BIBLE   PRESERVERS 

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that

I might not sin against Thee.

Psalm 119:11

Off and on through the years, I have encouraged ladies I have taught either in Sunday school or in Bible study groups to have at hand (in the memory) specific Bible verses that can be of encouragement, especially in times of stress or difficulties.  Such verses can be of such help and support in times we may not have our Bibles near at hand.

Such verses are going to be different for all of us as our experience with God's Word will be different.  These verses chosen are usually those we have been blessed by in special ways or events.  Some such verses may not even be memorized but verses we go to in our Bibles, verses that are probably underlined.

Any verses we can readily recall in normal times, may not be quick coming to mind in times of difficulty.  That's why I've suggested listing such verses by address somewhere in the front of a Bible that would be quicker to find.  When I have a Bible at hand, I READ the verse I'm hanging on to in the moment.  That verse may be stuck firmly in my mind, but I find as much as possible to read the words slowly.  I usually get some new insight into the message of the verse depending on where I am in the moment...a moment of stress of some kind.

We underestimate the power found in the Word of God.  It is so practical in so many ways.  It isn't a book to be carried to church and then to rest on a coffee table the rest of the week.  Through the Word and often in private, still learn, are encouraged and yes, can be physically strenghtened.  Our Father loves being our father, influincing our lives for His glory in so many ways.

This comes down to what the Bible, God's Word, means to us on a very personal level.  We have a wonderful pastor who faithfully preaches the Word.  You may have a really good Sunday school or Bible study leader.  Guess what?  They faithfully preach or teach and both are sources of growth, but God wants to teach us one on one.  A part of that teaching, God through His Spirit, loves one on one contact with us.  He wants us to see the reverence for His Word, but also wants His Word to be a practical help and encouragement day to day. 

 Those verse preservers can mean having a closer dependence on our Heavenly Father.  They can also be encouragement in the good times as well.  When such a verse comes to mind, that's the Spirit...chew on that verse for awhile, getting all the richness out of it as possible.  May we take a fresh look at our Bibles that aren't meant for just Sunday but for everyday.

Dear Father, may we realize how very much You want to minister to us through Your Word no matter our circumstances.  Thank You for what it means to us, providing wonderful times with You we so desperately need.   In Jesus' precious name...Amen