THE WONDER OF A BOOK

...the grass withereth, and the flower
thereof falleth away:
But the word of the Lord endureth
for ever. And this is the word which
by the gospel is preached unto you.
I Peter 1:24b-25

Books have meant much to me most of my life. My first real introduction to reading was through friends by the name of Dick, Jane, Sally and their pets, Spot and Puff. Many of my era probably learned to read from those primers in first grade. A few years ago, Brian purchased for me a book that had a combination of those first grade books in it. Every now and then, I like to pull it out, love on those words and characters from another era.

From there, the words on pages became many and even the books a little thicker. From that point, I was on my way. I have been an avid reader since those childhood days.

  I read my first “chapter book” when about 9 years old. I was a really heavy book in size compared to any I had read to that point. My mother sent it to me while I was away visiting my aunt. It was a Bobsey Twin book. From there I went to biographies written in childhood form but by then, my reading had taken me to a higher level for more exciting reading adventures.

I love the feel of a book, the smell of a book and the mastery of a book. I realize there are new ways reading. I have a Kindle but although I really like it, I still find myself reaching for a real book with a cover and individual pages I can handle page by page. Some folks predict the demise of books as we have known them. I have to wonder if in the hearts of dedicated readers, they will ever yield to that notion. If it does happen, I will be happen I won't be on the earth to see it.

One of the most important tools in the life of a child is the gift of reading. Reading is a necessary skill for doing well in life. To accomplish most anything, reading is required whether it is reading a newspaper, pouring over a recipe in the kitchen, communicating on a computer, writing notes, signing a marriage license, educating themselves at higher level, and on and on it goes. I think any elementary school teacher could attest to the fact that children who do not read well, tend to have discipline problems in school.
 

I have believed for a long time that Satan fights our learning of reading. The big reason for my saying that is that the last thing he wants any of us to be able to do is read the Word of God. When I have taught or encouraged reading, I've always secretly told myself that reading is something a person will take to Heaven with them. The most important reading we will ever do is the hours we spend in the Word of God.

The Word of God comes in many forms. Yes, it's on the computer in some form but also in various types of cover. They come with different size type and may be very simple or vast in reference material. There are many “translations” on the market...some good but many that ought to be trashed. In this area, Christians must be careful. Some want to purchase any and everything put out by most assumed translators. However, we are blessed living in a country where Bibles are available and we have choices.

In this book of Peter's (and Holy Spirit's), and in this Chapter 2 in particular, Peter speaks of our being a family, born into the Kingdom the same way in a loving family and even as a spiritual family, eating the same food...the very Word of God. In our family, when I cooked supper, we all sat down and ate from the same menu and such is true of our spiritual family. 

I shouldn't be surprised that a popular magazine in our country has announced how little the Bible is of influence and help in the lives of people. They are in fact almost advocating it's passing completely off the scene. Countries all over the world to this day have banned Bibles or make them very difficult to come by. Satan know the Word is our sustenance, our spiritual strength and encouragement. I believe it's a growing trend in our country to minimize the importance of the Bible and we have to remain vigilant.

My first grade friends in my reading primers still have a way of warming my heart. However, THE book in my life...God's Word...also warms my life and beyond as is corrects, strengthens and blesses me. It is a book of love that will never pass away, no matter how hard Satan's crew works at it. Satan hates and fears the Bible. For that reason alone, we must love and defend it.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your inspiring every word in the Bible. Thank You too, that as we read it, You teach us from it. Thank You Father for this wonderful Love Letter that teaches us so wonderfully about Jesus. Thank You for instilling in us the desire to read and better ourselves through Your precious Word. In Jesus precious name....Amen