Bible Flipper

I realize that there are reading plans to read through the Bible. Some are set up for a year and take a passage from the old and new testament along with something from the Psalms and/or Proverbs. By the end of the year? If you stay on track, you've read through the entire Bible.

Usually, these plans do not include just opening the Bible and reading whatever your eye lands on. I have to admit to being a Bible flipper. It does not ALWAYS seem applicable. However, there have been many times when I have done this and I am amazed how often it is something that applies to what I'm going through. Sometimes, when I remember, I prayerfully ask God before I flip to show me what I need to see.

Recently, on one of my nights/mornings? of getting in bed w....a....y too late.....again, I flipped open the Bible. My eye landed on Psalm 127 (NIV):

 ¹ Unless the LORD builds the house,
   the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
   the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
   and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
   for he grants sleep to those he loves.

The Journey Bible I read also had some additional information about these verses. It mentioned specifically starting a business and writing a book. I have considered both of these very recently. On times like this, I am reminded that the Bible is one of God's ways of communicating with us.


The Bible is a big book and it seems overwhelming. Sometimes we make excuses. "I don't have time to read the Bible", "I don't know where to start", "The Bible doesn't go in order and gets so confusing", etc.

Personally, I'm sure I've used one or more of those excuses. However, I've noticed I found time to read a novel (or 3 or 4!)  by my favorite author. Some probably have more pages than the Bible....but I found time for those...

I'm not encouraging anyone to just flip open the Bible and start reading. I just want to remind you to open your Bible. Currently, we have the freedom and resources to own at least one Bible....maybe several. When was the last time you opened yours?

The B.I.B.L.E. Instructions

Exodus 16:28 (NLT) The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions?

Tonight, I was programming a cell phone (which is about as difficult...and as much fun....as programming VCRs, etc). I was sitting at the table and putting in phone numbers. I made a mistake and could not figure out how to delete the number. The first few times I hit delete the contact and started over. Finally, I was getting frustrated.

Then, I glanced up and there sat the instruction book. I am usually the first one to try and read instructions if I can't figure it out within a reasonable time. Tonight it didn't even cross my mind until I saw it right in front of me.

It really was something very simple to correct. Just needed to hit the correct button to backspace. I wasted time, however, trying to figure the phone out without reviewing the instructions first.

I got to thinking how much this is like the Bible. God's instructions to us....in written form....usually not to far away from any seat in the house. How many times have I floundered in a situation when part of the answer is right at my fingertips? I already know the answer. More than necessary and more then I would like.

I once heard the Bible referred to as Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. How much easier life would be if I remember THAT first instead of much later when I've made more mistakes and wasted more time than I can count.

So, where's your instruction manual? Find your Bible, ask God for guidance for what and where He wants you to read. Those instructions are timeless.

John 1:1-3 ^(NLT)1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

My review of The Shack (novel)

A few friends had mentioned this book and it was also brought up on a discussion board for the radio station I listen to. Now that I've read the book, I posted there and just copied and pasted (to save some writing time...gotta LOVE technology!). Here is my take on The Shack:

I did finally read this book. It is one of few I actually argued with myself and put more thought into before reading (The Left Behind series was one of the others). I borrowed it from the library and there was still a lengthy waiting period, so I assume people are still reading or waiting to read this book.

Thank you to the person who posted the review. (http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001788.cfm) I read it prior and just read through it again. It does bring up some good points.

The reviews and who they are by, partially influenced me. A quote from Michael W. Smith is on the back. Eugene Peterson (translated/wrote The Message version of the Bible) compared it to Pilgrim's Progress. (sidenote: having just read a modern short version of Pilgrim's Progress, I would not compare the 2).

After I read the book, I also checked out the website. http://www.theshackbook.com/ It is stated clearly on the website and on the back of the book it is FICTION and it is stated to be a novel. I haven't even got to the forums (no time), but I'm sure they would be interesting.

There were some things (OK, a lot) that made me go Hmmmm and I would like to follow up on by checking in the Bible. I hope that is what others will do as well. The book dwelled on relationship more than "religion". It came across to me as VERY spiritual, almost new age, if I was more versed in what that was.

My one word of warning would be that somewhere I read it mentions it is great for new believers as well. I do not think I would go that far. My personal opinion would be read through the New Testament (at least) before attempting this book even as fiction.

Sometimes, I think we read to much into books. However, authors/writers have a responsibility to know that their words carry power, for good or evil. We, as readers, have a responsibility to seek out truth and apply it to our lives as we see fit.

One thing I have personally struggled with? How can I take time for ALL the fiction/self-help/fun reads and can't find more time to read the Bible? Hmmmm.

:) Quick pick me up....pass it on......Did she get my note?

I got our mail today...and in addition to the bills and credit card offers was a card from my sister's house. I thought it was the Christmas card with a picture in it. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it was from my 5 year old nephew...to me! I smiled as I read what his mom helped him write and he signed his name. What a day brightener! Little did he know how much it would mean. He's not aware of the stresses life puts on adults. THANK GOODNESS!

I called his house and I could hear him in the background, "Did she get my note?"

We've received a couple of other cards for Christmas too. What a nice feeling to know someone is thinking of us. It's something that seems small, but can make a great impact. Do you know somebody who needs a quick pick me up/day brightener? If you keep feeling a little urging, follow up on it. God may be using you to bless somebody who really needs it. Pass it on. Have you received something unexpected recently? Whisper a little prayer of thanks for the person who was thinking of you.

OK, I wasn't going to get all spiritual tonight, but just had a thought as I typed did she get my note. God gave us a whole book of love letters and pick me ups. It probably won't come in an envelope or in the mailbox. I can just hear Him...."Did she get my note?"

Bible - How's your sword?

I'm writing this as a reminder to myself....and sharing with you. My days go better when I start out with quiet time reading the Bible. My head knows this and my spirit knows this. Unfortunately, life lately has been busy. While this is true, it is also an excuse. I have found/made time to read books about the Bible, Karen Kingsbury novels, and SisterChick books. Even though the other books have had Godly undertones, it's not the Bible and they are not my promised sword for battle.

I was looking up something else, and ran across this. Thought I'd share.

The Life of a Neglected Bible
www.godtube.com

May we not just read on Sundays. God wants to speak to us every day. Polish the sword! You never know when you're going to need it next.

Persecuted Christians and Church

I had planned to write about spiritual armor...and I will. However, it has been laying heavy on my heart how people across the world suffer for Christ...and we, in the USA, tend to take for granted the freedoms we possess. (Even JUST the ability to write and post about God!)

On October 31, I sent the following e-mail to family and friends:

Recently, our son and I have been using the Taming a Liger - Unexpected Lessons from Napolean Dynomite as a devotional (see link if interested. We have had some really good discussions and it is very thought provoking...even though it links back to the movie, which seems kind of pointless, in my humble adult opinion!). ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Taming-Liger-Unexpected-Spiritual-Napoleon/dp/1576839109

Tonight it was about how we received the Holy Spirit and it talked about persecuted Christians. He asked me if persecution really happens. Wow! I didn't know he wasn't aware of how blessed we are to live where we do. Then I realized I don't know a whole lot about it either.... so I typed in persecuted church in Google and came up with this.

http://www.persecutedchurch.org/

International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church is November 11. It looks like there is some good info for bulletin inserts and discussion guides here:

http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IDOP2007_Kit_contents

I did not totally review yet, but I thought I would pass on the word to others who might want to help raise awareness.
Thanks!
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I just watched something on another person's blog (Thanks Gary @ JQ) regarding a rock group from Russia. They were amazed that we had Bibles in hotel rooms...for free! At the time, they could be in serious trouble for having Christian literature, let alone the Bible in their possession. One man talked about the only Bible they had was a handwritten copy. One person in their meetings had paid $700 for a little Bible.

I decided (AND figured out how!) to put the video here as it is very moving. Now, granted it looks a little dated - check the hair....but a powerful testimony. If you have a few minutes, definitely worth watching: