Wow, this year is going really fast, isn’t it? And hot? Whew. We won’t even go there. Well, as you know by now, my thought process is a crazy train with tracks intercrossing here and there. It never jumps the track but it takes LOTS of detours. It all makes sense to me but really, only me. Which brings me to today’s thought. I was recently appointed to the position of chaplain in my Eastern Star chapter. I am very honored to hold the position this year. The sign of the chaplain is an open Bible. See, I told you so. All over the place but makes it to the destination. The Terri train has arrived at the station.
The Bible. The Word of God. It provides us with a history lesson, a way to live and guidance for the future. We are taught from an early age to read and study the Bible to learn God’s wisdom. It has sold more copies than any other book in the world. In some countries, people die for simply owning one. Non-Christians are familiar with the book and the stories inside. It has been translated into over 450 languages. From King James to NIV to the Message - new versions arrive on the market all the time.
But how do we see the Bible? The Word of God. Good. How do we interpret the Bible? Our own comprehension? Our pastor’s teachings? Sometimes the same passage will be translated by this denomination one way and that denomination totally different. Who is right and who is wrong? Or is there even a right and a wrong? My Old Testament college professor asked us to draw pictures of the beginning in Genesis. He asked us to read it literally and draw it. When the class was finished, the drawings would have surprised you. (I have to throw a disclaimer in here and say that I am NOT a big fan of religion classes. I prefer to follow strictly on faith. It does not help me to “grow” by delving into the whys and the history. For a simpleton such as myself, it is very confusing and my faith needs to stand on its own. Faith in God is that, faith. Cannot and does not need to be intently examined and explained. Thank you.) Ok, where was I? Oh yea. Well, he threw a curveball to the class. He asked us if we believed in the Bible. Well, duh. Did we believe what it said? Umm, yes, we just covered that. Did we follow the Bible as the Word of God? Maybe a little hesitation. We try. Ok then. Here it comes. Should women wear head coverings? Is slavery acceptable? Should widows bear children from other males in the family? Well, of course, everyone was a little shocked and offended that he asked. No was the widespread answer. He then looked at each of us directly and earnestly and replied, well, the Bible states that all women should keep their hair covered, it is acceptable to have slaves and yes, male family members should take one for the family. What??!! Now you can say that it is Old Testament and we follow the New Testament. Once again, you are correct. We no longer break pots nor sacrifice animals. Today, I am not instilling my thoughts on you. I am just asking you to think about it for yourself. Is there anything in the Bible that YOU personally read and well, interpret it to fit your situation? Is it godly based or simply what you want it to be? Today is personal. You know your heart. God knows your heart. It is not up to me nor anyone else to tell you “right or wrong” in this situation. I simply pray that you listen when God leads. (And I am praying hard for myself as well. Don’t worry, I know it’s the pot calling the kettle black.)
My prayer for the week:
Dear Lord, I pray that you open my heart and allow your word inside. Help me to follow, Lord, and not press forward on my own. Help me to know when to speak and when to listen. I pray, O Lord, that I may honor and praise you each and every day. Amen.
Bible verse for the week:
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10
Bible fun for the week:
1) what book, published in its entirety in 1971, has been the best selling paraphrase of the Holy Bible?
2) what are the oldest existing copies of pieces of several Old Testament books called?
3) what Bible, now in the British museum, is the oldest complete Bible in existence?
4) what king of England and Scotland authorized a translation of the Bible that was published in 1611?
5) what translation, popular with contemporary evangelicals, was done under the auspices of the New York International Bible Society and published in 1978?
Books of the Bible
6) ________ my words
7) get a ________, you lazy bum
8) _________ Bryan “Barefoot Bluejean Night”
9) Phil Collins and ____________
10) The Beatles “Hey ________”
Answers to choose from - NIV, The Living Bible, The Dead Sea Scrolls, Codex Sinaiticus, James I, Mark, Luke, Jude, Genesis, Job
Ok. So we made a mistake. Haha. Just pretend that I did not put ....... Bryan with the song barefoot bluejjean night. Cause, well, he doesn't sing it, Jake Owens does. Lets try, uhhhh, ... Country girl shake it for me.
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