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Key Bible Verse: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I was the worst of them all (1 Timothy 1:15). Bonus Reading: John 15:26; 16:12–15

An early leader of the English Reformation was Thomas Bilney. As a brilliant Cambridge student, Bilney struggled to forge his faith under the directorship of various priests. But nothing worked, and he became increasingly depressed. Things changed, however, when Bilney's friends introduced him to a new translation of the New Testament. Before long he was reading the words of Paul [in today's Key Bible Verse.]

"He laid down the book," writes 19th century historian Jean D'Aubigne, "and meditated on the astonishing declaration . …he read the verse again and again." Bilney was overwhelmed by the notion that Paul would refer to himself as both a sinner and a person who was saved.

"In this manner God instructed him . …It seemed as if a refreshing wind were blowing over his soul . …'I also am like Paul,' he exclaimed, 'and more than Paul, the greatest of sinners! … But Christ saves sinners. At last I have heard Jesus!'

"Bilney never tired of reading his New Testament . …He heard Jesus at Capernaum, Peter in the temple, Paul on Mars Hill, and felt within himself that Christ possesses the words of eternal life."

—Gordon MacDonald in Forging a Real-World Faith

My Response: A time when I experienced a "refreshing wind" from God's Word was …

Thought to Apply: Other books were given for our information, the Bible was given for our transformation.
—Source unknown

Adapted from: Forging a Real-World Faith (Nelson, 1989).

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me regularly to go straight to Your Word and find direction and nourishment.

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