When I was young, a toy hit the market which became an instant success. It was called the Rubik’s Cube and it provided endless puzzle solving possibilities. The toy is in the shape of a square with each side possessing many different colored squares. The objective was to twist and turn the cube until each of the sides displayed only one color. It was a daunting task and sometimes when I played it, I gave up in exasperation because just when it seemed as if I was going to solve the puzzle, I ended up with only a 90% solution. At such points, it seemed that there was no way out of my mistakes other than starting all over again. Still, the goal was alluring, and I would go back to the cube again and again with the hopes that I would succeed. Finally, when victory was mine, I was ecstatic and then even more motivated to do it again. Only this time, I wanted to be quicker and have more successes between my failures. I am not sure how much time I spent with that little cube, but somehow I thought it was worth it. It amazes me when I see people pursuing similar diversions today (I have my own “grown-up” ones like chess). We can give up significant periods of time in the pursuit of getting a game or puzzle right. When I play chess, I can become intense and sometimes play for hours on end when I am in the thick of a game. At those times, obtaining checkmate seems of tremendous importance. It is startling to note how much time we can give our diversions and how important they can seem. This past week, I did some intensive Bible study. I joined with some brothers in Christ and we spent hours pouring over sections of Scripture, trying to fully understand its meaning. Sometimes we would think that we clearly understood what was being said, and then a new element would be revealed which would shed a whole new light on the passage. It was so satisfying when our understanding increased, and we could enjoy what God was saying in fuller measure. The fact of the matter was that it was hard work, and after a day of exploring God’s Word like this, my head hurt. Even so, it was worth it. As a matter of fact, if I were to put in on a scale, understanding the complexities of a Bible passage was tremendously more valuable the finding the solution to any game or puzzle I could have played. Why? Because, when the meaning of the passage became known, my heart was deeply blessed and I praised God for the richness and wisdom of His Word. Additionally my faith was increased and my devotion to God only grew. Can one attain such reward from worldly games? Of course not. While they may be fun and have their place (like when your head hurts …) the dividends they pay are not even measurable alongside of what God does in you when you devote yourself to the study of His Word. Additionally, while the benefits of a worldly diversion last for only a short time, God’s Word will bless us for all eternity. On top of all this, what a joy it is to take what God has taught us and share it with others. I hope my writing today encourages you to commit yourself to a deep study of God’s Word. There are so many riches that He wants to reveal to you. You may have to work, but then watch as He works in you. The trade-off will be that you will receive much more than you give. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). For Him, Rob