Treasure It Or Lose It

It’s true, that one man’s trash can become another man’s treasure. To illustrate, I have a little personal story to tell. About twenty years ago I came into possession of a, in my opinion, somewhat historical Bible. Well, in its self not a grand story, but it had been retrieved from a trash dumpster being used by a public school system for common waste, and also at this time, by the high school library while it was weeding and tossing unwanted books. A deeper uprooting of moral values and the enforcement of separation of church and state put the Bible on the hit list of books to be eliminated from public school libraries reasoning that religious materials, even though donated, can not sit on bookshelves bought with tax dollars. Stepping down from my soapbox, I have to tell you the book is dated as of when it was presented, and by whom, and even has a “run number” of authenticity. It’s a 1955 School and Library Reference Blue Ribbon Edition, which I use regularly and will treasure for as long as I possess it.
It’s amazing what some people can conclude from Bible scripture. >Helping his wife wash the dishes, the minister protested, “This isn’t a man’s job!” “Oh yes it is” his wife retorted, quoting II Kings 21:13, “… and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.” >“Dad, the Bible says if you don’t let me use the car you hate me”, said the son. “Where does it say that?” asked the father. The son replied, “Proverbs 13:24; ‘He who spares the rod hates his son’” >A Sunday school teacher asked her class, “What was Jesus’ mother’s name?” One child answered, “Mary!” The teacher then asked, “And who can tell us Jesus’ father’s name?” A little girl said with confidence, “Verge!” Confused the teacher said, “I don’t understand where you got that name.” “Simple” replied the girl, “Everyone calls them Verge n’ Mary.”
[2 Timothy 3:16 – 4: 5] On the facing page of the book of Genesis, Chapter 1 in this treasure of mine is an introduction to God’s word worthy of sharing with you. It reads; “This Book Contains: The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the travelers map, the pilgrims staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldiers sword and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in Judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.” Next week is Thanksgiving and next week is National Bible Week. Since the first one rolled off the presses, it is estimated that between 5 & 6 billion printed Bibles have been purchased throughout the world. I pray your bible is not residing with the accumulated junk we all seem to collect and stash in a closet or storeroom. Find it or purchase one. Read it and teach from it. Live its principles and share its love. Oh, what a different world this would be if we all treasured God’s word.