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The Only Bible Someone Will Ever Read

I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever. (Psalm 45:17)

            So many thoughts and memories came to mind as I read this verse this morning. One is of a man who doesn't exist named Montague. He lived in a society that banned all books. It was even his job to burn any books that were found. That led to curiosity about them. He stole and read one and eventually became for his community the book of Ecclesiastes (I think.)  It gives a new meaning to the idea that "you are what you read."
          Another thought that comes to mind is a pair of sayings: "You may be the only Bible someone will ever read", and one attributed to Francis of Assisi "Preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary."  What we as Christians say and do perpetuates His memory through all generations, like the ripples made by a rock tossed into a pond. What we say and do is a result of what we think and believe. What we think and believe is the result of what we read. There is no question of whether or not we will perpetuate his memory. It's only a question of what sort of memory you want to perpetuate.
      I know people who want to be I John to others. That's a good thing. I know others  who want to be one of the books of prophesy or the book of Acts I want to be Psalms, Proverbs, Romans and Hebrews - books of wisdom and deep theology. What book(s) of the Bible are you? What book(s) do you want to be? Try reading them for the next month - or year - and see if there's a change.
           

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