With the pull of television, and things that called for my attention, I found it hard to sit down and just read The Book.
So instead of snuggling up with just one Bible in my home, I used to go out and search of the “perfect one.” Over the course of many years, I have owned many copies, of many different versions and translations.
Desperately searching for the one that made sense to me.
Because, the way that I saw it, if I had the Good Book in my hands but didn’t understand it completely, then how was I to learn from it? How was my relationship with God supposed to grow?
How was I going to appreciate everything that Christ did for me if I cannot understand the words on the page?
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. — John 5:39-40
You see in all my searching for the perfect words so that I could understand the scriptures in order to be close to God; it didn’t occur to me that I needed to go to Him first to truly understand them.
I was looking for answers, but not going to the main source to find them.
I used to search for the perfect words.
Now I realize that it was not my eyes that needed to read the words, but my spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us grow in spirit with you. Let us open our hearts to receive you completely so that our spirits can translate Your words to our hearts.
Amen.
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Hey Kalley … I love the authenticity of your search. Yes, the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Thankfully! And sometimes a good version and a decent commentary can make all the difference in understanding what God is saying.
Blessings to you as you search for His heart …
Welcome Linda! You are right, the Holy Spirt guides us in all truths, and the right version of the Bible make all the difference.
I totally know what you mean. I’ve seen so many versions people have brought to our attention over the years or ones we’ve stumbled upon for the same reasons. In the past I have gotten frustrated when things have been lost in translation or the meaning of certain scriptures have changed in order to relate better to our vernacular, so now I just have this software called eSword where I can see the original Hebrew and Greek words if I want to look up what the translators translated from. I have found that the King James Version and the Institute of Scriptures Research versions are pretty reliable since the New Testament in those was translated from the textus receptus Greek text. A few key things I’ve learned about the King James Version language and it totally has helped me to overcome the difference in how the language is written from our current English dialect. Sorry for all of the info. I just thought I would share how I study and research scripture. In the end, it is about us learning the truth so that we can walk in it wholeheartedly 🙂 I hope you’re having a great week!!
Hi Brittnei, it is so refreshing to know that others were on the same quest that I was on before. I think that’s a great method in trying to find out the original meaning of the Scripture, and I’m so very happy you found a method that works for you 🙂
I don’t think that it was too much information, when we share and other read our journey and quest to learn and know the Scriptures more, we help one another.
I hope you have a great week too!
Kalley, thank you again for helping to remind me how important my spiritual life is. I need these reminders because life isn’t always easy but seeking answers from God is.
Carla, you are very welcome. I do find that we are easily distracted, (I know I am for sure) but we know that God is always there for us, guiding us one step at a time.
KalleyC, enjoyed reading your post, yo made some good points as always! I pray all is well! God Bless
Thank you PJ! All is well on my end, hope you have a great week! 🙂
My first thought…”Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Great post Kalley because that’s how we understand His word. He speaks through and to our spirits. I like the updates and changes on your blog. Really nice. We have to connect at some point. You’re in NYC right?
Hi Lisha and thank you! Yes, I am in NYC, and I would love to connect. I’ll send you an email soon so we can talk more 🙂
Oh, Kalley, I’m so thankful that you found HIM!
Amen amen. I’m so glad that i found God many years ago. I can remember what it was like searching. I had an old bookshelf full of the Bibles that I had (some I had given away as gifts) and was so inspired to write this post.
I hope that you have a great weekend!
Kalley, this post is so fresh and authentic! Something about it that just woos me into His presence even more. Love it! Blessings as always.
Lately, the Lord has been speaking to me by His Spirit about things I never would’ve guessed were important to Him — things that matter to me but are very much insignificant on a grand scale. It’s wonderful that He would concern Himself with the littlest things in my life.
Kalley, I have so many different Bibles. I find that certain ones speak to me more at different seasons. But you are right it’s the Spirit that we need more than a special type of Bible.