It is the most precious book I own, or will ever possess. My Bible. God's Word.. King James, NIV, New American Standard, The Living Bible, The Amplified Bible. These versions all occupy a place on my shelf or in my reading basket. They get used often. One for the comfort of everyday language, another for it's variety of references, and yet another for it's depth and descriptive wordiness. But none are treasured as much as my New King James. It is my best friend. Not because of the version, but because of how God has used it in my life over a specific period of time. It has been my comfort, my teacher, my joy, my rebuke, my guide, my strength, me rest, my refreshment. It is my cherished companion.
I love to hold my Bible in my hands. The soft leather...beginning to wear where my fingers have held it so often. The pages...delicate, thin, and silky. Pages unlike any other book I have ever opened. I love the way they whisper as I leaf through to find my place.
Memories flood me as I notice my markings...penciled words reflecting thoughts and feelings of days gone by. Words in black and red, underlined so that my eyes will rest quickly on them again. Words of hope, promises of God's faithfulness and unfailing love for me. How can these words be new every morning when I have read them so many times before?
The very pages within teach me to not store up treasures on earth. Don't place value on things that can be purchased, or items that will fade away when I am no longer here. My Bible was purchased. It will one day pull apart at the binding. The leather will be worn, and the pages may tear. But it is my earthly treasure whose value can never be estimated. It's words are written in my heart, and all that has been contemplated within the pages will live within me for eternity! One day, rather than living by faith according to the words in this book, I will realize the reality of all that has been written!
...Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known!...1Corinth. 13:12
I wrote those words on 1/25/2010. They are penciled in the front of my NKJV Bible. I was reading them and thinking about them this week, and realized I have a new best friend!!! The Message! Last September I went to a Women's Retreat with my mom at Sandy Cove. The Worship leader used The Message as she spoke. She read Psalm 100. I loved it. She read other passages...I could relate. While I was at Sandy Cove, I purchased a small copy for myself. I couldn't put it down, and very quickly read through the entire New Testament. It has become my reading Bible. It goes wherever I go....beside me during my quiet times in the morning, to bed with me for reading at night, to the store, to soccer games, when visiting a friend, in the car whenever we go somewhere, with me in a hot bath, and it would go with me in my purse if I had one..ha ha!!
I love God's Word. I love each and every translation as God has used them in different seasons of my life. I am thankful that during this particular season God has given me a craving for His Word.
Psalm 63...The Message
God-You're my God!
I cant get enough of You!
I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.
So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in Your strength and glory.
In Your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains,
I bless You every time I take a breath;
my arms wave like banners of praise to You!
