When I started my Freshman year at Arkansas A & M, in 1965, I continued my academic strategy of a “Classroom Only” approach. Maybe it was because I was dyslexic (undiagnosed until I was 60 years old) or maybe I just liked the social contact of the classroom, but I found textbooks boring. To compensate for the mandatory science classes I took social square dancing, history and political science where I knew I could pull a good grade with little effort. I did this for 3 years… until I flunked out of college.

Today I see a lot of people using the “Classroom Only” strategy with God. They show up for church on most Sunday’s, listen to a sermon and go home. This approach gives a person a nice feeling, but it is surface only. I was very active in extracurricular activities but missed the purpose of going to school…to learn. There are so many busy people in churches today that know about God, but they don’t know Him personally. This strategy works well until the storms come…and storms come to all! Storms strip away everything down to the heart. Without an anchor we will be tossed into the ocean of despair & hopelessness.

Question, where can I get an anchor that is stronger than any of life’s storms? Answer: God’s Word!

God’s Word is His Love Letter to ALL people. It is full of “I Love You” found in His Promises, His Instructions, His Warnings and in His Way of Redemption.

• “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” Timothy 3:16
• “But what does Scripture say?” Galatians 4:30

BAM! This is the default response we should have for everything! What does Scripture say, not what is someone’s opinion. Scripture (God School Textbook) is the Supreme authority over all. It is so significant that Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior, responded to Satan in Matthew 4 using Scripture only from Deuteronomy.

Here are some of my “Go-To” Scriptures:

• “Show me your ways, Lord, tech me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4,5
• “I (Jesus) give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29
• “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
• “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jer 29:11-12
• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
• “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
• “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
• “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” Psalm 17:8
• ”The Lord is my shepherd…” Psalm 23
• “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

2025 Challenge: Make 2025 the year of knowing The Good Shepherd…of knowing His Voice from scripture. It’s a heart issue. He whispers for us to come closer…will you?