Yesterday I found out how prideful and snobby I have always been about people who lose their Bibles at church, of all places!
That's because that is where I found mine (missing since August 19, see here). It was right on the eye-level shelf of the Lost and Found closet. And as I spit and sputtered trying to explain how odd it was for me to have left it there – unfathomable, unbelievable, I realized I am really so full of disgusting pride.
But now I also have gratitude to whoever found it and placed it safely where I should have already looked, for goodness' sake. And it's like home. Weird, but using other Bibles, even ones that were at one time "the" one for me, it was more like I was just "visiting." I "ate lightly" for the past 3 weeks, turning the pages carefully and respectfully, but without the vigor of laying hold of what is mine, all mine.
And this morning, I could see how I have lagged, again, in really hiding God's Word in my heart (good ol' memorization). As I gratefully held my Bible, I realized there are Christians around the world who, if they lost their copy, would not have lots of other ones to fall back on, but they'd have only what was in their heart. My heart is no where near full enough of the Word of God yet. So, I am thankful for how freely available His Word is to me.
The worst thing the rebellious Israelites had to have ever heard was: "'…the days are coming', says the LORD God, 'That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread. Nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD…they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it.'" Amos 8.11-12 NKJV (By the way, it took me 10 minutes to find this scripture because I was sure it was in Hosea – so I can't really find everything I am looking for right away as I previously posted. Pride. Again. *sigh…)
We're blessed. God has given us His Word, just given it. "The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood." If we are starving for a lack of the Word of the Lord in our lives, we really have to question why?
Thank-You, Lord for The Word (Jesus) and that I got my Bible back…Jeanie
NOTE TO SELF: The Law (the instruction, the teaching) of the Lord is perfect…
Woo-hoo! Reminds me of the parable of the lost coin: Luke 15:8-10 Or what woman, if she had ten drachma coins, if she lost one drachma coin, wouldn’t light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.’ Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting." This post is the equivalent of rejoicing with friends and neighbors, I think. Love to you! -AJ
Well, I for one am glad that I don't have to look under the couch anymore for Jeanie's Drachma! I looked in places that were physically impossible for that Bible to fit. But I am thankful it is back in its rightful place on the buffet and the coffee table and the foot stool (because I don't know how to spell ottoman) and the bed side table and in the living room and on the kitchen counter. I am glad it's back, there's nothing like your own Bible.
Isn't it funny when you lose something its always in the one place you're sure it isn't.
By the By. You're not prideful and snobby. You are one of the most genuine people I know…