8 things to love about your Bible

Rediscover the joy and hope provided in the pages of the Word of God.

A few weeks ago something happened that made me stop and think about my Bible. My husband and I had stopped by our local Christian bookstore to try and collect some things.

We had just paid for our purchases, went back to our car and settled in our seats when I noticed a young couple leaving the shop. They took a box out of the bag they were carrying, and then I noticed something so sweet that my eyes watered.

They stopped on the sidewalk - almost in our vehicle - and took a Bible from the box, turning the pages and looking at it with great joy. Yes, pleasure.

I read my bible. I study and extract verses for my books. But when was the last time I stopped to look at him with joy? I think sometimes I need a new reminder of what an extraordinary gift God made us:

1. The Word of God provides meaning to life.

2. It gives hope for the future.

3. My Bible shows me what is right from what is wrong and what I must do to please the heart of God.

4. Provides guidance for each step I take and highlights the pitfalls along the way.

5. The Word of God comforts me and provides verses that have been tried and proven.

6. It is a love letter directed from mine to my God.

7. My Bible is a way to really get to know it.

8. And it's a gift I can leave for my children and grandchildren. A bible marked and underlined with worn-out pages will remind them that it was precious to me.

Lord, thank you very much for the gift of your Word. Don't let me take it for granted, but remember to look at it with joy. To see the priceless treasures you hid there for me. To see the sweet words of comfort, you left me there. And see the love written between each line. Amen.