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Warren Wiersbe

Warren Wendell Wiersbe (1929 - 2019). American pastor, author, and Bible teacher born in East Chicago, Indiana. Converted at 16 during a Youth for Christ rally, he studied at Indiana University, Northern Baptist Seminary, and earned a D.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ordained in 1951, he pastored Central Baptist Church in Indiana (1951-1957), Calvary Baptist in Kentucky (1961-1971), and Moody Church in Chicago (1971-1978). Joining Back to the Bible in 1980, he broadcasted globally, reaching millions. Wiersbe authored over 150 books, including the Be Series commentaries, notably Be Joyful (1974), with over 5 million copies sold. Known as the “pastor’s pastor,” his expository preaching emphasized practical application of Scripture. Married to Betty Warren since 1953, they had four children. His teaching tours spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, mentoring thousands of pastors. Wiersbe’s words, “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy,” guided his balanced ministry. His writings, translated into 20 languages, continue to shape evangelical Bible study and pastoral training worldwide.
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Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of delighting in the Word of God, emphasizing that what we delight in directs our lives. He compares the blessed person to a tree with deep roots, contrasting them with the ungodly who are like chaff blown away by the wind. Wiersbe highlights the significance of meditating on God's Word to strengthen our spiritual root system, which is essential for nourishment, stability, and strength during life's storms.
Preface to God's Hymnal
Read Psalm 1:1-6 Have you ever read the preface to the hymnal used in your church? Few people ever do. The preface to God's hymnal (the Book of Psalms) is Psalm 1. It begins with a word we often use--blessed. Nowhere does Scripture tell us that God blesses programs or promotions. But it does teach that He blesses individuals. He blessed Abraham so he might be a blessing to others. And He blesses us so we might bless others. What you delight in is what will direct your life, so be careful what you enjoy. The blessed person delights in the Law of the Lord (v. 2). He delights so much in the Word of God that he meditates on it during the day. Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It means assimilating the Word of God. The blessed person is like a tree (v. 3). A tree has roots. The most important part of your life is your "root system." Don't be like the ungodly, who are like chaff (v. 4). Chaff doesn't have roots. It is blown away by every wind that comes along. Your root system is important because it determines your nourishment. It also determines your stability and your strength when the storm comes and the wind starts to blow. People can't see your root system, but God can. Praying and meditating on the Word of God will cause your roots to go down deep into His love. God delights in blessing His children. But we must prepare ourselves for His blessings by first appropriating the resources He has given us. Delight in the Word of God and feed on it. But do more than occasionally read the Word; meditate on it constantly. Make it your source of spiritual nourishment, and God will bless you with strength and stability.
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Warren Wendell Wiersbe (1929 - 2019). American pastor, author, and Bible teacher born in East Chicago, Indiana. Converted at 16 during a Youth for Christ rally, he studied at Indiana University, Northern Baptist Seminary, and earned a D.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ordained in 1951, he pastored Central Baptist Church in Indiana (1951-1957), Calvary Baptist in Kentucky (1961-1971), and Moody Church in Chicago (1971-1978). Joining Back to the Bible in 1980, he broadcasted globally, reaching millions. Wiersbe authored over 150 books, including the Be Series commentaries, notably Be Joyful (1974), with over 5 million copies sold. Known as the “pastor’s pastor,” his expository preaching emphasized practical application of Scripture. Married to Betty Warren since 1953, they had four children. His teaching tours spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, mentoring thousands of pastors. Wiersbe’s words, “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy,” guided his balanced ministry. His writings, translated into 20 languages, continue to shape evangelical Bible study and pastoral training worldwide.