Dear Friends,
Have you heard California is considering passing a law to
make the sale of the Bible illegal because of content related to sexual
orientation? To me, that is a frightening thought. Since when do we legislate
what people may or may not believe?
A few years ago I heard how some college professors were not
to discuss topics that might upset students. At first I thought it was a joke. There
are very few issues that don’t upset one person or another. We feel strongly
about many issues, and, after all, college is the place to debate and discuss
issues. But it was no joke. Talk about putting a damper on free speech!
Now comes an attack on the written Word. If Bibles are
forbidden to be sold, how long will it be until just speaking about interpretations
of scripture will be prohibited?
The Bible is an important book to Christians. Here’s why:
1. The Bible tells us how life originated and how life will
end. Read Genesis and Revelation.
2. The Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Although it
consists of 66 books, its message is consistent. Yes, there may be verses we
don’t understand. I like Mark Twain’s quote about that: “It ain’t the parts of
the Bible I can’t understand that bother me, it’s the parts that I do
understand.”
3. The Bible tells us what God is like. He’s a God of love
and, yes, He’s a God of judgment. He is with us at all times, in all places. He
comforts us, sustains us, provides for us, protects us. He is kind and wise. We want to know our God better, and we meet Him
on the pages of scripture.
4. The Bible prepares us for eternity by introducing us to
Jesus, our Savior.
5. The Bible informs us of good and evil. There are moral
absolutes. We teach the Ten Commandments to our children.
6. The Bible offers sound advice. Read Proverbs to learn how
a young man (or woman) may develop character. Billy Graham read one of the 31
chapters each day of the month. Proverbs should be required reading for
teenagers.
7. The Bible prevents us from sinning. If we follow its
guidelines regarding right and wrong, life goes better for us. It’s not a
barrier to keep us from things we enjoy but a fence to protect us from harm.
8. The Bible includes God’s promises. Read Romans 8:28-29 to
learn how God promises that all things will work together for good in the life
of a Christian.
9. The Bible was the first book printed mechanically, and
more than 13,000 manuscripts of portions of the New Testament exist. It is the
world’s best-seller.
I have spent a great deal of time meditating on scripture
as I’ve memorized it. And I don’t regret a minute of it. And if ever my state
passes a law forbidding the sale of a Bible, I will have a stash of content to
fall back on. I encourage you to memorize for the same reason.
Who knows whether illness or persecution will ever
prevent you from physically handling a Bible? Having scripture in mind means
you always have it with you. And you can always share it with others. This past
weekend, I shared John, chapters 1 to 4, with women at a retreat, and they told
me they heard things they never noticed by reading scripture. I’ve also
memorized Philippians and the book of Ruth.
You can find a video of me presenting the book of Ruth on
YouTube. Just copy and paste this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbVqp5moDcI&t=131s.
Please memorize God’s Word so that no one can ever
legislate it away from you.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet,
a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Sincerely,
Shirley
Upcoming Engagements for Friends of the Heart:
May 14, 6:30 p.m. – Mother/Daughter Banquet, Himmel’s
Church, Dornsife, “That Face in the Mirror: Who Do You See?”
May 19 – PowerSurge Women’s Conference, University of
Pittsburgh Bradford Campus, “Tea with Mary, Martha and Their Psychologist,”
Conference Theme: “It Is Well: Mind, Body, Soul.”
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