Archie Wortham is an adjunct professor at St. Phillips College and writes a weekly column for the San Antonio Observer, and has a website “Fathers Helping Fathers.” In one of his columns, he tells about his friend, Larcene Bowers, who shared this story with him.
It seems Larcene’s son had left for college. Being concerned about his spiritual welfare, she sent him a Bible. She told him to read it when he needed answers. When times were tough. When he needed help. It was there that he would find what he needed most at that time.
One day, her son called home and said he needed some money. His mother said she understood. Then asked if he was reading his Bible. He assured her that he was. This went on for a little while. He would call and ask for money. She would ask, “Are you reading your Bible?” He would respond, “Yes ma’am, I’m reading my bible.” And his mother would reply, “Then you got all you need.”
At some point, the boy realized that his mother knew he wasn’t reading his Bible. Whether it was from guilt or genuine remorse, one day he picked it up and started reading. In it, he found faith. Hope. God’s guidance. Oh, and one more thing….money! His mother had stashed all kinds of cash throughout the pages of his Bible!
He learned there was value in reading his bible!
Psalm 119 speaks of the Psalmist’s need, love, and esteem for God’s revelation. This unique Psalm has 22 stanzas with 8 lines each. It is an acrostic in the Hebrew alphabet, with each line beginning with the same letter. Nine synonyms are used for God’s Word. Briefly consider these 9 words as you think about the worth of bible reading.
1. Word. It keeps us morally clean (v.9). It directs our steps (v.11). It is our great treasure (v.162). When we store it up in our hearts, it keeps us from sin (v.9).
2. Commandments. They signify the right of authority. They compel us. Require our obedience. Dictate our actions. They give us wisdom (v.98)
3. Law. This implies sovereignty and suggests the King’s reign. When we are directed by it, we will hate lawlessness (v. 163, 113, 53)
4. Way. God’s Word is God’s way. It speaks to His nature. It is a higher way. A nobler way. A spiritual way. In it, we will experience revival (v. 37).
5. Testimonies. A testimony is a solemn declaration. When we are guided by them, we will find joy and delight (v. 24, 14, and 111).
6. Precepts. This has to do with trust. We can trust God’s percepts. They give us life and liberty (v. 93, 45)
7. Judgments. Rightness and righteousness are vital to God’s judgments. When I walk in them, I can know I’m walking the right way. (V. 7, 62, 106)
8. Statutes. The word means a definite, prescribed, written law. The moral law of God is engraved on our hearts. His statutes allow one to live a life without shame (v. 80)
9. Truth. God’s Word is truth (v. 151). When we are directed by it, we will accept all of it. (v.160).
9 words. 1 point. God’s Word is awesome.
If you’re looking for a way to add value to your life, to receive spiritual riches, and to acquire a wealth of wisdom, look in your Bible. You never know what you’ll find that will enrich your life!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
ken, i have heard of another mom doing the same thing–giving her son, whom she knew was lacking in faith, a Bible and stashing money in its pages. sadly, i never heard that he found the money.
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bro. Ken: thanks for the post, reminding to read my Bible more! also, thanks for the idea of stashing money in a copy, to send along to someone who will need it. our kid’s are all out of college, but we will hopefully be helping send our grandchildren, someday! 🙂 love in Him, Julie
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Heart. touching write-up. May the Lord’s blessings be upon you, may He uphold you n increase you with abundance knowledge.
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Thanks for reading and responding!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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