Psalm 18:30 - As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
I purchased a used Bible in a thrift shop last year. Don't know why. Just thought it would be nice to have. It was well used. It appeared to have been owned by a young woman judging by the white cover and handwriting inside. The name Shawn was a bit tricky! I wonder what happened to her? The book was dog-eared, highlighted in various shades on almost every page, underlining, and personal notes or words she'd heard others speak littered the margins and at the top and bottom of pages. The date she got it was 2004.
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock..." (Matthew 7:24)
2004. That's only eleven years ago. My prayer is she outgrew this Bible for another one and that she still loves the Lord. But He said, “...blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)
When I leaf through the pages of this book, it puts my Bible to shame, although mine is pretty well marked up too. I could not give mine away for a totally new one, which might be a problem some day since it is a travel size with tiny print. So far the Lord has allowed me the ability to read it! Praise Him! Even the thought of losing it with all my own notes.
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)
I have decided to put this book in the pocket of the driver's seat of my car. I had another one there but feel this is a better one. But before I do, I will spend a few days perusing her notes. I already know she and I think alike.
In looking through it, I instinctively went to John 3:16! I've included a photo of that section. As I expected, that verse is highlighted. And notes all around. Even colors code the corner. A special page for sure. To think that the Son of God, the Word of God made flesh, would say this about Himself: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Oh, and I'm loving her because she has done what I do...really let any reader know when Jesus or God tells us something...she circled every I will God stated in one section. I have done something similar...the promises of God...yes and amen!
Since we're picking apart Ecclesiastes in Sunday school, I had to see if she had delved into it also. Yup. Lots of highlights and markings. She had done some serious Bible study. The Book of Daniel, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, the New Testament. The current condition of her heart, however, will remain a mystery.
This is proof how the Word of God is alive. When it touches one to the extent it did for Shawn, it truly is alive. I can't help but glory in the idea that when we read this Word we find and know Jesus, the Word of God. He becomes alive in our hearts, spirits and minds if we look for Him there. He will speak to us....
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
I've seen others' Bibles stuffed full of flyers, sermon notes, personal notes, held together by a thick rubber band. It's good to see a well-worn Bible. Truly, it is.
Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
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