I was given my first actual Bible when I was twelve years old. For many years I had it, it remained in relatively good shape. Almost too good. It looked like it had been very little read. That is because it had. Aside from a couple random things highlighted from a few church services and a couple bends from over time; it was still well formed. Its bind and pages still well intact. Though it is good to care for our Bibles, it is okay that they have the look of use. For that shows that we have read them. These days my Bible is much more loved. In it there are highlighted scripture passages, sometimes whole chapters. There are side notes written in ink. The pages have become worn. The binding gaining wrinkles, as my Bible begins to feel more soft, not so stiff; from the handling and the turned pages. Friend, it took me longer than it should have to really study God’s word. Some, like my husband, choose to not write in their Bible’s. That is totally okay too. But even his pages are softened and his binding weakened, from his love of reading it over the years. We often say we love God; yet, is not love spending time and studying the one you love? We want to walk in His ways; yet, we do not read His manual for that personally. We base our faith on the words of others, instead of reading it for ourselves. The Bible in my past was always difficult in many chapters for me to understand, this left me discouraged. When my husband and I first dating, he asked me if I would read the Bible with him;” Yes, “was my reply. He has helped me understand the parts that were difficult. If that is what holds you back my friend, pray for God to help you understand. Find someone you trust to help you. Read devotionals, study guides, a Bible that can help you break it down to comprehend it better. Friend, do what you got to do to read it. But please do, your life will truly be transformed. For all the time we take reading meaningless things, may we take the time to read the most important book there ever was and will be. For never was there such a more important book, then the greatest love story called, The Bible.

Erin Fitts-Brower

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Joshua 1:8

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.