Hello ,
Attached to this e-Devotional is a picture of my mother's old Bible. My mom has been gone now for 7 years, but her Bible continues to inspire me.
A few years ago, my wife Roberta gave a devotional presentation and used my mother's
Bible as a "prop" of sorts to highlight some of her key thoughts regarding the phrase "Never Judge a Book By It's Cover." She had her outline written on various Post-it notes inside this old book, and I'm going to share those notes with you today. They are highlighted in bold type and are as follows:
I have (at times) been pulled in by an intriguing title or flashy book cover, only to be disappointed by what's inside. This old Bible, however, continues to deliver amazing results regardless of the materials that cover it.
- It contains treasures.
- It's the only living book where the author can communicate directly with the reader.
- The book that I hold in my hands was well-loved and well-used. It was my mother-in-law's Bible. It contains (not only) God's word, His precepts, and His character in written form, but it also holds within its pages, a list of people that were precious to the
owner (Mike's mom). She faithfully prayed over these people on this list everyday.
It reminds me to remember that in our relationships with people, not to merely look at the outer package. Just like this book, what is inside of someone is of far greater value than what may be seen on the outside...because God looks not on the outward appearance, but on the
heart!
What great reminders for each of us, today. May we all see people through the lens of God's grace, love, and mercy!
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word
