Saturday, October 19, 2013

Refresh: To Give Someone More Of


The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever.
(Isaiah 40:8 NIV)



Trees are ever changing their outward appearance season after season. Tiny buds to full, verdant foliage, to multi-colored leaves that drop to the ground, to bare branches; each version of a tree gives me something to appreciate. The hope of new life in the spring, the shade of summer, the rich palette of autumn and the stark, clear view of the winter sky. When I embrace the offering of each season in perspective, I am refreshed.

Trees also remind me that summer does not last forever; seasons fade, but the Word of the Lord remains constant.

Pam Farrel encourages us to change it up with our Bible versions:

Sometimes when we read and reread passages, they become such familiar territory  that we don't see the word afresh. But God's Word is alive! We need to find ways to heart hear the words of Scripture as if we were reading them for the first time. 

One way to do this is to read a different translation or to read a variety of translations to gain a different perspective on the same passage.

©Pam Farrel from 30 Ways to Wake Up Your Quiet Time (IVP). For more devotional books by Pam www.Love-wise.com



With biblegateway.com comparing translations has become so much easier. Here are some samples of a favorite verse about rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  
(NASB)

Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 
(GOD'S WORD Translation)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(KJV)

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
(The Message, Matthew 11:28-30)



To peruse all of the 31 Days of Quiet posts thus far, 
clicketh here!

6 comments:

  1. Tx for these comparisons, Kel. I love using Bible Gateway. And the message version of these are really wonderful. God used Mt. 11 in my life earlier when I knew I was to come to Christ, alone, and put away all Christian books for awhile. Tha'ts a tall order for an author, but it was just the Lord and I, just His Word and I. It was a very special time. I'll be sorry when your 31 days are over.
    Love
    Lynni

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    1. Lynni- I am so glad you are enjoying the series...it is amazing how God uses his word to encourage us to draw near to Him in various ways...your fast from other written works, besides the Word fits in well with tomorrow's topic :)

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  2. Oh how i love God's Word! It always amazes me how a book I've read since a child is ever new. I love writing out Scriptures, personalizing them just for me. "God is Pamela's very present help in her time of need."

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    1. Pamela- Thanks for stopping by...yes God's Word is my lifeline, too! I love how the Holy Spirit can illuminate familiar passages...personalizing Scripture is a great practice and fresh way to interact with God and his word!

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  3. I love looking up other translations as a way to gain new insight into God's word. Of course, I really love King James because it is so pretty. But I have often found that the NIV clarifies text, and the Message seems to simplify the text. Whenever I look up scripture on line, I use Bible Gateway or Crosswalk.com (actually I use Crosswalk more frequently), and I almost always compare translations. So much comes to life as I do.
    Hugs,
    Kelly

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    1. Kelly- Thanks for reminding us about Crosswalk.com...I love how God brings His word to life for us and am thankful for the abundant translations He has provided!

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