ENJOYING YOUR BIBLE

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Please allow me to suggest some things that folks have taught me through the years regarding my treatment of the Word of God. We have all been told probably since our salvation that we should read our Bibles every day. Really? Unless one grew up in a strong Christian home, that rule of thumb was more than frustrating for someone like me at the age of ten. With some maturity and some excellent spiritual friends and teachers, I learned I could be myself with that most precious Book.

First, please know that your Bible isn't a religious relic to be worshiped because the two words HOLY BIBLE are printed on the front. Several years ago, there was a couple that always sat in front of us in church. One day, she came in, sat down, turned around and wanted to show me what her hubby had purchased for her birthday. From a tote bag, she pulled out a box...a Bible in the box...an expensive Bible in the box. I asked why she brought her new Bible in the box. She said to keep it new. Until the day we moved, that dear lady (and I do mean sweet, dear lady) still carried that Bible in it's original box. We should respect our Bibles, not mistreat them, but a Bible is a tool, a textbook to be used.

One day while in college, I walked into another friend's room. She was laying on her tummy across her bed, chin on her folded arms on the edge of the bed. On the floor right under that was an open Bible. I apologized up and down for interrupting her devotions. I'll never forget what she said with a radiant and smiling face...”Oh that's okay Glendarae, this isn't devotion time. I'm just enjoying myself with some extra recreation in the Word.” WHAT??? Recreation is swimming, playing ball, jogging on a track, hiking...and you know the rest. This time in the Word for her was recreation. When I think of recreation, I think of something enjoyable, even fun. Can I regard my Bible as holy and still find enjoyment, even fun with it? I've come to believe that God loves when I enjoy Him and what He has to say.

Others have taught me some things....some hints that have enriched my Bible study. In a these days of confinement, let me suggest a few of them you might pick from and try.  Please keep in mind that I never treat the Word of God with any disrespect. It is not a ten cent puzzle book to be treated that way. I want God to speak to me through it every time I open it's pages. I, like others, can have a wandering mind as I read. There are things I have found that keep me focused. The following are some of those things that have kept me “tuned in” to not just reading words but to staying alert to what those words are saying to me. If you disagree, that's okay. Here we go:

*Be a Bible marker. Even if you have to purchase a cheap Bible from Walt-mart get one you can write, underline and make notes in.

*Go to Psalm 119. In every verse but three in the KJV, there is a word that has reference to what the Bible is....law, statutes, commandments, etc. Read through the Psalm and mark those words. They will remind you what God's Word is to do in us.

*Something very different I've suggested that I do at least once per quarter is to read through the four Gospels, but read the red letters (Jesus statements) only. This takes away the crowds, scenery, etc. hearing only what Jesus speaks. It's something I always look forward to doing.

*I have been using a new Bible for a few months and as I read, I am circling the names of Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Master, Teacher...any name for God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Talk about fun (if I may use the word), I love now turning every page (except Esther) seeing God's name standing out all over the place.

*Get a small notebook. Write a verse in it each day. Sometimes I write more. I date the writing as I go. Writing Scripture slows me down to really pay attention to each word. It doesn't take much time, but can take as much as I want and this is such a personal blessing.
*While reading, I always circle the word "all".  For one thing, when the Word says "all", that's exactly what God intends.

Don't misuse the Word. It's precious and inerrant. No matter how wonderful it is, what use is it if we aren't reading, enjoying and applying it, so for it! You might be surprised in these days of confinement how free you will feel.

Father, thank You for our Bibles. There are Christians all over the world who would give anything to even own one. Some are dying because they have one. Help us to appreciate this precious book and to learn from it and enjoy the learning process as we come to know You better. In Jesus precious name...Amen