I say finished like it's some kind of great accomplishment! These books are only a few chapters long, so if you just read titles, you'd think I were zooming along. But it is nice to have a reminder here about what my thoughts were the last time I read through and how things may have changed. I got this particular bible in July 2004, so I've read through it a few times. Some of my notes hurt to read again. Some bring big smiles. Some are not notes at all, but scribbles from one of the boys that wanted to "help" mom."For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." 4:3-4
I think that time has come and it has come before. I read the bible itself. Sometimes I find commentaries. Sometimes I try to find what the original language said, or other translations. Sometimes I find things that make me sad, angry, or confused. But they are still in there and I try to open my heart and mind to find out why. I pray A LOT about certain lines and authors intent. And for some things I may never find the answer and put on my "First Things to Ask Jesus" list. But I can't ignore it. It's there for a reason.
This one will always be close to my heart.
"At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." 4:16-18
My MIL, Ann, gave me this when she had heard how some of my friends and deserted me when I was arrested in 2004. There were people who did not believe me that I was falsely accused. And there were some who would not stand with me for fear of being associated. I was devastated. I had no idea that anyone could ever do that. But the Lord did rescue me. I know that His strength was what held me up that year and what continues to be my rock through the years ahead. He's got my back even if the whole world turned against me.
