I Read My Bible

2010-11-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

One Year Chronological Bible

For the past 6 or 7 years our church has read through the Bible together. We have been using the One Year Bible which separates the scriptures into 365 daily readings so that each day we're on the same passage. This year, instead of using the One Year Bible, we are going to be reading through the One Year Chronological Bible.

The One Year Chronological Bible is ideal for anyone who wants to take a fresh look at the Bible by reading it in the order the events actually happened.

I already have one in KJV that I haven't gone through because I was using my OYB that I had rebound. It's going to be different!

2010-10-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

One Year Bible- October 27

New Testament Reading

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

[Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them] well in all [things]; not answering again;

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

- Titus 2:1-15

2010-10-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

How to Pray

This is an excerpt from R.A. Torrey's "How to Pray" where he is talking about Revival in Christians.

"People no longer ask, 'Does God answer prayer?' They know that he does, and they besiege the throne of grace day and night...The cross of Christ, salvation, heaven, and hell become the subjects of constant conversation. Politics, the weather, new fashions, and the latest novels are forgotten...In times of revival, Christians receive a new love for the Word of God. They want to study it day and night. Revivals are bad for taverns and theaters, but they are good for bookstores and Bible publishers."

2010-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Satan Never Sleeps

I can't sleep. Right now it's 11:18pm. I went to bed around 9:15 and just tossed and turned. So, I got up, opened up my computer, read some emails, read some pen/notebook blogs and just basically tried to turn my brain off. I still wasn't sleepy. Then I remembered that I hadn't read today's passages from my One Year Bible.

What immediately happened?

Yeah, I got a couple verses in and I yawned. A couple more verses, I yawned again. Then my nose started running and I had to go get a tissue. Then, more yawning. This is ridiculous! Well, whatever. I finished my reading (especially Ephesians 1:17-20) and now I'm going to read tomorrow's because I know that it's going to be tough to get up early now that I'm up so late.

Whatever dude, I'm reading.

2010-09-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

September 11th, 2010 Part 2

Here are some pics from the event on 9/11/10.

These are replicas of the Twin Towers that were in the background behind Brigitte.


Here are firefighters and police folding the flag.

So many people attended the 9/11 service that not only were the sanctuary, high school and Jr. high rooms filled but they had to set up chairs in the courtyard for people to just sit and listen to Brigitte's message.

Click here to purchase a DVD of the event with Brigitte Gabriel explaining how Islam started, is focused on conquering the world, has already infiltrated our schools, prisons and government, why they do what they do, and how to stop them before it is too late.

2010-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

September 11th, 2010

This morning we woke up extra early (5:30am) to go to church and watch some high-flying action. The East Wing of our church has been under construction for some time and is finally going to be finished soon. (Our pastor does not believe in taking out a loan in order to work on the property so our church pays for the construction that it can afford. So, as the money comes in, the construction happens.) There are updates here.

This particular morning they were using a helicopter to pick up and place the air conditioning units on the roof! FUN! So, we packed up the kids, picked up some coffee and headed out! We sat across the street on a blanket on the grass.

We're going back to church tonight for the September 11th Memorial Service where the guest speaker is Brigitte Gabriel. That should be interesting to say the least.

Front of flyer

Back of flyer

Please read

2010-09-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

Do You Know Him?

This is a video edited to a speech given by the late S.M Lockeridge who was a pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego California. This video was shown last night at our church before worship.

2010-08-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Support from Home Blend

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has shown support for our troops by creating their Support From Home Blend. This blend is a tribute to our military personnel serving proudly in our armed forces. It is a way to tell a soldier that you are here being supportive and thankful for their sacrifice. You can either purchase a 12oz. package at your local Coffee Bean, like I did, or online here. If you do buy one in-house, you can write a personal message to our troops on the back of it. (You can see my message in the pic, albeit very blurry. I need to get a new phone. Sorry. It's Psalm 144:1)

Not only will the coffee be sent to service personnel around the world, but one dollar from every purchase goes to support Fisher House.

One of my co-workers and I each donated a package. The manager at the particular Coffee Bean that we frequent had already bought seven!

2010-04-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Resume of Jesus Christ

Author Unknown

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible
Keywords: Jesus Christ, Lord & Savior

My name is Jesus – The Christ. Many call me Lord! I’ve sent you my resume because I’m seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications:

• I founded the earth and established the heavens (see Proverbs 3:19).
• I formed man from the dust of the ground (see Genesis 2:7).
• I breathed into man the breath of life (see Genesis 2:7).
• I redeemed man from the curse of the law (see Galatians 3:13).
• The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me (see Galatians 3:14).

Occupational Background:

• I’ve only had one employer (see Luke 2:49).
• I’ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
• My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me (see Matthew 3:15-17).

Skills & Work Experiences:

• Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised (see Luke 4:18).
• I am a Wonderful Counselor (see Isaiah 9:6). People who Listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil (see Proverbs 1:33).
• Most importantly, I have the authority, ability & power to cleanse you of your sins (see I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background:

• I encompass the entire breadth & length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (see Proverbs 2:6).
• In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (see Colossians 2:3).
• My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path (see Psalms 119:105).
• I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart (see Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments:

• I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times (see Genesis 1:26).
• I laid down my life so that you may live (see II Corinthians 5:15).
• I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind & made a show of them openly (see Colossians 2:15).
• I’ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
• There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot – the BIBLE. You don’t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References:

• Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.

In Summation:

Now that you’ve read my resume, I’m confident that I’m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths (see Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life (see John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence (see Hebrews 3:15).

2010-04-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Visit the Billy Graham Library

2010-04-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Pilot Hi-Tec C

As I have stated in a previous post, my pen of choice with which to write notes in my Bible is the Pigma Micron .005 Archival Ink Pen with the .20mm tip. Well, recently my wife saw an article in Martha Stewart magazine that talked about certain pens to use for your particular style of writing. She pointed me to the Pilot Hi-Tec C pens which were recommended for people that press hard when they write and like a fine tip. I immediately ordered some. These are the finest tipped pens I have ever seen. There's hardly any bleed when I write in my Bible and they cost about the same as the Pigma Micron pens as well. Check out Tokyo Pen Shop for yourself to see the variety they have to offer.

Decisions, decisions.

As you can see from the writing comparison, the .3mm Pilot seems to have a finer line than the .2mm Pigma Micron.

2010-04-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

Priests Who Teach the Difference

There is a great article on the Moriel Website about priests teaching the difference between what is holy and what is profane. And, because of the lack of this teaching, church-goers might not know the difference anymore.

2010-03-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve

We can't afford cable TV. We used to, but now that we have one kid, and another on the way, it's just not in the budget. But, for a while, we had no TV at all. Not just no cable, no TV. We had 27" Sony tube TV (you know, the big ones) for about 8 years until it suddenly died.

I noticed that it was during that time that I spent the most time in the Word of God. I read my Bible more often, I read more Christian books about Jesus, Creation, Prayer, Bible Study and Spiritual Warfare during that time. I read Christian blogs. Then I stopped.

What happened?

We got a new TV! Last year, using some money from a second job that I took for a while, I got a new 40" LCD TV. Bam! No more reading Christian books, no more going deeper in the Word, and less Bible reading. Even in posts to this blog; you can clearly see that I was posting at least once a month from September 2008-April 2009, I skipped May, posted in June and then nothing until January of this year. I still read my Bible on a (sort of) daily basis but I wasn't eating God's word. I wasn't digging deeper into the text or transferring any of the Sunday sermons from my "practice" notebook to the other, which I did as a review and study of the Sunday message and a chance to physically write out all the verses that were mentioned. In one word, I got lazy and I didn't even notice. My excuse? The usual - work, being a parent, and most of all I really want to watch to see what happens next on whatever TV show is on. None of these is acceptable. And remember we don't have cable. We can only get about 15 channels, using the coaxial cable as an antenna, and some of those are fuzzy!

Then to make matters even worse, I bought a PS3 in August! So now TV AND video games. I have a slightly addictive personality. Mostly it's from my competitive nature. I like to win and, concerning the things that I like to do, I want to be better than others at them. That is part of the reason that in high school I would do my homework in class so that I could have more time to play guitar when I got home. It has never had a detrimental affect on my life besides the fact that I'll lose sleep and be a walking zombie for the first couple of hours of the day. No problem, more coffee will take care of that. The point is, I was giving myself distractions. I was trying to use those things to help me rest. If I watch TV or play video games I can just shut my mind off and turn into a vegetable for several hours before I go to sleep and do it all again tomorrow. And, since there are only a certain amount of hours in the day and I was basically shutting myself down early, I was too spent to make time for God. I was giving Him the remains not the first fruits.

A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, [is it] not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. Who [is there] even among you that would shut the doors [for nought]? neither do ye kindle [fire] on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] polluted; and the fruit thereof, [even] his meat, [is] contemptible. Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen. - Malachi 1: 6-14

God deserves our first fruits. He deserves our best, not our leftovers. I should never be too tired or distracted to not spend time with the Lord. He will always give me the strength that I need. The more time I spend with Him, the more my life will be aligned with perfect will that He has for it.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:13

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33

Last week a new Men's Bible Study started up at our church. I've studied more of God's Word in the past two weeks than I did in the past 8 months. I've stayed up until about 1AM almost every week day last week and I never woke up late for work or too tired to get up. I got all the rest that I needed even though I had about 2-3 hours less sleep per night. I don't have to drag myself to study, I look forward to it. I'm pushing myself more this time around. I've gone through several Men's Bible Studies with just reading what I needed to and writing in one sentence answers. This time, I'm reading the verses, then reading them again, then reading commentaries on them, reading the verses again in several Bible translations (including The Nearly Inspired Version) and even looking up the meanings of certain words in the original Greek. I don't have enough room to write down some of the answers that I have in the pages of our study, and I like that.

You know what else I noticed? Satan's not happy about that. While I was being lackadaisical about my walk with God, I was off the radar. Now that I'm getting back in the fight, he's spotted me. He's assigned me my own personal demon to bug me. He works like this: while I'm trying to study the Word, I start to get really antsy. It makes me very uncomfortable and I feel like I can't just sit there. Then I get itchy all over, especially on my legs and back. I have to frequently get up and walk it off. The itchiness is so bad that I get welts where I scratch. It has been really dry lately and I could easily chalk it up to the weather. I would do that, if it weren't for the case that it ONLY happens when I'm doing my study. Even though it's dry I haven't been particularly itchy throughout the day no matter what I'm doing.

I still watch some TV. And moving it from the bedroom to our living room helps. But, I definitely don't need it as much as I felt like I did last week. I'm not as curious about what I could be missing. I know that whatever it is, it is temporary and of this world. I'm focusing on what is eternal and of Heaven.

2010-03-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Charlie Campbell's 1-Minute Answer to "Who Made God?"

SKEPTIC: Who made God?

ME: Nobody made God. Unlike the finite universe (a universe that began to exist) that demands a creator, God does not need a creator.

SKEPTIC: Why?

ME: Because He is eternal. Someone who has always existed does not need a creator or someone to have brought Him into existence, because He’s always been. Psalm 90:2 says, “Even from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” God is eternal. But the universe falls into an entirely different category. As the scientific discoveries have shown, it has not always existed. And anything that begins to exist, requires a cause or maker. Things don’t just pop into existence all on their own. Nothing does not produce something.

SKEPTIC: Okay Charlie that makes sense, but you believe that God has just always existed?”

ME: Yes.

SKEPTIC: Impossible!

ME: Well, before you scoff at the notion of God having always existed, keep this in mind: something must have always existed. Do you realize that?

SKEPTIC: Why do you think that?

ME: Well, think through this with me: If nothing cannot produce something, and yet something exists, then it follows necessarily that something has always existed (in order to bring the something into existence). Think of it this way:

1. If there ever was a time that absolutely nothing existed, nothing would exist now.

2. Something exists now.

3. Therefore, there was never a time that absolutely nothing existed.

So, to answer your question, Who made God? No one. God is eternal and does not need a maker. The universe is not eternal and does require a maker.

Full post at ABR Blog

Charlie's article on Evidence for the Existence of God here.

2010-03-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Those that know something of Christ cannot but desire to know more, and seek opportunities of increasing their acquaintance with His gospel.

- Matthew Henry (from commentary on Acts 16:15)

2010-02-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Matthew Henry Had It Figured Out Over 300 Years Ago

From Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 1:1: commenting on the creation of Heaven and Earth:

The manner in which this work was effected: God created it, that is, made it out of nothing. There was not any pre-existent matter out of which the world was produced. The fish and fowl were indeed produced out of the waters and the beasts and man out of the earth; but that earth and those waters were made out of nothing. By the ordinary power of nature, it is impossible that any thing should be made out of nothing; no artificer can work, unless he has something to work on. But by the almighty power of God it is not only possible that something should be made of nothing (the God of nature is not subject to the laws of nature), but in the creation it is impossible it should be otherwise, for nothing is more injurious to the honour of the Eternal Mind than the supposition of eternal matter. Thus the excellency of the power is of God and all the glory is to him.

Let us learn hence, (1.) That atheism is folly, and atheists are the greatest fools in nature; for they see there is a world that could not make itself, and yet they will not own there is a God that made it. Doubtless, they are without excuse, but the god of this world has blinded their minds. (2.) That God is sovereign Lord of all by an incontestable right. If he is the Creator, no doubt he is the owner and possessor of heaven and earth. (3.) That with God all things are possible, and therefore happy are the people that have him for their God

Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

2010-01-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Prophetic Verses

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

-Isaiah 42:1-4 (KJV)

But when Jesus knew [it], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in His name shall the Gentiles trust.

- Matthew 12:15-21(KJV)

2009-06-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

PREVAILING PRAYER

"Study God's Word to find what God's will is as revealed there in the promises. Then, simply take these promises and claim them before God in prayer with the absolutely unwavering expectation that He will do what He has promised in His Word."

- R. A. Torrey, How to Pray, p.40

2009-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Why Should I Fear In Times of Trouble?

Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit. For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts.

Selah

Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.

Selah

- Psalm 49:5-15

2009-04-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

WHY?

"Jesus intentionally walked into the arms of his betrayer, he didn't resist arrest, he didn't defend himself at his trial - it was clear that he was willingly subjecting himself to what you've described as a humiliating and agonizing form of torture. And I'd like to know why. What could possibly have motivated a person to agree to endure this sort of punishment?"

"... Jesus knew what was coming, and he was willing to go through it, because this was the only way he could redeem us - by serving as our substitute and paying the death penalty that we deserve because of our rebellion against God. That was his whole mission in coming to Earth... So when you ask what motivated him," he concluded, "well...I suppose the answer can be summed up in one word - and that would be love."

- Lee Strobel, The Case for Easter , (Zondervan, 1998) page 27

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

- John 3:16 (Amplified)

2009-04-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

THE CASE FOR EASTER

Every year since I got it in Easter 2006 I read the Case for Easter by Lee Strobel. It's taken from Strobel's The Case for Christ that just centers around the evidence of Christ's Resurrection; the medical evidence, eyewitness accounts of his post-resurrection appearances, and the fact of how the body was no longer found in the tomb. In this post-CSI scientific investigator culture that we now live in, where you're out of luck if you don't have a picture, video or fingerprints for the courts to prove your case, Strobel makes a great case for the evidence that points to the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and walked out of Joseph's tomb on that first Easter morning.

2009-03-02T20:26:00.001-08:00

IT'S HERE!!!!

Well, I finally got my Bible back. It's only been about a month but I sure missed it. It's hard to believe that the pictures above are before and after pictures. I'm so happy with the work that Leonard's has done. They turned my paperback into a leather bound beauty. I chose the Imperial Bible which is impressed sheepskin. I love the look and feel of this cover and, like it states on their website, it stands out in a crowd. The color I chose for it is Chocolate Brown but they have a variety of colors available. They did a great job sewing in the pages that were loose, adding in a ribbon marker, and I had them add four blank pages in the back. Pictures speak louder than words so here are a few showing how nicely it opens and my first attempt at Bible Yoga. If you want to see more pics of what this Bible used to look like, click here.

2009-02-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

ONE YEAR BIBLE ON ITS WAY HOME!

I got an email from Leonard's this week that informed me that my One Year KJV is on its way back home to me with its new Imperial sheepskin cover! I can't wait! It shipped Friday.

2009-01-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

BIBLE DAMAGE

This is a picture of my RSV Bible. My mom used to keep this Bible on the coffee table always open to Psalm 23. Well, over the years it prematurely aged the pages making it look like they were 100s of years old. Actually, to me they look like they were stained with coffee. I folded the pages over so that the actual color of the pages could be shown in contrast.

I don't know what my mom was trying to do by having the Bible just sitting there open on the coffee table. I don't remember anyone picking it up and reading it. But, it was there open to all who sat on the couch. In fact, it was facing the front door so that as you walked into the house it was facing you; sort of in your face I suppose.

I don't think that there is any way to repair damage like this. It looks strange as you come upon it because the rest of the Bible looks fine even though it's over 20 years old but those pages look like they're 200. Maybe I've just come upon another way to make your Bible have the rugged "Indiana Jones found this in a cave somewhere" look.

2009-01-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

It's all J. Mark Bertrand's Fault

The Bible Design and Binding blog is very dangerous. Read at your own risk. Your bank account, probably your savings account too, is going to suffer massively. Just look at the damage it's caused! My life will never be the same. I now find myself visiting my local used bookstores for Cambridge Cameos or Morocco leather covered Bibles at least once a week. I spend hours a week doing searches on eBay trying to find a wide-margin KJV or a Pitt Minion for under $100. I spend time wondering if it would be better to rebind my KJV Reference that has all my notes in it or if I should just wait until I can afford a Goatskin Wide-Margin so that I can consolidate all my notes into one Bible. There are now so many things that swirl through my head about my favorite Book that didn't used to be there just because I was not aware of the possibilities before I started reading his blog.

Which brings me to my current situation. Of all the things that you think you want to spend your Christmas bonus on, ordering an ESV Study Bible might not be on your list. But, I bought this beautiful ESV Study Bible in Calfskin Leather and I think that my money was very well spent.

Here you can see the size difference between it and my KJV Reference.

In addition to this, because of Bertrand's site, I also found myself ordering the ESV Personal Size Reference for my daily reader this year.

I saw the single column setting reviewed there and it convinced me to try it out. It makes sense for the Bible to be set like a novel if you're going to read through it like a full story. I'm reading the Bible this year using the Discipleship Journal's One-Year Plan and so far it's going great. I like how it's separated into 300 readings instead of 365 to give you a little more freedom.

All kidding aside, I'm very happy with both my purchases and love the feel of both covers.

Thanks Mark.

2009-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Leonard's Book Restoration Station

After much detective work, pondering and basically driving myself half mad, I decided to send my paperback One Year Bible to Leonard's Book Restoration Station. It is on its way and I will hopefully have a sheepskin bound beauty in about a month's time. I know that I had previously posted that I was going to send it to Abba Bibles, but I felt that since this was my first rebinding and it was from a glued paperback to a leather bound edition, I was not getting the questions answered that I asked, even with speaking Spanish. So, due to the lack of information about what needed to be done and how it was going to be accomplished, I started asking around at Leonard's and they were very helpful and informative right from the start. The quote I received wasn't a one line answer but a thorough description of all the available leather coverings, the course of action that was needed, and the components that were optional due to it being a paperback edition. I want to make it clear that I do plan on using Abba to do a rebinding in the future. I have seen their work and was sent several sample pics that are just gorgeous. I just felt that I needed a little more information about the slight restoration/repairs that need to be done to my poor spine-fractured paperback and Leonard's was very informative and quick to respond. (I was playfully rebuked by Margie on my practice of folding over my Bible so as to read it with one hand. I wonder why the spine is that way?)

Anyway, I am anxiously awaiting the return of what has been my daily reader for almost 3 years. I feel confident that I have placed it in sure hands and will be very happy to see it, and feel it, in it's new form.

2009-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

ABBA Bibles

I am seriously considering sending my paperback KJV One Year Bible to Abba Bibles so that they can rebind it in leather. In fact, I use it like a journal anyway so I might as well have them make it look like one. Below is a pic of my One Year Bible. Below that is a picture that I received from Abba as to what they are able to do. I have been communicating back and forth with them on turnaround time and they tell me that it would most likely take about 3 weeks to get my Bible done.

Either way, I'm adding the link to my Bible Care & Repair section on the left. They have been very nice through emails. I have been writing to them in Spanish but I do believe that they speak English as well. I'll post pictures of the finished product when I get it back.

2008-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

DO YOU USE A BIBLE CASE?

In a previous post I revealed my Brooch. That's the leather Bible case that I use to carry my main Bible. (The one with the most notes.) I picked mine for several reasons:

1. It's leather.
2. It's black. (Matching the Bible that it holds)
3. It's has tons of space for pens, pencils, ruler, highlighters, etc...
4. It was on sale! (about 75% off actually)

The need for a case came about through simple necessity; I kept forgetting a pen or a highlighter, missing or losing notes, and stuffing my bible with church bulletins. I got tired of stuff falling out of my Bible.

My KJV Reference is the only Bible that I have a case for. It's also the only Bible I own that fits in this case. But, ever since I started reading J. Mark Bertrand's Bible Design Blog I have had my eye on one of those Cambridge Pitt Minion Goatskin Bibles; a little pricey but they are about the same size as my KJV Reference. They are definitely worth carrying in a Bible cover.

2008-11-29T03:35:00.000-08:00

New Bible Care & Repair Link

I've added a new link to the Bible Care & Repair list on here. For those of you that have a well-worn Bible that could use a new cover and such, the link to the Mechling Bookbindery will prove very helpful. Besides the examples on their own website, you can check out their work here , here , & here at J. Mark Bertrand's Bible Design & Binding blog. Enjoy!

2008-11-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Reading the Bible Can Be a Stress Reliever

What a shock!! Check out this article I found in the Victoria Advocate

Here's a taste:

Before you give up and lose the joy the season has to offer, think about committing yourself to two things. First, find ways to keep the material aspect of the holidays simple. Cherish the moments with family and friends above the gifts you can or cannot afford.

Second, set aside some time . 10 to 15 minutes at first (I recommend the morning even for non-morning people). Get away from the TV, the phone and the computer. Don't think you can't do this? Well, yes you can . if you want a less stressful holiday; you can.

For the first few minutes . say five, sit quietly and just breathe well. This will be the hardest thing to do simply because everything in you wants to be doing something . fight it. God says, "Be still, and know that I am God." It must take stillness to know such things.

Next pick up your Bible and read Psalm 136. As you read you will see how God worked through history enabling you to be thankful. Then take a moment or two and thank the same God who provides for you as well.

Click here for full article.

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matt. 11:28

2008-11-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

WHICH PEN SHOULD YOU USE?

There's a great write-up on the Soul deSaenz Blog about which pens are best to use when taking notes in your bible. I personally use the Micron archival ink pens. They're waterproof and fade proof and using the .20mm I can get really fine lines so as to fit more in the margins of my bible. I don't have a wide margin bible so I need to cram as much as possible in my space that I do have. As you can see in my One Year Bible/journal I can get the letters pretty close to the size of the font that's printed. This is written on the blank page that separates months.

Recently some coworkers and I took a trip to Sterling Art because one of them is getting hardcore into this Artist Trading Card fad that's gaining popularity. I decided to join them because I know that they carry my favorite writing journals and they carry the pens that I use to write notes in my Bibles. But, on this trip to the store they didn't have the Micron pens that I like in the size that I prefer. I was trying to get another 005 (which is the .20mm tip) in black but they were out. They did have many other colors and I ended up purchasing a red and a blue. But, I was directed to the Prismacolor display and they did have the black pen in the 005. It works just as well. I want to thank Soul deSaenz for his great review.

2008-10-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

October 27th, 2007

In my One Year Bible/Journal I have written that exactly one year ago today is the day that my wife and I first visited the maternity center where our son would be born. The hospital staff were nice enough to give us a tour of the facilities and show us the different "suites" where mother and child get to stay. (Dad too) It was awesome to see that the "nursery" was used as storage since the newborns are delivered and stay in the same room with mom. Our room had a great view of the ocean, its own bathroom with a shower, and a chair that folded out where I could sleep.

We will never forget the day our son was born and how helpful and kind the staff were the couple of days that we stayed there. We thank God everyday for the miracle of our son's birth. May we always seek his will in our lives and his wisdom in raising this child for Him.

2008-10-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

The One Year Bible (KJV)

Here is the Bible that I actually read the most. I read this Bible everyday. This is the third year that I'm reading through it. At my church, CCCH, a lot of us, including the pastor, read through the One Year Bible together. I originally purchased this Bible for my wife but she changed over to the NKJV instead so I took it. I prefer the KJV and was about to buy one for myself so everything worked out nicely.

I use this Bible as a combination daily journal & prayer journal. It's gone with us to Georgia to visit our friends & to work with me on several occasions. This year I've mostly written down events pertaining to my new son. (when we first found out it was a boy, when he started to crawl, first baseball game he went to, etc...)

It doesn't have big margins and, after several years, it's getting pretty full so I think I'll have just one more year and I'll need to get another one. Luckily it sometimes has a full blank page in between months or it wouldn't have lasted this long. Our Pastor says that he has gone through several bibles like that. You fill one up, put it on the shelf, and start in another one. In the first picture you'll notice that there is a band around the Bible. That's a hair tie. I use it to keep it closed because I keep notes in it and my Our Daily Bread booklet in it. If I didn't use the hair tie, it would look like this and everything would be falling out every time I picked it up.

Some of the pages are loose and coming out. There is a huge crease in the spine because I fold the book back on itself and read it using one hand. The back cover laminate is peeling off. Things are coming apart and that tie is the only thing that is keeping it all together. BUT, I love it. I love the fact that it's paperback and it can take the everyday use so well and that it's lasted this long! I wouldn't have expected a paperback cover to be so robust. Of course, several years ago I wouldn't have expected me to be carrying a Bible everywhere much less reading one on a daily basis.

2008-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ironside's copy of Authorized Version

This one humbles me. I came across it while doing a search for old Bibles.

On his forty-ninth birthday this Bible was given to Dr. Ironside with this inscription: "Presented by the Saints at Boston (Arlington Heights) Mass., Oct. 14, 1925." On the front cover is stamped in gold: "H. A. Ironside, Oakland, Calif. " During many years of his Bible exposition ministry Dr. Ironside used this Bible, adding his markings, comments, poetry, and cross-references.
Dr. Ironside served on the board of Dallas Theological Seminary in its early years, frequently lecturing on campus, and was influential in many other evangelical organizations. He maintained a world-wide Bible conference ministry, preaching in an extemporaneous, expository style. He was the author of 51 books.
The Rev. Dr. Herbert J. Pugmire acquired this Bible when he was serving as assistant pastor to Ironside at the Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. In 1955 Dr. Pugmire prepared Dr. Ironside's Bible: Notes and Quotes from the Margins, published by Loizeaux Brothers.
Library.dts.edu

2008-09-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

My KJV Red Letter

This is my KJV Reference Bible published by Zondervan. The inside has verses highlighted, underlined, marked up with arrows connecting two or more, and circled. This is the Bible that I purchased right after we started going to church regularly at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. I use this Bible to do all my morning studies, notes from every sermon and any other thing I might look up, reference, or jot down. It all goes in here. There are Post-its throughout that have extra info that wouldn't fit since it's not a wide-margin. I attached the index tabs on myself to make it easier and faster for me to find books and verses. I've also had to tape a few pages back in because they got loose and were going to fall out. It's got the "premium leather look" as stated on the back cover but, even though it's fake leather I like the fact that it's so flexible that I can fold it on itself and hold it open with one hand without creasing the spine.

This Bible, along with my One Year Bible, has travelled everywhere with me since the day I got it. I carry it in a leather bible case with pens, highlighters, pencils, and a ruler. My wife calls it my "brooch" since when I was first looking for something to carry all my bible accessories in I was thinking of some sort of strap or clasp to hold them together with my bible. But, I kept referring to it as a brooch for some reason. Whatever kind of mental block that I had at the time made the name stick so now it's my "brooch". Still, with all the bibles that I have purchased and received as gifts, whether study bibles, leather-covered or what-have-you, this little medium-sized reference KJV is my main "study" Bible.