You've probably said one or more of these sayings in your lifetime:

• He's as old as Methuselah.
• You're the apple of my eye.
• I just escaped by the skin of my teeth.
• It's time to put your house in order.
• It's like the blind leading the blind.
• He's really gone the second mile.

These six originated from the Bible, along with at least 100 others, or even 247, depending on which website we consult.

• And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years. (Genesis 5:27 KJV)
• He led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. (Deuteronomy 32:10 KJV)
• I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. (Job 19:20 KJV)
• Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. (2 Kings 20:1 KJV)
• And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14 KJV)
• And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Matthew 5:41 KJV)

Although many versions of the Bible existed before 1611, it was the publication of the earliest normal-size printings of the King James Bible that allowed individuals to have their own copy in English. It soon became the most printed book in the world. Its words and phrases became part of the common language, and sayings like these still endure today as part of a common culture. So English-speaking people all over the world are quoting the Bible, often without realizing it.

Historically, the Bible has embedded itself into culture in other ways. It was the first book printed by Johannes Gutenberg when he invented the movable-type printing press in the 1450s. Since then, it's been printed in almost every known language, including Braille, and is the world's bestseller year after year. It survives despite repeated attempts to destroy it.

Revelation 22:13 – I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (NIV)

Years ago, I read that someone said that history is really "His story". And that story is given to us in the Bible. Understanding that story is the key to understanding our lives and our world, both past, present, and future. Viewing history as God's story can help us understand how and why we respond to our circumstances and how we can rely more fully on Him. It can help us to understand what God is doing and how we can participate in His purposes for ourselves and our world.

The words of the Bible are more than phrases that have embedded themselves into our culture. They are life-changing and timeless. Through them, lives are transformed and life patterns are forever altered. The Bible tells us that Jesus is "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6 NIV), and His words have remarkable power. The Word of God is more than a history book; it's more than a collection of interesting phrases. Whether we are just beginning to seek Jesus or have been believers for years, it can always speak new truths into our lives.

"If you are ignorant of God's Word, you will always be ignorant of God's will." – Billy Graham

Prayer: Father, give us the desire to read Your Word daily. Help us to read, understand, and cherish Your Word. Show us Your purpose for our lives, and help us to tell others about You. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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