By: Carole L. Haines
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
(John 6:63)
The feel of the smooth, crispy paper beneath my fingertips as I glide through the pages in my search for an answer. The crackling sound as I thumb through each one, separating them delicately, one by one. This Bible has seen many a year, gone through many a struggle, captured many a tear. Our first Bibles get worn out and broken down as bindings come detached and pages fray. Yet there is nothing quite like the feel and sound of these pages for a Believer who has walked with God a long time.
We live in a digital age, and as a writer, I am thrilled for all the advances, the technology, social media and other sources that make it easier than ever to share the Good News of Jesus love for the world and His sacrifice that made salvation possible.
But this old Bible, with all of its dog-eared pages, underlines and highlights. With all of the notes that reveal where God was speaking to my heart at a particular time in my life. I have grown up with this Bible, with The God who inspired those who penned its pages. I am so grateful for growing up the way I did. I wasn’t raised in a traditional Christian Family. Mine was a religiously divided one. Two different religions, which cause arguments and disagreements, with many tears shed and regretful words said.
This drew me, and called me to search for the One Truth, the one thing that could never change its mind, go back on its word, betray me with a shifting perspective or reverse in opinion. I was drawn to the words of the Bible soon after I was Born again as a young girl of 9-10. But I didn’t really start to grow in Him until I saw the shallowness of what the world had to offer. By the time I left High School, I was fully back with God and growing with fellow Believers. I have stumbled, been arrogant, self-righteous, judgmental; all of which God has corrected me for. Yet He has gently drawn me back through repentance and His unconditional love and forgiveness. This Precious Book records my journey and I will leave it as a legacy to my children in the Hopes that they may find encouragement in the ramblings, the searches and the rejoicing written in the margins of its well-worn pages.
God, Your Word is Life to me. Thank You for drawing me to Yourself, for making me Your own and for continuing to grow me up in My Faith in You through the Scriptures. You said it Yourself, Jesus.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (John 6:63)
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