Tuesday, March 20, 2007

I'm not sure if you can make out the scripture written on the note card above, but it is Judges 6:23-24. It says, "But the Lord said to him, 'Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.' So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it 'The Lord is Peace'. I bought yards and yards of rainbow ribbon and hung scriptures around Noah's room that we had written on note cards. I wrote many that said 'peace' in them, one because Noah means peace, and two because I needed to keep reminding myself of God's peace...God's word is what enabled us to persevere through each day.

Now, I know that the Bible can seem daunting, a bit intimidating in size, downright discouraging, and unconquerable, but let me share some of my thoughts on it...First of all, truth be known, we are all very lucky that the Bible is as short as it is. I say that because it says that if everything Christ did while He was on earth was written down, the books on the earth could not contain it. Wrap your brain around that! If you've ever read a series of fiction, you've probably read more pages in those 3 or 4 or more books than fill the Bible from cover to cover. When I first started reading the Bible almost 20 years ago (my anniversary of following Christ is 1987 on Mother's day) I didn't really know where to start. But, I was at a point where if I was going to believe in God then I wanted to know Who the heck it was that I was believing in and why. My parents bought us Study Bibles and a set of 36 markers. They said, "Don't take it from us or a priest or a pastor. Read it for yourself. It's your textbook. Use these markers to mark it up, underline interesting things that stand out. Whatever you want. The Bible is your textbook." I couldn't believe I was allowed to actually write, with pretty markers, in a Bible! I felt so free:) I have that same Bible with a fancy packing tape binding and now, Noah's foot and handprints in it.

I'm not sharing this to boast about how much I know about God's word. I'll be the first to tell you that no matter how many times I read it, or how often, God knocks my socks off even on the same passage. Also, there have been many days, months, seasons that have passed in my life where I didn't hunger for God's word and didn't care if I read it or not. I am currently not in that season, thank God, and I hope to never go there again, but as weird as it may sound, March Madness reminds me of the Bible. Let me explain...you see, if you have ever played an organized sport, or participated in orchestra or band, there are play books that each member must study and know for when game day comes or for a performance. Don't think for a minute that athletes are just physically prepared for competition. They study the play book so that when something happens in a game, they know just what to do. There are defensive and offensive plays. When your season of competition hits, your breathe, eat, think and sleep that sport.

Well, the Bible is our play book. It is God's gift to mankind as a manual for how to live in a world for which we were not intended. We weren't created for earth the way we live it. God meant for us to hang out with Him in the Garden, playing with lions and enjoying His company. The Bible is God's gift of light in this dark place to expose the devil's schemes and his constant attempts to turn our hearts and eyes off the Lord. It contains rules for living, not for the sake of just having rules, but to ease the road and the reality of the consequences of our choices. It contains raw heart cries from people wondering what on earth is transpiring in their lives. It has promises of hope and healing, eternal life and salvation. It has everything we could ever need for minute by minute plays.

So, I guess with this post, I want to encourage you, and myself, not to be intimidated by the Bible, but to pick it up and read sentences, chapters, paragraphs, books, whatever. Don't try to go from Genesis to Revelation in one sitting. It's meant to be meditated on, so if you only have 3 minutes, then read a paragraph and then pray about how God wants to integrate His truth into your life. If you don't know where to start, read John. It's in the New Testament, the 4th of the gospels. It's a world rocking account of Jesus' life on earth. As we get God's word into us, deep into our hearts and minds (put on the helmet of salvation - Eph 6) the Holy Spirit will bring it to your rememberance when the enemy tries to tempt you or discourage you, or destroy you. It's our textbook for living. The course if Life 101.

19 comments:

  1. I've been reading your blog since just after Noah went to be with God. I haven't commented until now, for reason's I just can't express. I pray for your family daily and enjoy reading about your life.

    I've checked today 10 or 15 times waiting for a new post. Addicted? No God kept sending me. Atleast thats what I believe now after reading. Thank you so much. I've been falling slowly but surely away from God. I don't know why or when it even started to happen. I can honestly say that before tonight I don't recall the last time I actually opened MY Bible. I read to my daughters often from their children's bible. But I don't take the time for me anymore.

    Thank you so much for the reminder that it's not just a book but a guide book to life. I feel I have gained so much from reading about your life.

    May God continue to bless you,
    Crissa

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  2. You can never exhaust the riches of God's Word. Something new stands out to me each time I read it.

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  3. A play book! I am, or was before children, an athelete. What a wonderful reminder. I am so thankful to be in a season where I am craving God's word daily and can't get enough but it wasn't long ago when I didn't want to open my bible.

    Great post! Thank you so much for taking the time to write!!

    April

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  4. Anonymous6:38 AM

    Another great post as always - you are right on again! :)

    This is the first year that I am absolutely determined to get through the Bible so January 1 I prayed for God to please give me the discipline to read every day and to give me the wisdom and undersatnding to actually get out of the reading and not just see the words!

    and now I thoroughly enjoy reading it - I don't know how I went so long - being saved at such a young age without reading the Bible daily! I look forward to that time every day! The Old Testament before was just so hard for me --- a God I didn't really understand because I grew up knowing Jesus and His stories - not God's (even though they are the same being in different forms) but as I'm reading the Old Testament I am just falling in love with God all over again. God is powerful, just (although that might be hard to see sometimes) yet merciful and to be 'feared' in a sense of reverence!

    I am so thankful for this blog too --- I feel that during this time in my life, I was really meant to see it! You're a warrior and a woman who loves the Lord and you stretch me!

    Thanks again!!!!

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  5. Anonymous7:01 AM

    Thank you. I don't know why, but life has been rough lately for me, I have been in a funk and I can't seem to get out. I don't own a Bible, but I think I am picking up one very soon, if not tonight. I pray that this is what I need, that God will help me get through this, like he is helping you.

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  6. Interesting that you write about God's word....I just met with someone here in Korea to give them HIS Word. They didn't have a Bible and are really hungry and thirsty for HIM. It was an awesome moment to meet the Risen Christ in.

    Thanks for comfirming what God is doing here. Praise the Lord!

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  7. Anonymous8:23 AM

    Adrienne

    Bless your heart! You are such an inspiration to me, you bless my spirit with your words and just help me to know the Lord even more each time I read Noah's Journal.
    YOU ARE A GIFT!!!! To find you, to find Noah's Journal is such a gift from God. Living on this earth where we are aliens can be so hard (as you well know) but our Lord is so good and loving. He
    even gives us each other to comfort, care for, love, show accountablitiy to. You are a
    pure gift drom the Lord Adrienne.
    You always taking the time to write just shows us God's love.
    Thank you, Bless you, and God's
    mercies upon you.
    Love
    Lynda Bishop
    bishopswife@comcast.net

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  8. You hit the nail on the head! Thanks again for the reminder. I have gotton out of the habit of reading and studying the bible. I have just started back into the bible. I bought a bible with a metal cover to keep in my purse, so when I have unexpected time out and about. There it is!! I love it! I have been reading Luke, why I picked it I do not know, but I am there. It is great to get back into it. I have a refreshed look at life and hope to spread that on to others. I am also reading "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It is a great book on marriage. I do check the blog daily and I agree God keeps sending me here. Thanks for the inspiration!!
    Love you all,
    Kris in Troup, TX

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  9. What a fascinating and inspirational post. I'm Jewish, so reading the New Testament has always felt a little like eating forbidden fruit, but, just within the last few weeks, I've started to go through it and am amazed by all the references and parallels to the Old Testament.

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  10. The older I get, the more I realize the Bible is the ONLY book I really need..for everything. From diets to dating, to marriage and children, all the wisdom we need is contained in there.

    I love your chain of scripture. How beautiful.

    I don't comment often but I read your blog daily and it has blessed me. The whole theme of my blog is to "enjoy the journey" before us, until we reach our destination, heaven. Your story and Noah's story are beautiful examples of that philosophy.

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  11. Anonymous6:33 PM

    I have a verse to share

    Isaih 1:17
    learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

    1Chorinthains 14:3
    But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

    May God live in you and speak to you.

    4th grade
    CCS Korea
    Sean

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  12. Anonymous6:56 PM

    Dear Graves Family,

    Psalm 104:1-5

    "Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majusty.2He wraps himself in light as with a garment;he stretches out the HEAVENS like a tent 3and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved."


    Praise Jesus = Psalm 106:1


    Love,
    Jenny Jeon in South,Korea,Centennial Christian School.

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  13. Anonymous7:03 PM

    Dear Noah's Family,
    I am the rose of Sharon,and lilies of the valleys.As the lily among thorns,so is my love among the daughters.As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons.I sat under his shadow with great delight,and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
    Solomon 2 1:3


    I have thought of this verse for you also but when you wrote about peace it was verygood.
    May I hope God is taking care of Noah right now.I hope you have a great time.
    Love you,
    Mirim yoon.
    Centennial Christian School
    miss morton's sudent.

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  14. Anonymous7:05 PM

    Leviticus 19:18
    'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.


    1 Kings 10:9
    Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness."

    Exodus 4:12
    Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

    Dear Noah's family,

    I know that God will be with you forever.
    Praise the Lord give thanks to the Lord for he is good.his love endures forever.

    I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you.Psalms 119:11

    Praise Jesus,

    Jenny Jung CCs 4thgade

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  15. Anonymous7:07 PM

    Luke 8:21
    He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

    thanks for listening and sharing your heart

    ccs 4thGrade
    Joshua

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  16. Anonymous7:15 PM

    I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

    Thankyou!For writing this blog.

    from Elena

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  17. I notice my students all shared with you today during computer class....

    Let me add a verse one of them wrote in their encouragement letter they have been writing for the students going on the mission trip to Thailand this coming week.

    Psalm 24:1
    The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

    Since everthing is HIS, and HE is everything it makes sense that HE would give a guide 'play' book to follow. Now we just need to give HIM our everything in return.

    Praise the Lord....

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  18. What you wrote is true, I wish I was as good as you with words to explain how true it is. However, when I was going through a period of trying to not be so angry and trying to forgive I turned to the bible. I learned alot and it did comfort me and eased my mind and lessened the anger that I had inside. God's word truely does help anyone when it is most needed. I was relieved to learn that in Matthew 6:5-8 to summarize it says that when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.....Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. After reading that it made me feel very comfortable to always talk to the Lord and know that he listens. Thank you for opening up the discussion about opening up the bible.

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  19. Anonymous4:24 PM

    Thank you for the reminder, Ade. You've always have a way of kicking my butt without ever meaning to. :)

    God bless you guys today!
    Chris K.

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