The Ten Commandments? Impossible!

Mark 10:17, Romans 3:20, Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 2:8-9

When I have read the Ten Commandments earlier in life, I felt so hopeless because I knew I could not obey all of them all the time. Really, these rules are impossible for anyone to perfectly obey, right? I felt hopeless and wondered how I could be good enough to go to heaven. I had asked Jesus to be my personal Savior and forgive my sin, but even so, I was confused by the thought of obeying the Ten Commandments. In Mark 10:17, someone asks Jesus how they can have eternal life. Jesus answers by reminding that person of the Ten Commandments. This made me feel really bad and guilty. Then I realized that this concept that no one could ever obey the Ten Commandments was the whole point! We are supposed to try but will always fall short! A light bulb moment! The point was that we can't, and that is why we need Jesus! Romans 3:23-24 says all have sinned but are justified by His grace! Ephesians 2:8-9 says we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves. How comforting this is!

Most Awesome Book in the Universe

Have you ever read Edgar Allen Poe's story, The Purloined Letter? In this famous mystery, a man is frantically looking for the original copy of an extremely important letter. He uses every possible means to find that letter, tearing up carpet, walls, furniture; and using scientific equipment to search. Finally, the letter is found, cleverly placed where no one would have suspected, right out in plain sight in the living room.

While God does not purposely hide His precious Word, the mysterious letter in this story makes me think of the Bible. I guess we just can't believe it could be that easy and obvious to find the answers to major life questions. For centuries, all over the world, people have searched for answers to the mysteries of life. People buy self-improvement books to help them live a more productive life. Who doesn't fear death and have questions about it?

The answers to all these mysteries of life are in a Book that might be in your living room right now in plain sight, but you don't realize what is beneath that book cover.  Don't take my word for it, read it yourself and find out.  

Always Something New and Relevant

Every time I read the Bible, I notice details that I do not remember reading previously. There is always something new to find in God's Word. I decided to start recording these thoughts on my Bible reading. A lifetime of reading would not result in mastering this amazing book. My reading and understanding are not very deep or professional but the important thing is to read regularly and God will guide. My thoughts are in no particular order, just whatever is on my mind.