Sunday, March 09, 2008

Reading

I love to read. Is that surprising? No, not really because most writers I know love to read. If I read a book that I enjoy, I’m known to re-read it. I own the books I read because of this fact. Maybe it’s the details I’ve forgotten because some time has passed.

I guess you can say the same about a good movie. Sometimes knowing the end and then watching it from the beginning you pick up on things. I remember when we watched the Sixth Sense. I saw the end of that movie and immediately wanted to watch it from the beginning.

As I’ve shared before I’ve been praying for God to transform me. He’s been showing me areas of my life that need improvement. One area is my prayer life. It’s been sporadic in the past and I’ve been unhappy with that. I find that God has been waking me up earlier than my alarm to make sure I have ample time to pray before my day starts.

In reading the Bible, I’ve been doing something my husband suggested and that is read it on Bible Gateway. It’s very easy to check out different translations on the same passage. I’ve been enjoying this because a slight word change has helped me see the verse in a new way. In the past, reading the same chapters repeatedly, I found new insights each time. Right now I’m enjoying delving into Matthew 5 and the Beatitudes. The Message translation has really bought these verses to life for me. The first Beatitude is this:

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.

This has been my prayer to God. It truly blessed me and moved me to repentance. I’m continuing to enjoy exploring God’s word. For me reading has been a new gateway to His presence.

© Nadine Z. 2008

20 comments:

Brenda said...

Hi, I'm looking forward to a leisurely stroll thru your blog! Thanks for stopping by mine! Life is good, isn't it! Have a great week.

eph2810 said...

I too enjoy various translations of the Bible. Sometimes we just need to read His word in a different translation to get it :) Well, it is true for me.

Scarlet said...

I need to read my Bible more. I have 5 translations and they're all good.

Before I start pointing the finger at someone (I have someone in mind), I have to make sure I'm right w/ God. Thanks for always reminding me he's first.

Keshi said...

**With less of you there is more of God and His rule

I like that line. Very true!

btw I need ur input on my today's post Nadine..cos it's abt women.

tnxx hun!

Keshi.

Knitting Mania said...

Hey since you enjoy reading, I just did a book review yesterday on my blog. Have you read, "The Shack" yet. I will never be the same after reading it.

Come over and visit me and pick up the website I posted on my blog. A must read for anyone wanting to understand their relationship with the Lord in a deeper way.

Blessings...

a woman who is said...

Your Tom is too funny. Posting at the Party blog, and hitting on you!

Thanks for sharing that verse. You are a real example to us all.

My sis is going on and on about that book. I am definitely going to have to read it.

Susan said...

Now that I'm older I wish I'd kept track of the number of times I've read through the Bible. Currently rereading through the Amplified Version and so enjoying it.

My books are my "friends" and I own the books I read, too, Nadine. And some of them I have read 4 or 5 times. I treasure my books and praise God I live in a time when so much is available to us to build us up in the Lord.
Susan

Anonymous said...

I really love reading just never find the time to do much of it anymore ...

Anonymous said...

yes, still checking out all the parties. It's kind of interesting isn't it? lol I noticed I was following your trail! lol
I use crosswalk.com they have a lot of versions as well! I actually buy a different Bible every few years so I can read the translations. I think I still like my NIV the best, but I do enjoy getting a different perspect from the word changes!!!

j said...

You have no idea what this post meant to me. Being in the south and being around Southern Baptists, you get a lot of legalism. Not judging, just stating what I have experienced.

I feel that the other translations of the Bible, other meaning different from KJV, are a useful tool. You would not believe the people in my life that refuse to use this tool. It makes me question my choice to use, say, the NAS translation of the Bible. Knowing that your husband the Pastor led you in this direction makes me fell more secure. And really. regardless of what version I use, I am relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal the Word to me.

Thanks Nadine. You are a blessing to me, and I appreciate you sharing the desire to change also.

Jennifer

Art said...

There are a lot of great online tools for Bible study. I love looking at all the different translations to try to get a more complete understanding.

Kristen Andrews said...

wow you wrote a book congrats! Thanks for visiting my blog I look forward to checking out your book.

Knit-Wit said...

Thanks for the link! I too find that different versions can help me understand a passage better.

Looks like you are getting a lot of visitors to your party!

Darla said...

I didn't realize you could read through the bible (the same way as you would a book) on biblegateway.

I reference bible gateway a lot, but have never dinked around in it to see what it offers to the full extent.

COOL!

Elle*Bee said...

I love Bible Gateway! It's one of my bookmarked sites.

Dawn said...

I love Bible Gateway - when I"m looking for something I need to find, and the various translations are fun. I love that version of the verse you posted.

Tammy said...

I love reading different translations sometimes...there are some passages which sound so much more beautiful to me in old King James...but love reading a verse in a different translation and thinking about it in a whole new way!

~Crystal~ said...

Bible Gateway is awesome! I discovered it about a year ago & love it.

palmtreefanatic said...

I love bible gateway!

The Edwards said...

I really love reading but find myself never finishing. I just started 90 Day Bible Challenge this is something I will finish. Thank YOU for always UP lifting me in all of your POST! Thank YOU for being YOU!