The Bible...What An Amazing Book!

[Truman]

The first time I recall someone reading to me from the bible, it was John 3:16. The truth of it pierced my heart like a sword (I saw a little video of it happening in my mind), and I've believed it ever since. That was 1973.
Since then, though I didn't read it consistently for some years, it has kept me company through thick and thin, and it has always had the right answer when I needed it most.
It has explained to me what life is about and has become my frame for reality. Through it, I have come to know it's author, my God. And His character.
It is a supernatural book. It amazes me at how often it falls open with the answer to whatever pressing question I am asking God.
It comforts me when I'm hurting and it assures me when I'm frightened. It lets me know that I'm never alone.
It is the voice of God to me. And when the Lord speaks sovereignly to my spirit, I know it's Him when it lines up with the word and His peace in my heart.
There is always something new to be found in it.
Thank You, Lord, for today, for Your word, and mostly, for You.
What an awesome God we have!

 

[GEN2REV]

Amen.

I've been carrying a pocket-size Gideon's International version in my back pocket for years now. The earliest copyright on it is 1979. Goes everywhere I go. It is my sidearm. It is my navigator. It is my comfort in tough situations. Occasionally in a long drive thru line I will break it out and read some Proverbs or Psalms, or check out a verse somewhere that's been on my mind lately.

The Gideons have been planting Bibles around the country since 1908 and are responsible for the placement and distribution "of over 1.2 Billion Bibles and New Testaments to hotels, motels, hospitals, penal institutions, members of the armed forces, school students and those in the public nursing fields."

There is an intro included that is so profound that I have it marked in brackets in my Bible and will share it here. It is perfect for this thread.

"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents."

God bless.

 

[Truman]

Yeah, that's what I mean!
Then there's the spiritual parallel meaning.

 

[Robert Gwin]

The first time I recall someone reading to me from the bible, it was John 3:16. The truth of it pierced my heart like a sword (I saw a little video of it happening in my mind), and I've believed it ever since. That was 1973.
Since then, though I didn't read it consistently for some years, it has kept me company through thick and thin, and it has always had the right answer when I needed it most.
It has explained to me what life is about and has become my frame for reality. Through it, I have come to know it's author, my God. And His character.
It is a supernatural book. It amazes me at how often it falls open with the answer to whatever pressing question I am asking God.
It comforts me when I'm hurting and it assures me when I'm frightened. It lets me know that I'm never alone.
It is the voice of God to me. And when the Lord speaks sovereignly to my spirit, I know it's Him when it lines up with the word and His peace in my heart.
There is always something new to be found in it.
Thank You, Lord, for today, for Your word, and mostly, for You.
What an awesome God we have!

How did you feel when you first learned God had a name when you came across it in your Bible reading Truman? I know it changed my life for sure. The Bible is definitely alive and exerts power, it changes lives.

 

[Truman]

How did I feel? Something like the first time I fell in love with a girl.
When I first learned about my sinful condition, how I deserved to die, and that the Son of God, named Jesus, died to save me, I felt grief. I bawled my eyes out. When I learned that I was saved because I believed, I was very thankful.
I had a bible and would read that. Though I had no Christians in my life. My dad discouraged my faith, told me that I was supposed to keep it to myself. He was a socialist atheist at the time. My friends laughed at me.
At the time, my world consisted of things like getting and staying high, listening to loud psychedelic music, and getting as many girls into bed as I could. And funding it by selling drugs. Going to concerts was high on my list of priorities. All this started when I was 13.
Unfortunately, I had no positive influences in my life. I eventually went back to my old life. Though I never stopped believing.
It was in 1994 that I learned the name of the head of the family: Father. It's been an often hard road since then, working through the results of a hedonistic-style life. But my Father has never turned me away. And since He revealed His love for me to me, I haven't turned away from Him. Where would I go? I was already home. Though I've stumbled a few times.
He never gave up on me, though I gave up on myself many times.
Faithful and True is His name. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Amen.

 

[amadeus]

How did you feel when you first learned God had a name when you came across it in your Bible reading Truman? I know it changed my life for sure. The Bible is definitely alive and exerts power, it changes lives.

If it remains unopened on a shelf and therefore unread, where is the Life and the power?

 

[marks]

 

[Robert Gwin]

If it remains unopened on a shelf and therefore unread, where is the Life and the power?

Exactly!