I enjoy reading, but rarely lend books. Retrieving loaned books becomes a hassle. But when I lend a book, there are often comments about the things marked or written in the margins. My personal thoughts, references to other materials, use of black and red pens, highlighters, and whatever I feel.
Although I love and cherish reading the Bible, it receives the same treatment as most of my books. One day while searching my bookshelf for a previously read book; I stopped at a section of previously read Bibles. Finding my first Bible, I began to thumb through the pages. The entire Bible was practically covered with some type of markings. Laughing and gasping at some of my early margin comments; I realized that many things I thought was revelations were not revelations at all. Being new to the faith caused me to marvel at everything.
As I searched other Bibles there was a noticeable pattern. With maturity there is less markings, increased Bible size and print, and a variety of versions. The margins now display key words so that I can identify text when thumbing through the scriptures. Historical references to identify the time, and versions of other Bibles that I like for better translating or clarity.
Overthinking is one of my best and worst characteristics, but I began to think. Is Christianity becoming boring? Why am I not marking my Bible anymore? Have I outgrown the teachings, instructions, and guidance of God? Do I enjoy reading the Bible? Quickly coming to my senses; I remembered that we grow from glory to glory. And my collection of previously read Bibles are proof of spiritual growth. My markings were right then, and they are right now.
As a babe in Christ, I focused on the popular most quoted scriptures. Now I prefer what I call the “B Clause”. These are usually bits of information after the favorite quoted part of scripture. Most Christians recognize if a scripture starts with therefore this is a good place to revisit the previous information. There is usually history or preparation to be discovered. But the “B Clause” is usually instructions or expectations to apply to the current scripture for results.
Proverb 18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.
(New King James Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed April 9th, 2021).
I like the “b clause” because it tells me that you will need someone to notice your gift. And God has people in place to assist with getting your gift noticed.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.
(New King James Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed April 9th, 2021).
Once again, the “b clause” gives me great information. If I have a blessing that makes me sorrowful, I need to check the source. God desires to bless me without penalty or punishment. He covers what He blesses. The enemy gives what appears to be a blessing, but happiness turns into misery.
James 4:7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.
(The Amplified Bible. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed April 9th, 2021).
This scripture shows the progression of resisting the devil. First submit to God, then resist the devil, and finally he will flee. Freedom is available by submission to God and resisting the temptations of the devil.
It is not that I am bored, outgrown, or have loss enjoyment for the word of God. But when I was a babe, I was moved by a glimpse of the word. I have matured, studied, and applied the word to my life. So, many of my babe in Christ fascinations are now everyday living. Requiring me to go deeper into the word to get the revelation for this day, this season, and this time of my life.
It scares me to think that a Christian could every become bored with the Bible. Each progression of life and phase of life should be met with fresh revelation. We should encounter something different during every season of our spiritual existence. Digging through the scriptures instructs us on how to live this day to the fullest. It does not matter if we are in a season of joy or pain. Our connection to God keeps us stable. If there is a disconnect, we need to figure out why? Spiritual stagnation is a point of reversal from spiritual growth leading to spiritual death. There is a well of living water within us. When it is stagnant it is decaying, drying up, and dying.
As mature Christians we cannot be full of the word and void of revelation. We apply the revelation of the word to our lives and that is what brings about the change in us as we move from glory to glory. Babes in Christ, I encourage you to mark the Bible in all the colors desired. Scholars read different versions for new enlightenment because it all extends our knowledge of God. His wisdom is granted to us and secrets are revealed to us. No matter what phase we are experiencing what we are receiving is what we need.
Prayer:
To the all-knowing, all seeing, all powerful God of glory. Stir up the thirst for your word in us. Do not allow us to ever be quenched. Make us as the deer that pant for water so our souls long after thee. For it is you alone that our hearts desire. Our connection to you is our lifeline. The Bible is our guideline and source of knowledge to know you. We have experienced you as Lord, we know you as our Savior, but desire you as our friend. Do not allow us to measure our spiritual growth by others, but to seek our own tailor made path designed by you. Thank you for your patience, love, and jealousy of us.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Categories: Journey
