Reading the Bible is a challenge when we see different views of what the words say. It's been the same way since Man was created. In our day, the challenges can be worse. Do you realize that online information can be hacked, changed, and we would never know.
I haven't memorized the Bible. I can hardly repeat any full verses. When I read Bible quotes these days I don't see the version attribute that once was "required" information. I am not sure why, but that is how it is in my limited access.
I remember reading that Zondervan was purchased by a non-Christian company, but later on another company was listed as its owner. The reason I mention this is because when someone buys a company they acquire all their assets... including the primary manuscripts. Anything could be altered and we wouldn't know it.
The purpose of this theme is to share how vulnerable our spiritural lives are in a day when Christ is the target and the Bible is something we depend upon.
I keep trying to think of ways to protect God's WORD for the future and for us.
I don't know Hebrew or Greek, or the Latin of some other versions. I don't have access to authorized (trusted) versions of the original manuscripts. My collection of Bibles is small, in English, and mostly kept for referencing. I don't remember if I still have my concordance/s. I barely have the ability to study my Bible these days, and struggle to know why GOD has not provided more for me to do the work I know He put in my heart to do.
We live in hard times for godly things.
We are also not the first in history to suffer for our faith. It is just new to us.
I worry about how fear will change the faith of so many who believe they are saved. I try to think of things we could do to help each other as things get worse. I want to save our resources for taking care of God's People, not watch the Enemy sieze them to build evil weapons that will be used to harm and kill us. And God has not provided for this work. I just don't understand why.
I know there is a reason. God always has a reason. I just cannot think of what that might be. So I wait, trust, seek GOD for what to do, and wait more.
That is what we do.
I think the Bible shares this process over and over again.
I used to think of all the people who were forced to wait long times for GOD to do what He promised to do. Abraham and Sarah are the most obvious. I also thought of the judgements of GOD that lasted many years... 70, I think, in one story; over 400 years in another.
It always makes me realize that I am not the focus, GOD is, His Word is, His Plan is. Whatever happens, our task is to stay true to our salvation, to keep believing that GOD does what He promises, that His Word always comes true.
One of these days I will have to die. How and when that happens is in GOD's Hands. I just want to stay faithful and meet as many of my loved ones in heaven some day.
I can see GOD's patience in the long years of waiting. He wishes for all to be saved, and stays true to His promise to let us make our own choice about being in heaven with Him one day. The Bible tells us what those requirements are. This is why the Bibles we read are so important. How do we protect God's Word from the violations technology is capable of causing?
Maybe you know the answer. I hope you find a way to share it and help all of us.
In Christ,
Deborah Martin
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