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Listen while you read: "Jesus Paid It All"1
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I write in my Bible — in the tiny margins, in between lines and columns — sometimes so densely that it obscures the text. I take notes on sermons, comment on verses, underline favourite verses, and record historical notes. I draw arrows between verses that connect and write "song" beside verses that were used to create a chorus or hymn. After visiting Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, I started marking every place that I've seen in those countries so that when I encounter them in Scripture, I can visualize the event.
I don't remember how long I've had this Bible, but it was getting worn and some pages were tearing out. Then, I saw a Bible that had a two-inch-wide column on the outer edge of each page with lines on which to write notes. Amazing! I could write volumes and be able to read my notes without having to turn the Bible this way and that to decipher what I'd squeezed into the margins.
I quickly ordered it, and it didn't take too long to underline all my favourite verses in the new Bible and mark the sites that I'd seen in my travels. Now I'm working on transferring my notes from the old one to the new one, which will take much longer.
In the process, I've discovered patterns to the markings that I've made.
Words or phrases that I highlight often have personal meaning. For example:
- I've been a widow for eight years, so verses pertaining to widowhood receive attention, like "A defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." (Psalm 68:5b NIV)
- I'm a life-long crafter, so I love the verses in Exodus 35:30-35 about skilled craftsmen creating the designs in the tabernacle, especially that God acknowledged their skill as being from the Spirit of God.
I highlight verses that are instructions or assurances. For example:
- Matthew 5:44 – But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (NLT) This is something that is not easy to do.
- 1 Corinthians 1:8 – He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. (NLT) The older I get, the more reassuring this is.
It's an interesting journey as I turn the pages to discover what I've learned from different pastors and Bible studies and how I interacted with the Bible in different phases of my life. This process is also reminding me how I need to apply all that I've learned.
Hebrews 4:12 – The word of God is alive and powerful … it exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (NLT)
The Bible is God's Word in print. It is indeed powerful, but only if we spend time with it, study it, and apply it to our lives. Its transforming power will change our relationship with God and with those around us. Most importantly, it will equip us to share our faith with others.
Prayer: Father, we need to focus on Your Word more than anything else that we do. Help us to make it a priority in our lives and use it to witness to and strengthen others. Amen.
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About the author:
Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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Amen, Sharon. Been there done that.
Thank you, Sharon, for your heartfelt devotional today God bless you!
Your last paragraph says it all Sharon.
Blessings.
Sharon – No wonder your readers gain so much from your powerful devotionals.
Got the same problem. What is the name of the bible? What version is it and where did you get it? Thanks.
Editor’s Note: Google “journaling Bible”.
Sharon, What an interesting perspective in Bible Study! Thanks for sharing your faith journey with us. Blessings.
Much of the fighting in the Middle East is also seen — especially in the Old Testament, Herod in the New, and the struggle in Acts of the Apostles.
Thank you for your excellent devotional today. I’m not a notetaker like you, but I do need to read my Bible every day for the encouragement and strength I find there.
Thanks for your great devotions. I always enjoy your messages. Keep up the great work!
(Ontario, Canada)
Hi Sharon
Good devotional. Just wondering where you got your new bible with the room for notes.
I sure appreciate your prayer, Sharon – and all the verses you reference that apply to parts of your life experience. I think I might try that.
Thank you for sharing yourself – and the Word!
Oh, Sharon, I was intrigued by your writing today. One verse after another rolled along with your beautiful commentary. I too journal and love to excitedly fill pages and pages with precious memories of my quiet time with my Lord. To love the Bible is a blessing.
Blessed this morning.
Good Morning:
A note to say thank you so much for today’s devotion.
Quite appropriate, as we prepare for Lord’s Day and Lord’s Table tomorrow.
Every blessing in the New Year.
(ON)
Thanks, Sharon, for another of your interesting and informative devotionals. I have been doing the same as you over the years highlighting certain scriptures in my Bible and where there is little room to write I draw an arrow down to the bottom of the page and make a comment. Good that you found another Bible that has more room to write. Blessings for these special writings you do.
Good morning, Sharon,
Wow. You definitely use your Bible to the fullest. It is always beneficial to hear what others are doing and what catches their interest in the Bible.
I am sure some of us will be inspired to study our Bible with renewed eyes. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
I was surrounded by a group of faithful women, when I said, “the sinner’s prayer” and became part of the family of God.
One of them took me under her wing and “discipled” me. A few months later, we went to my first women’s retreat, where there was an excellent bookstore and I bought one of the latest editions of the Bible; The New International Version. Like you, I underlined and wrote notes in the margins, always dating them.
After some years, the bindings began to loosen and I took it to a local book-binder, who did an amazing job, (still holding well after almost 50 years). However, as I joyfully examined it, I realized the edges of the pages had been recut to look like new…with the result that some of the margin notes had been sliced off in the process! I was devastated! What a loss!
However, I got over it and treasure it as a historic record of my “transformation” by The Word. The dates and notes would mean nothing to anyone reading them, but they are the nourishment that builds me up at the start of each day, strengthening my spirit and giving purpose to my life.
Wishing you perseverance in the task you have given yourself to restore the notes!
With all “sisterly” blessings,
My “watchword” is “JOY.”
(BC)