It’s time to “let go” –

I held the box I kept for 17 years, reluctant to remove the tape knowing its contents held a flood of lost hopes and dreams.

It held another piece to let go, to release; to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.

Tears welled up.  Memories wreaked havoc and burned in my heart as I read just a few of over 100 sympathy and get well notes and cards of our journey through my late husband’s death.

I held each one and released it into the trash bin until I reached the last envelope.  It was odd-shaped, not a card, but a letter.  The Lord prompted me to open and read it.  I think it was His gift for me to hold and keep for my surrender to finally “let go” and press into Him in trust.

I’d like to share this treasure –

Dear Giff,

Along with thousands of others who went to war almost fifty years ago, I was given a small Bible, courtesy of the Elm Street Methodist Church in a small Nebraska town.  They told me it would protect me, however, they neglected to tell me I had to read it.  It quickly found its way to the bottom of the traditional old canvas barracks bag where it began an unforgettable 2-1/2 year tour of the South Pacific.

That Bible was later rescued from its fungus covered hiding place and eventually found its way to a shelf in our library where it lay unread for another 4-1/2 decades.

This morning, I picked that little Bible up and actually opened it – to the most profound introduction to God’s precious word that I have ever read and I am delighted to share it with you.

“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the 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 traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.  Here Paradise is restored, Heaven open, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.  Read it slowly, frequently and 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 at the judgment, and be remembered forever.  It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”

It also declares boldly the Lords’ Prayer and  Pledge of Allegiance – both of which are banned in many public schools and government institutions today.

I regret losing those years this book remained unread.  However, I find it deeply satisfying that God never gives up, even on the most stubborn of men.  If you have never read the “Best Seller” of all time, I sincerely encourage you to do so.  If you have read it, you know the peace that comes with knowing the Author , even in these most troubled of times.

Giff, there’s always hope in Christ.

Is it time to dust the cover of the “Best Seller” from your bookshelf?

Read it.  The “eyes of your heart” will be awakened to discover and experience the treasure hidden in God’s word.

You’ll never be same.