Have you ever wondered why specific questions are asked when you set up access to a particular website, such as your bank account or investments? A unique password is required, but why the questions? Simply because they are added security, protecting your information from unwanted, even harmful, eyes. Questions are asked and answered with information that only you would know, such as the name of your first pet, where you were born, what high school you attended, or your mother’s maiden name. And no doubt, those answers will reveal a piece of your personhood, your history, perhaps even your likes and dislikes or preferences.
I’ve noticed that there is one question frequently asked: What is your favourite book? This question always appeals to me, being a lover of books. I have read countless novels since childhood and have reaped knowledge and information from nonfiction books. I’ve started, but never finished, too many to admit, and I’m embarrassed to acknowledge that I’ve bought some with good intentions, but they still sit unread on my bookshelf. Even so, with the multitude of books that I’ve held in my hands over the years, the answer to the question, What is your favourite book? is my Bible. Please don’t think me being sanctimonious when I say this, for I must admit that it has taken many years—dare I say decades—for the Bible to become my favourite book.
My husband gave me my current Bible in 1991 for my birthday. It is well worn on the edges, and for that reason I carry it in a leather, zippered case. It’s dog-eared on far too many pages, and the pages don’t separate easily. But I can’t replace it. My Bible has become my security, my go-to book when I need to be reminded of what life is really all about and Who is in control.
As I commented earlier about answering security questions that may reveal a piece of your personhood, stating that my Bible is my favourite book reveals a piece of me: it strengthens my beliefs, challenges my weaknesses and fears, provides peace when peace is needed, and, when convicted of my doubts or questioning God, I know I am still loved and forgiven.
In many ways my Bible has become somewhat of a journal. I have written a multitude of side notes beside verses for clarification and have recorded the names of my children at various passages as I’ve prayed for them over the years. I continually marvel at the life lessons I learn within its covers; but have I always appreciated the contents as I do today? Sadly, no. But today I do, and that’s what counts!
Over the past thirty years, I’ve written quotes on the inside front and back pages from pastors and teachers and from friends and strangers that resonated with me at that time, and still do today. There are too many to
record here, but what I choose to share, I trust will resonate with you as they did with me.
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On the Word of God – Don Howard, August 2005
The Word of God is so living it has been said that if you tear it’s pages, it will bleed.
These pages do not contain the word of God. They ARE the Word of God.
On Life – Joe Stowell, July 1991/93
God does not expect perfection from us, but He does expect progress.
Life is not made of the dreams that you dream but the choices you make.
When we are faithful, God will make us fruitful.
My problems in the hands of God are intended for my progress.
On Prayer – John Friesen, October 2018
Prayer is a demonstration of your trust in God.
On Caring – Chuck Swindoll
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
On Faith – Rick Baker, September 2005
Faith is believing that God is who He says He is and believing that He will do what He says He will do.
Faith is a choice, not a feeling.
On Studying God’s Word – John MacArthur, July 1993
The preaching is the gravy. The real meal is the study of God’s Word. God cooked the meal. My job is to get it to the table without messing it up!
On Pain and Suffering – Women Alive, February 1996
Root yourself in God’s sovereignty instead of your circumstances. Believe God is bigger than anything you will face in life. * Root yourself in humility instead of holding on to your rights. * Root yourself in hope instead of hurts. * Root yourself in faith instead of feelings. Take God at His word. * Root yourself in the ‘Who’ instead of the ‘why.’
On the Power of God’s Word – Steve West, July 2020
The same power God used in creating the universe is the same power found in His Word, within these pages.
On the Bible – John Bunyan (written in the inside cover of his Bible and now in mine!)
This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.
On Living Life – John McHaffey via Dwayne Cline, August, 2020
We think we are in the land of the living and going to the land of the dying. But, we are in the land of the dying and going to the land of the living.
Alan Redpath via Ian Leigh, July 2006.
Nothing comes into your life that hasn’t already gone past God who has rubber stamped it with His approval.
Further Thoughts
Unknown – Believing is a spectator sport. Following makes us a player.
St. Augustine – Our thoughts are restless until we find rest in You.
D. L. Moody – Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.
John Piper – We are made to savour and see the majestic CHRIST.
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A little glimpse inside the pages of my Bible. Messy, worn, and torn in the eyes of some, but priceless to me.
Follow Me!