addresses the question, at least partially. (To address it fully would be nearly inexhaustible).

"There is no tension or inconsistency between the teaching of Scripture on God’s Sovereign foreordination of all things and on the efficacy of prayer. God foreordains the means as well as the end, and our prayer is foreordained as the means whereby He brings His Sovereign Will to pass. "J.I. Packer, Concise Theology, Page 189

As I ponder and reflect on Scripture this morning, a few more thoughts quickly come to mind:

1. Jesus Christ Incarnate prayed often, and we have a record of this in the Gospels. We are even privileged to gaze into the Holy of Holies as we see Jesus' High Priestly prayer to the Father in John 17.
   
2. Jesus taught his Disciples to pray, and even asked them to "watch and pray" with him in the Garden of Gethsemane.
   
3. The Church in Acts prayed constantly.
   
4. The Patriarchs prayed.
5. The Children of Israel prayed.
6. The Psalmists prayed. We are privileged to see inside David's heart as he communed with the LORD through prayer.
   
7. The Prophets prayed. Daniel prayed 3 times a day (at least) during the good & the bad times. Jonah prayed from the depths of the sea, the belly of the great fish. Nehemiah and Ezra prayed.
8. In the Book of Revelation, we are told the Saints of God pray, and the burned incense rising up from the altar represents the "prayers of the Saints"
   
9. We are admonished all throughout Scripture to pray, such as: "you have not because you ask not", ask- seek- knock","pray without ceasing", "with prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God", "in all things give thanks", "call to Me and I will answer you", call upon the name of the LORD", etc...
10. Prayer brings Him Glory! He says repeatedly "I will be Glorified!"

    As the Westminster Shorter Catechism says, "The chief end of man is to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever!"

And the list could go on and on...

So in summary, God is Sovereign in and over all things,

Isaiah 46:9-11 (ESV)

...I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country.  I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. 

and Christians are to be people of prayer.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
...in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

So to repeat Packer's statement:

"Our prayer is foreordained as the means whereby He brings His Sovereign Will to pass. "

So keep praying! Amen? Amen!

Still confused?  So am I at times, but I'm reminded of the words of the old hymn  "Trust and Obey"...

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

One reason I don't blog as often anymore is that I can't find a good stopping place...Even now, I'm thinking of many more passages to discuss, illustrations to use, directions to go, and could go on writing for pages, and pages, and pages...

If you'd like to leave a comment but don't have an account to login with, you can choose "anonymous", and then put your name in the body of your comment.  Questions and/or comments are welcome!

My 2 cents about "Relevance"

 I hear people all the time talking about "relevance", such as relevant sermons, relevant preaching, relevant teaching, etc...

"We don't make the Bible relevant. It is inherently so, simply because it is God's Word."...

"There is no danger of irrelevant doctrine; the real threat is an undoctrinal attempt at relevance. Application not based on solid interpretation has led Christians into all kinds of confusion.

Dr. John F. MacArthur, Grace To You

PREACH THE WORD!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY 2012 to all, from Don and Family !

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

A Psalm for giving thanks. (ESV)

Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Bring Out The Book!

(Re-posting (again) an older blog that I needed reminding of periodically...I told my friend at lunch last week, I'm closing all books but the Bible for a while again...need to feast on the pure, unadulterated Word, the Scriptures Alone for a while...)

In Nehemiah, the people of Israel asked Ezra the Scribe to "Bring out The Book", the Book of the Law of Moses, and were attentive as he read from the Law of God from early morning till midday!
(see end of blog for Scripture passage)
Do you long for HIS BOOK?
Do you long for the people of God to long for His Book?

Today, it seems to me that churches everywhere are always anxious to have so-called "Bible-Studies" on the latest books from the New York Times Bestsellers List (or LIFEWAY for us Southern Baptists) by the latest "Christian Guru of the hour", and they get very excited about it.

Now don't misunderstand. I'm not against Christian book studies.
I'm all about reading and studying good books by good Christian authors, present and past. We may disagree on which books/authors are good, and which are not-so-good, but that's not my point here. (leave me a comment to discuss that - LOL).

My family and friends know that I always have bookmarks in several books, commentaries, and Study-Bibles at a time. I can't go to sleep at night without reading. I ask for theology books for my birthday, Christmas, for Father's Day, etc. I'm always going online & ordering new books whenever I get the time (or money-lol). My Dad & I exchange good books by solid Christian authors, scholars, and theologians with each other all the time. We both love books that Glorify God, and exalt Him. In fact, I'm out of bookshelves at home to store them, and am having to box some good books up for lack of space.

Dad & I have often talked about how, as good and helpful as these books are, they are no substitute for reading & studying the Scriptures daily. If I'm always reading/studying Godly books by Godly men, and neglect the Bible itself, they always leave me "wanting", and "hungering & thirsting" for His Word from His Book! (and we're not talking about gospel-lite type self-help books)

Books and Commentaries are excellent SUPPLEMENTS to, but not SUBSTITUTES for the Bible.

But where's the excitement in studying His Book?
How many times have you heard people get really excited at your church about studying a particular Book of the Bible? (Well, with exception of Revelation and maybe Daniel-which are certainly Books we should study...in fact, Revelation speaks of a special blessing for hearing/reading it). But we should love to study ALL the Books of the Bible. Not just the ones we think are "more interesting and/or sensational".
J. Vernon McGee once commented on the lack of real interest in deep things of God in one of his commentaries, which I own:

When I first came to California, the late Dr. Arno C. Gaebelein wintered out here in Pasadena, and I went to visit him. He asked me how I liked California, and I replied, “I love it here, but it’s very interesting that if I teach the Book of Revelation, I can fill the church (even during midweek service), but if I begin teaching the Epistle to the Romans, I can practically empty the church. I find there are people who will run all the way across this area to find out from a speaker just how many hairs are in the horse’s tail in Revelation.” He then made a statement to me that I shall never forget, “Dr. McGee, you’re going to find out in your ministry that there are a great many people more interested in Antichrist than they are in Christ.”
J. Vernon McGee (1904-1988)
Thru the Bible, Volume V, page 47

In the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Jews/Israelites had returned from captivity, and had been without God's Word for more than a generation.
They had heard, I'm sure, "about God", but they were hungry to hear "from God". The following passage gives the account:

Nehemiah 8 (ESV)...Ezra Reads the Law
¹And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. ²So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. ³ And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. ⁴And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. ⁵And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. ⁶And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. ⁷ Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. ⁸They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. ⁹And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. ¹⁰Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." ¹¹So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved." ¹²And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

May we say, as they did, "BRING OUT THE BOOK"