Today I had the opportunity to see a copy of the 42-line Gutenberg Bible. The Gutenberg Bible was printed by the first movable printing press developed in Germany by…who else…Mr. Gutenberg. Thus, the name of the press – the “Gutenberg” press. A bit obvious but I just wanted to be clear about it all. There was also a 36-line version but it appears that all of the complete Gutenberg’s today are of the 42-line version.
We were told that the librarians turn one page of the Bible every day so that the light does not affect one page more than another. It takes two large volumes to bind the complete Bible, and only 40-some copies exist today. Although there are older Bibles written in Hebrew, Greek, and other ancient near eastern languages – to stand in front of this Bible was quite an experience.
As I walked away I began to think about how much it meant to me that I did not have to come to a certain place during certain times in order to communicate with God. God so loved the whole world He created that He made provision for all of us to have a special relationship with Him. His son, Jesus Christ, paid a great price in order for us to enjoy a special relationship with God and communicate with Him in prayer. Prayer is just communicating with God with a faith (or belief) that He does indeed ear what we say.
Although I couldn’t read the Latin words contained in the Gutenberg Bible, I can read the English words of the Bible I have. And I can also share my burdens and delights with a God who cares deeply about me. That same God cares deeply about me – and you as well. Have you ever thought about trying to communicate with the God our Bible talks about? He really does love and care about you and longs to show Himself strong in your behalf. Check out 2 Chronicles 16:9 (that is chapter 16, verse 9 in the Bible’s 2nd book of Chronicles) to see for yourself!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Burned-over Ground.
I recently had the opportunity to witness a small forest fire that had apparently gotten a bit out of hand. Although the fire was only about 200 to 300 yards wide, it was growing and coming my way! I called a neighbor who called the fire department and slowly but surely the rural fire department began to assembly to put the fire out. The conservation bulldozer was even called out to carve a firebreak path around the fire. Everyone worked together to contain the fire so that damage remained minimal.
The next day I walked back down to the area where the fire had burned. Some logs, and even standing dead timbers, still smoldered in the aftermath of that fire. Everything looked dead and lifeless. A bleak picture remained of the charming wooded landscape that had graced that part of the country only hours before. But one of the volunteer fire fighters said something interesting after fighting the fire the night before. He said, "you're going to have the greenest patch of grass down there this summer." The fire had served a valid purpose in burning up much of the "deadness" in the forest, allowing a new start to begin.
And how true, that even in our own lives we often don't realize that the fires which burn up the trash and dead stuff actually lead to a healthier place in the long run. I must admit, that when I'm putting out my own spiritual fires, I don't feel very excited about the "greenest grass" awaiting me in the future. As a matter of fact, I'm more likely to be fighting bitterness, or hurt, or some other not very pleasant feeling. And even though God does not always remove our battles, he does, in fact, allow all these thing to "work for the good" (Romans 8:28).
It is nice to know that the God who made heaven and earth, sent his only son, Jesus Christ, who knows how we feel, to provide an opportunity for each of us to have a right relationship with God. I'm glad that I have a friend in Jesus Christ who helps me along life's path, and is able to sympathize with my weaknesses; one "who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet without sin." (Hebrew 4:15). A friend who knows how to intercede for me, and sustain me while burning up the trash, so I can have a fresh start every single day.
The next day I walked back down to the area where the fire had burned. Some logs, and even standing dead timbers, still smoldered in the aftermath of that fire. Everything looked dead and lifeless. A bleak picture remained of the charming wooded landscape that had graced that part of the country only hours before. But one of the volunteer fire fighters said something interesting after fighting the fire the night before. He said, "you're going to have the greenest patch of grass down there this summer." The fire had served a valid purpose in burning up much of the "deadness" in the forest, allowing a new start to begin.
And how true, that even in our own lives we often don't realize that the fires which burn up the trash and dead stuff actually lead to a healthier place in the long run. I must admit, that when I'm putting out my own spiritual fires, I don't feel very excited about the "greenest grass" awaiting me in the future. As a matter of fact, I'm more likely to be fighting bitterness, or hurt, or some other not very pleasant feeling. And even though God does not always remove our battles, he does, in fact, allow all these thing to "work for the good" (Romans 8:28).
It is nice to know that the God who made heaven and earth, sent his only son, Jesus Christ, who knows how we feel, to provide an opportunity for each of us to have a right relationship with God. I'm glad that I have a friend in Jesus Christ who helps me along life's path, and is able to sympathize with my weaknesses; one "who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet without sin." (Hebrew 4:15). A friend who knows how to intercede for me, and sustain me while burning up the trash, so I can have a fresh start every single day.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Journey
My journey isn't exactly what you might think it is (even though I am a month behind in my posts!). Although we all go through journeys in this life, the journey I'm initially referring to is my Dodge Journey rental car. As I was standing in line for my rental vehicle I wondered what type of vehicle I would get. Trying to be economical can lead to some humbling selections of automotive transportation. When my wonderful attendant told me that I would be driving a "Journey" I did not have a clue what a Journey looked like and had a funny feeling I might not like it.
After driving my "Journey" for awhile I found that it did the job I needed - even though I love more power in my vehicles! It was fairly new and comfortable, with some neat gadgets - except cruise control of all things. But my Journey kept me safe and on time with my appointments. A seemingly dependible little car - did I say little? O.k., rather small for a larger person:).
After a great meeting with some wonderful Kentucky evangelists and their district superintendent, I drove down to Corbin, KY for a Sunday morning service. And here I am, at the home of the original KFC and the beautiful Cumberland Falls not too far off. So now I'm doing some reflecting in my hotel room and thinking about my real journey - my life's journey.
My journey is so intriguing at times, because, as a Christian, I often rest in God and strive to sense His direction. I know I falter in this effort often, but still I try. Sometimes the journey is through beautiful seasons of ministry, enjoying the family, and finding fun time for myself and others. But sometimes our journeys encounter rainstorms, ice, sleet, snow (called for tonight), and other disruptions that cause us to ponder God's intent. If He would just spell it out to us we'd be happy to oblige - or so we think.
When I think about my journey with God, even though there may be times of uncertainty or frustration, I take comfort in knowing God is there for me every step of the way. He even tells in Psalms 23, that even though we walk through the "valley of the shadow of death" He provides us with supernatural comfort. How awesome to know that the God of the universe cares so much about you that he provides comfort for you whether you are on the mountaintop or plodding on through the valleys of life. It's a journey. And just like driving down the road - I can't wait to see what lies just around the bend.
After driving my "Journey" for awhile I found that it did the job I needed - even though I love more power in my vehicles! It was fairly new and comfortable, with some neat gadgets - except cruise control of all things. But my Journey kept me safe and on time with my appointments. A seemingly dependible little car - did I say little? O.k., rather small for a larger person:).
After a great meeting with some wonderful Kentucky evangelists and their district superintendent, I drove down to Corbin, KY for a Sunday morning service. And here I am, at the home of the original KFC and the beautiful Cumberland Falls not too far off. So now I'm doing some reflecting in my hotel room and thinking about my real journey - my life's journey.
My journey is so intriguing at times, because, as a Christian, I often rest in God and strive to sense His direction. I know I falter in this effort often, but still I try. Sometimes the journey is through beautiful seasons of ministry, enjoying the family, and finding fun time for myself and others. But sometimes our journeys encounter rainstorms, ice, sleet, snow (called for tonight), and other disruptions that cause us to ponder God's intent. If He would just spell it out to us we'd be happy to oblige - or so we think.
When I think about my journey with God, even though there may be times of uncertainty or frustration, I take comfort in knowing God is there for me every step of the way. He even tells in Psalms 23, that even though we walk through the "valley of the shadow of death" He provides us with supernatural comfort. How awesome to know that the God of the universe cares so much about you that he provides comfort for you whether you are on the mountaintop or plodding on through the valleys of life. It's a journey. And just like driving down the road - I can't wait to see what lies just around the bend.
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