Introducing: Book of the Month!

     "What should I read next?" This question has plagued bookworms around the world and throughout time. Hopefully, this new segment on my blog will help assuage your thirst for good books, even if only temporarily. There's no better way to start than with my favorite book, and the one that's influenced me the most, the Bible. The value of this Book is incalculable because its author is the indescribable Lord Jesus Christ. Rather than read my insignificant thoughts on the Scriptures, let's see what the Bible has to say about itself.

Characteristics of the Bible:

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."

- Psalm 19:7-10

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

- Isaiah 40:8

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

- John 6:63

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

- Hebrews 4:12

The purpose of the Bible:

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."

- Proverbs 6:23

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

- Romans 15:4 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

 - 1 John 1:3-4

Why you should read the Bible:

"Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way."

- Psalm 119:104

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts."

- Jeremiah 15:16

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

- John 15:7

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

- Romans 10:17

     This is just a mere sampling of what the Bible has to to say about its unique characteristics, purpose, and why you should read it. Let me encourage you to spend some time today digging into the Word discovering the treasures hidden therein. The information it possesses is worth more than gold.   

// Graduation //

This journey began so many years ago,

when two pledged that despite mirth or woe,

eternal love upon one another they'd bestow,

and train their children in the way they should go.

We were carefully taught and schooled,

by a mother whose firm, gentle hand ruled,

and a father who was rarely ever fooled,

when our innocence we thought we'd proved. 

School was tough and growing up tougher,

but our parents a wise word would offer,

advising us that though we suffer,

against God we never murmur.

When at last the days were few before graduation,

and to high school I made my final salutation,

my heart overflowed with joy and celebration,

and to God, my gratefulness beyond articulation. 

   Dedicated to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to my godly parents who have faithfully trained my siblings and I in the fear of the Lord and have willingly sacrificed their time and interests to teach and care for us.