I love a good read!
News articles, magazine features, romance or historical novels, biographies, self-improvement, humor, history -- I will read almost anything if it is well crafted and holds my interest.
I read many different genres, viewpoints and styles. When I love something, I want to read it again, although not without some time to savor the delicious taste it left me with. When it's well written and has drawn me into the story, I never want it to end. I also love to recommend it to my friends.
But I'm sure you've read books that made you wish the author had told the story in fewer words. Instead they went on and on and on . . . .
But the Bible isn't like that. It is God's infallible, perfect word.
Certain parts may seem to us to be full of unnecessary detail, or not tell us the details we want to know. Sometimes we have to dig deeper. These are words inspired by God and they either tell us what was or is or they provide a parable or illustration to help us understand a truth or event.
God didn't want us to wade through a swamp of unfamiliar or convoluted words. He conveyed only information that is useful. We can either apply it, relate it or learn from it. It contains commands, expectations, parables, historical biographies, and regional customs as well as prophecies and promises.
The Bible holds everything we need to know -- who God is, what He did for us, what He expects of us and how it should all be accomplished.
As a writer, I know how hard it is to crank out a few coherent, cohesive paragraphs on a weekly basis. I can't imagine trying to coordinate and edit a project that took scores of authors and hundreds of years to put together, had no contradictions and appealed to every culture throughout history!
(That's why God is God and I'm a small-time columnist!)
The Bible is the best book we can ever read. I wonder why I don't recommend it to more of my friends?
As you find you ten minutes this week, think about your favorite parts of the Bible. What has comforted, encouraged or convicted you? Who can you share it with this week?