I think the biggest thing God has been impressing upon me is that we HAVE to stay in his word. There are a thousand different translations, and I don't know if I have an opinion about if one is better than another. Obviously, the original Hebrew for the Old Testament and the original Greek for the New Testament, but honestly, how many of us know Greek or Hebrew? Even I, the daughter of a preacher, know
very little of either one. So, with every translation, there are going to be arguments. How accurate? How spirit led? Sometimes after one of these discussions, I just want to quit reading the Bible all together. But I have a generous God, and he always reminds me that HE WILL SPEAK if I am trying to listen. And I deeply believe that the first step to trying to listen is to study all his words. If you seek him, you will find him. Right now, I am really enjoying "The Message" version. It doesn't even try to be a translation, just a version. I guess for a specific question, I would want to try some other translation, but for every day, just seeking God, and trying to hear his voice, I am enjoying it. I guess what that boils down to is that I trust that Eugene Peterson was truly seeking God's leading.
My dad stands strong by the King James, or the New King James. Something about "the original text it was translated from" is older and more accurate. Since he is the one who taught me, most of my verses I have memorized and stored in my heart are in New King James.
I started this post around 10 this morning. It is now 5:21pm. Oops! I guess I will close, and post, and add more later! For now, the point I am trying to make is, Seek God, through his word, and He will give you truth. But you have to seek with your whole heart.
Bethany
4 comments:
You're steppin on my toes preacher! ha ha. no really, I need to get better about reading daily. This is a habit that has been difficult for me to maintain. I thought as a child/teen that when I became a grown up it would be easy to stay dedicated in study because I wouldn't have anything else to do! HA!!!!!!
I am enjoying these posts and am excited to hear some of the particular things that have been on your mind in the way of truth.
Amen, sister!
Our pastor teaches out of the NASB because it is the most literal version, but my small group leader constantly tries to convince him to switch to the ESV because he thinks that while it is not as literal, it captures more of what they meant (you know sometimes a several different words equal on English word, but you really have to explain that this was the same version of this word that was used when _____). Anyway, I am sure you know all that. I have never read the Message Bible but I have been told that it is good for reading, but shouldn't be used as a "study Bible". Which, is basically what you said.
With all that being said, this is something I struggle with all the time. I do have the Bible on CD and I have strayed from listening to it because Scott made me copies of it so I wouldn't mess up my original and one was messed up and I need to get him to make me a new one. But, then I wonder if I am cheating because I am listening while I am driving. But, at the same time, I feel like I am really getting more out of all those books at the beginning of the OT than I did trying to read them. Plus, either way, it is a good use of my driving time...much better than listening to secular radio...right?
Anyway, thanks for the post. I needed a kick in the rear to get me back into my reading and listening!
I am excited to see your next post! Keep 'em coming!
great word there Bethany!! i love reading about what God is doing in your life... i can definitely relate to you!
Heidi
A comment on what Marcy said:
Listening to the Bible being read it the oldest form of "reading" the Bible, right? They all would stand or sit for hours while "The Law" was read aloud to them. We learn songs by listening to them, so why not fit your learning style with the way you read or hear the Bible? I guess that means I should start copying it over myself, since that is the way I remember things best! What did I get myself into?!
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