Today's message was written by my friend, Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

In the classic book The Pilgrim's Progress, an allegory by John Bunyan, the author tells the story of Christian and Hopeful in their encounter with Giant Despair. The two pilgrims had trespassed on the giant's property and were thrown into Doubting Castle. There they were tortured and starved until they were on the brink of despair.

Suddenly, Christian exclaimed, "What a fool am I thus to lie in a stinking dungeon when I may as well walk at liberty! I have a key… called Promise that will open any lock in Doubting Castle." So with renewed hope in their hearts, the two pilgrims arose, unlocked the doors, and walked out again on the King's Highway.

When you and I store the Word of God in our hearts, we have the key to the great resources of God. The validity of God's promises has been passed down through the centuries by God's people. Whatever the need, the distress, the hurt, the sorrow, they have found relief and healing in God's redemptive, unconditional love. We, too, have the key called Promise. All we need to do is use God's promises for our needs.

Remember: The purpose of the Bible, the Word of God, is not information, but formation.

The psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Prayer: God of love, deliver us from all narrowness of mind that fears new truth. Deliver us from all laziness of mind that is satisfied with half-truth. Deliver us from all arrogance of mind that thinks it knows all the truth. Lord, keep us earnestly, honestly, and diligently seeking the truth that alone can make us free. Now watch over those who are traveling, who drive or fly. Teach us that we never journey beyond your loving care. Amen.

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