Looking for Bibles

I was in a "Christian" bookstore the other day. It was an interesting experience. Towards the entrance they had knick knacks, gifts, and the "latest" books/novels prominently displayed. But that wasn't what I was looking for. I wandered toward the back. There they had a huge music section which seemed geared toward the younger crowd. Strange gimicky things hung from little posts all over the place. There was a huge poster type display for Narnia.

Anyhow, I eventually found the Bibles! Yay! Not! Huge bookcase full of NIV. Interesting marketing of some Bibles in trendy colors and finishes (for girls?). Some were in metal cases. All NIV, though.

Finally after crawling on my hands and knees in the back of the back, I found some interesting volumes by a Messianic Jew, David H. Stern, explicating the gospel from a Jewish point of view. Very educational, and I selected a few for purchase. There was one little shelf with lesser known Bible translations/versions. I was looking for some alternative, but none were suitable. I suppose I have to give up on stores and get my "fix" online.

There was a large table in the back, I suppose for people who wanted to read a bit. A group of young people came in and one of the boys exclaimed how he just loved to read the Bible! That is a fine idea, but I wonder which version he loves?

Anyhow, that group left and it was close to closing time. So I made my purchase and left. Feeling unfulfilled somehow. Disappointed. Perhaps a library with a few older volumes would help? It all seemed so "fluffy" to me. Lots of eye candy, but little substance. Seems like a true seeker would eventually choke on the "icing" getting very little "cake".

Thankfully, we have resources online, for now. I guess I'm not considered "cool" because my Bibles are not bound in hot pink leather!

Shalom,
Frances

Spiritual Warfare

Beating the Devil at His Own Game

I was intrigued by Zeph Daniel's recent guests, Howard Pittman and Michael Mullen. Zeph himself spoke more than a few words regarding how those pesky devils torment us. It sounds like this:

1) You can give up and join them. Party like no tomorrow and then in the end be sold out by your drinking buddies.
Theme: Hey, everybody's doing it!

2) You can sell out big time to the other side. Crawl over as many bodies as possible on your way to the top of the heap. Make aliances mafia-style. Rule by fear and loathing. In the end be sold out by your partners in crime.
Theme: Survival of the fittest.

3) You can put up a fight. Work your way through hardships, both physical and psychological. Feel blessed when you encounter another person of like mind. Build up lots of spiritual muscle, endurance, patience, compassion. In the end, pack it in with a smile knowing you are going to your true home. Theme: Work now brings rewards later.

Apparently, "they" can't possess us without our consent. This consent can be as simple as walking into a bar and indulging in a few too many. The theory seems to be, hey, you walked into the wolves den, so expect to get bitten!

If you are not cooperative, "they" can torture you with the distractions of just surviving: making a living, finding shelter, coping with losing a job, losing a home. Even simple things piled up can seem like a lot to cope with: car problems, boyfriend problems, landlord problems, traffic tickets, getting the car towed.

If you're not careful, you can create your own form of "busy torture": too many activities, too many social obligations, too much following the herd mentality.

How to cope? Instead of crying, whining, complaining (the usual response), try looking into the face of your oppressor and smiling! They really hate it when you don't get upset! Go for the gold, and actually bless them and ask the Lord to soften their hearts.

There's an old Jewish story about the man who thanked God for all his small blessings and did not complain about the troubles. And the Lord responded, You think that's something to feel good about? You ain't see nothing yet!

Shabbat Shalom,
Hey, we're still here aren't we?
Frances