Drinking and Swimming

 

A friend put a graphic up on her Facebook page which shared the following quote:

“The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning, and deep enough for a theologian to swim in without ever touching the bottom.” Jerome, early Christian theologian and priest, 382-405; Creed Confessions Facebook Page

The words are true. A new Christian can begin to read the Bible and have understanding on many points throughout Scripture. An older Christian reads, and reads, and reads and never reaches the bottom.

Do you remember when you first started reading the Bible. It's been quite some time for me. I remember getting little study books to help me understand what I couldn't. Soon I purchased my first commentary to help me when needed. And now, 47 years later, I still use a commentary because the Bible is so deep and refreshing.

God has made His Word so it can be understood and never ending. If there’s points you don’t understand, help is available from many sources. Whether you’re a new reader or a long-time reader.

There are many translations of the Bible, so talk with someone who knows the Bible and can refer you to good translations that you can understand. The same with commentaries. You don't have to have long, deep explanations of Scripture to understand it. There are many commentaries written that you can understand and learn from.

You will never tire of reading the Bible. You'll highlight your favorite verses that carry you through life, and read books again and again to refresh your mind.

At least once in your lifetime, read the Bible from beginning to end. There are many books to help achieve this momentous achievement, or use a commentary. That's what I do. Read one chapter in the Bible, and then read the same chapter in the commentary. 

Jerome was right. A new babe in Christ won't drown as they start reading the Bible, and those of us with many years behind us, are never satisfied. We must read and read and read, filling us to overflowing.

God's Word. Whether you are a new babe in Christ or a long-time Christian, the Bible will always be a book that you can understand and continue to grow with all through your years. 

By His Grace . . . 

Fourteen Years

 

Last Friday and Saturday I was busy making my favorite dessert to give away: my chocolate chip loaf cake. For 30 years, while in Maryland, when I had a breakfast, lunch or dinner date with friends, I always brought them my chocolate chip loaf cake. It was a winner. 

Since moving to Pennsylvania, I haven't carried this practice forward. Baking a little less now and having a lot less dates. 

But today, I'm having lunch with the ladies I quilted with the first five years I was in PA. I'm baking the loaf cake for each lady. It's a day of celebration!

Fourteen years ago, on October 14th, I stopped working. Retirement was before me. And today is the 14th anniversary of my retirement!

I'm very thankful to God for taking care of us during these years. A slower life, less money and free days. I know many people do not get to enjoy retirement, so I don't take this time for granted. I'm thankful for these 14 years.

God has provided each step of the way, taking care of us and making sure we made good decisions, and helping us when we made wrong ones. 

As my blog friends know, the number 14 is my number! Born March 14th, saved November 14th, married December 14th and retired October 14th. None of these major choices were selected so they would be on the 14th. It's just how things played out.

I will celebrate today and thank God for His care during these retirement years. My next major destination is with Him. Maybe it will be on the 14th too!

By His Grace . . . 

A Little Rejoicing!

 

Emotions are greatly affected by words and music, and that’s what happened to me recently. We were watching a Gaither Homecoming video and the last song they sang was “The King Is Coming.” It’s a powerful song, written back in 1970.

It was the last line of the chorus that choked me up and caused my eyes to water. Powerful words. More powerful with music. “Praise God, He’s coming for me.”

Me. He’s coming for me. With all my failures and depression. All my heartache and brokenness. All my unsettledness. All my sin. But, He’s coming for me.

He loves me so much that He wants me to be with Him. And because I trust Him, and have given my life to Him, He’s looked at my heart and says: “I'm coming for you.”

Chorus
“The King is coming, the King is coming,
I just heard the trumpet sounding,
And now His face I see.
The King is coming, the King is coming
Praise God, He's coming for me.”

As Christians, this is something we believe and speak about often. We are assured that Jesus is coming back. He’s coming back for His church. And we are it.

Yet, sometimes, like the other day, it catches us unaware and affects our very being. We know it is true in our hearts, but knowing our inner self, it’s sometimes hard to believe.

The hope of heaven is what keeps us going. Charles Spurgeon: “Through the Spirit of God, the hope of heaven is the most powerful force for producing godly character, the fountain or source of joyful service, and the cornerstone of cheerful holiness.”

I think I’m going to listen to that last line a few more times. I may even have a good cry! I want to shout it out! Praise God, He's coming for me.”

By His Grace . . .