Favorite Verses and Life Verses

Many of us, in telling the story of our lives with the Bible, talk about a first verse or a key verse. I talk about my three all the time. They are:

Psalm 118:14 - "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

I think the idea of a key verse can help more people connect to the Bible. If someone doesn't read the Scriptures at all or regularly, ask him or her to locate a favorite verse and get back to you with it. The search process will be valuable and help them establish a permanent footing with the Scriptures. So, what's your favorite verse or life verse?

What's your favorite version of the Bible?

Ok, Folks. Thanks for the interest and visits so far! I've added a poll. What is your favorite Bible version? If you want to add a comment here on why, that will help too. Remember, lots of people are looking at this, so maybe they can learn a little from you. I think the poll is open for 30 days. One vote, one person, please - just like in voting for President of the United States. 

Thanks again. May God bless your reading of and time spent with His Word.  

Bible Reading Hints and Helps

1) The Bible is recorded in many different versions. You can simply listen. You can also follow along with a recorded version as you read. This helps you keep your mind from drifting and actually get through significant amounts of text.

2) Keep a Bible open at work or at home where you work. Just having it open will help you want to pick it up and read a few verses. This is part of what's behind the idea of a big Family Bible.

3) With so many variations of Bible available today, make sure you buy one (spare no expense) that you like to see and hold. This is the Word of God after all.

4) Understand which versions of the Bible are best for each circumstance. The NIV is a good overall translation. It is a "dynamic equivalent" translation (thought by thought). The ESV, NASB, NKJV, and KJV are all good too. They are "essentially literal" translations of the Bible (word by word). Then you have individual translations like "The Message." I like the NIV for overall use, but am growing fonder and fonder of the ESV. The NASB is my major English study Bible. It's what you use when you have to know what it "really says." The NKJV and KJV are classics. It's a good idea for every Christian to own one of each as well. Having many translations around the house is a good idea. If you have questions about a translation, please feel free to ask. 

5) Remember that the Real Word of God is the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments in THEIR ORIGINAL LANGUAGES. The Old Testament original language is Hebrew (with a little Aramaic) and the original language for the New Testament is Koine Greek (ancient "street" Greek).  

I Just Don't Do Any Bible Reading

OK, well now is a good time to start, and the first question is time. What time will you do this and how much time will you invest in this. The key here is to find windows of time where you can be flexible in the long run and to determine how much time you will spend and where. So that's three questions you have to answer: 1) when will I do this, 2) how long will I take, and 3) where will I do this. Even five minutes a day is better than nothing. You can read at your desk at work, in the bathroom, in bed right before you go to sleep or right before you get up, in the car before you pull out of your driveway, in your car at lunch, and even in the shower. (To read Scripture in the shower, use your computer and any of the Bible sites I give you links to in this blog. Paste the Scriptures to a document and print it out in chapters or books. Put individual sheets in plastic sheet protectors. Most of the time the plastic sheet protector will simply stick to the tile wall of the shower and you will be able to spend the time you shower with the Word!) If you have any questions about Bible reading, please post them as comments to this blog. Thanks! May God richly bless your time with His Word!  

The Gideon's Introduction

"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents."