I thought about you tonight.
As my family made entrance into the local Blockbuster to peruse our evening’s entertainment, I remained in the warmth of my van, perusing the contents of my recent purchase.
Your new Bible.
You won’t be the first to crack its spine. I’ve already done that on your behalf. It naturally and without prompt fell open to Haggai, page 1247. My heart was moved to tears. It’s not by accident that my eyes landed there—a profound reminder for both of us about keeping “first things first” … God first. Haggai is one of the shortest reads in holy writ, admonishing its recipients to “give careful attention” to their paneled houses—to all the ways we’ve majored on selfish gain while giving little thought to spiritual gain. Our neglect in regards to the building of God’s “house” within us, leaves us as we are rather than as he intends for us to be.
A good word for you as you begin a deeper trek inward into the treasure trove of God’s Word. Thank you for asking for it… for being willing to brave the articulations of your heart and wanting to know just exactly what it means to “get into the Word.” Your genuine request touched me in the deepest way. I don’t often receive this one—a plea for understanding on how to “do” this adventure called “discipleship,” of going deeper with God but not sure what that means. What that looks like. Where that starts. How that is managed. I have an inclination that you already know how that feels, and if your hunger feels anything like mine did seven years ago, then you, my friend, are overwhelmed with desire. Wanting to know more, but not sure how to get there.
You get there one verse at a time. One tender moment at a time. One prayer, one thought, one question bravely given to our God and, then, allowing him time enough to answer you through the power of his holy Word. You don’t go in expecting to hold his “all” in one sitting. Instead, you pace yourself, content to know that any time spent with Jesus on the pages of Scripture will seed in you more knowledge, deeper peace, and a stronger understanding of who he is. Not just sometimes, but every time. God has gone before us to write his Word in accurate measure. Not one “t” remains uncrossed; not one “i” un-dotted.
God’s Word is perfect. Is life. Is effectual. Is flawless. Is the very breath of his holy heart. Is consecrated and set apart for our good gain. As you are faithful to come to its pages, to unfold it one story at a time, God is faithful to bring you into a spiritual fullness you’ve never known before. This is the sure witness of my heart. These “ain’t” just words, sister. This has been God’s very good gift to me—the transformational work of my heart that began in magnified measure seven years ago when I had a head-on collision with the Word’s incomparable strength.
God’s Word has changed me. It will change you as well. And for the record, if you never receive any further instruction—via the pulpit, another teacher, another Bible-study, another blog, another retreat, another song—you’ve been given everything you need to engage with the truth of Scripture and to live out its witness (1 John 2:27). If Jesus is your Savior, then you have his living Spirit within you (John 14, 16). He will counsel you as you go; he will administer understanding that exceeds human attempts at having it all make sense.
Do we need help from time to time, some mentoring from those who’ve been at this longer? You bet. That’s why we do Bible study; why we surround our lives with good resources that will poke and prod us along in our sacred transformation. But when it’s not there, when we are left to our quiet contemplation before Father God and with his Word, then don’t let the enemy fool you into thinking that nothing is happening. That it can’t work because you lack the knowledge or don’t have the spiritual “resume” to back up your hunger.
Things always happen with God and with his Word… even when you can’t see it, feel it, conceive it, understand it. Even when you’re having a hard time believing it. God’s Word accomplishes its purpose in us; this is his promise to us. This is his promise to you (Isaiah 55:11-12; Hebrews 4:12).
So I thought about you tonight in front of Blockbuster, and I cried. I remembered how far these “pages” have brought me in a short time and how fully they continue to carry me, sustain me, and enliven me to the spiritual pulse of all creation. And I am overwhelmed with the thought of what they might do for you. Thus, a few tears of baptism and a prayer of consecration over your new Bible on this cold night in a warm van. There’s a lifetime of wealth within its covers. From front to back and every consecrated word in between, there lives a history that has always been… that will always be. You are part of that history; so am I. We are there, intricately woven within a story that’s been flowing in and out of the mind and heart of God for all eternity.
What a privilege to walk that story with you … to be included in something so far beyond us, yet so gracefully bestowed upon us because of a Father’s infinite love and great grace. You have reminded me of why I am in the kingdom business, friend. Why I have cast me lot with the Lover of my soul and have committed my heart, my steps, my pen, my all in his direction. And should he grant me a few more days of witness upon this earth, then by the grace of God, may my all continue to point you and others to the everlasting truth of his living Word.
Thanks for being brave. Thanks for reaching out. Your Bible will soon be home with you. As always…
peace for the journey,
~elaine
PS: Thank you to so many of you for leaving words of encouragement and congrats on my two-year anniversary last post. I had a hard time deciding what to do for three of you, so rather than picking a prize, I’m allowing the three winners to pick their prize… a Christian book or CD of choice that I can easily find on CBD or Amazon! E-mail me your choices {$15 limit please}, and I’ll order these this week. Random winners are…
#6 Rebecca @ Life and Godliness
#33 Kathy S. @ Blessed Builder
#49 Deb @ He Gave Me a Dream
This was a wonderful post. Beautiful words for a friend. That friend will truly be blessed.
Elaine…I read this and the hunger, thirst and longing I wrote about in my journal this morning only heightens. I feel strangely detached from His Word right now…from the awareness of His presence. Was in tears this morning yearning for His nearness and an awakening of truth. Don't know what's wrong…but know something is missing. There must be more…
Beautiful letter. The recipient will be blessed.
Seeking,
Joy
What a blessing for your new friend, and what a blessing it is to have the word of God in our hearts and souls…a privilege we often take for granted.
Love you,
Beth
Elaine:
Congrats on a belated – two year post that I missed! Sorry!
But God brought me here tonight to finish up His Story for the Day – my investigation of God's Heart – from the inside out!
You could not have posted a more joy-filled post than for me to read so much about the giving out of God's Word! I cried with you as I read each word – hanging on many of the words like: "treasure trove" [I use that phrase myself quite often when writing in my journals about God and His Word]. There were many words that I could pull from here to list that reflected this message from God's Heart to mine – but this tops them all…because I was searching for God's Heart…
You wrote:
"From front to back and every consecrated word in between, there lives a history that has always been… that will always be. You are part of that history; so am I. We are there, intricately woven within a story that’s been flowing in and out of the mind and heart of God for all eternity."
Thank you for the "treasures" opened here this night – as God has already poured Himself out on me this entire day!
You are always a blessing to my heart! I can't wait to hear the rest of this story – the Word – the new disciple! Wow! Only God!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
JESUS ONLY in 2010
Elaine, I am so thrilled to have been selected for the giveaway. My heart is touched by this post, too. Would you please use the $ you'd spend on me to add to the gift to this friend who will be receiving the new Bible? Perhaps some marking tools or a book or CD to accompany her/his study? I would like nothing better than to contribute somehow to this new disciple. Thank you and may God continue to give you many, many more opportunities to build into the lives of those around you.
Your words never fail to touch my heart. I pray that the heart of this bible owner ALWAYS hungers and thirsts after Christ.
Great post, congrats to your winners.
What a beautiful letter, Faith Elaine! Your heart is right there, on your sleeve. And it is gorgeous. Yes…the Word. Living and Active. It speaks. There is no better gift from a hand of flesh!
Oodles of love,
laura
I can see more clearly now why I was drawn to your blog. You will never know what your words meant to me in this post. You are such an inspiration to me.
Nancy in NC
Very beautiful post! Thank You Father God, Friend Jesus, Comforter Holy Spirit for such a beautiful word. Amen.
What a blessing this will be for your friend. God's Word is the greatest gift we can give.
You are sharing a little of His Word on this blog as you share your heart and what God is teaching you. Thank you for sharing with us.
How very humbling. I know the feeling, and the tears have a familiar wetness to them.
There's something about stepping out, and into His grand purposes that affects us like no other step out. It's one of those eternal exclamation points that lets us know we've experienced His heart, His love, His grace. Moreover, He's uses your/our hands to do it.
It's a hushed awe I feel to know that even one more heart will be touched by His word; His powerful, life-changing, living word!
Bless you,
Kathleen
Elaine, I truly believe God sent me here to remind me that I'm not the only one that is feeling this, and that we are linked because of The Holy Spirit. Every single word held me spell bound and said, that is me Lord, that is me. Humbled Elaine, that He would include me on this journey, and thankful for the friendship of your heart.
With love, oh deep love and admiration,
Yolanda
Penned words heavy with love for Him and for her.
Beautiful, you are and you will always be!
In His Grace,
Denise
Elaine this is just beautiful!! What a treasure the Word of God is, and sadly we sometimes forget what a precious gift it is. I think about people in foreign countries who don't have access to a Bible and my heart breaks for them. I pray that your friend soaks in every single word and that they pierce right into her heart!:)
Blessings,
Lauren
Where would we be without the Word? "They are not just idle words for you—they are your life…" (Deut.32:47)
Thanking God for His Word — and for you, Elaine. Blessings to you this week!
Beautiful thoughts and words, sweet friend. You've described God's word in a way that makes those of us who already love it, fall in love with it afresh. What countless treasures await your new friend. Praying for her.
Love & blessings,
Tracy
This was beautiful…
As you were discribing the new Bible all I could think of was the Bible I cherish, filled with 18 years of notes and prayers.
What a beautiful post and a beautiful blessing to your new friend. Within the Word of God lies all of our answers to all of our issues in life. He is our everything!
I feel like I just got a great big hug from you.
And I really needed one.
Love you.
Sweet dreams.
Oh, I love that! The thought of having to 'pace' yourself, and not try and get it all in one sitting. I just really get that.
That scripture (Isaiah 55) is my favorite! I have a CD by Jason Upton with Bill Miller (a Native American) reciting that verse. It gives me chills.
Thanks for yet another encouraging word for the day. You are blessed beyond measure!
I hope you don't mind that I linked to this post on my blog today. I have thought a lot about it since reading it the first time.
How blessed is your new friend, to have an Elaine in her life, to share with her what God has done for you. Your expression of His Word, His heart and His promises here are jewels. And, like all things God ordains, the words aren't only for your new friend, but for us who are reading them.
Praying for the 15,000 words to end up strong!
wifeforthejourney:
Reading your post, I'm reminded (and regularly inspired) by the committment of the Gideons International to make the scriptures available far and wide. No matter where we live there are people around us that are hungry. If we can feel the passion and urgency to feed the hungry, can we not also feel passion for those that are hungry for the truth of God's Word?
Personal appeals for Bibles may not be so common here in America; a Bible may not be what we're thinking about among cards and flowers on Valentine's Day – but we should all be ready to SPEAK God's Word out loud. I face my day today encouraged to speak my faith out loud!
Love you,
Billy
Simply beautiful, sweet girl. And congrats on your 2 years–what a blessing you are to us all.
I love you!
Susan
So, how many push ups HAVE you done?????????????Hmmm????? 🙂
beautiful. beautiful.