Flowerly Maua

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I smile recklessly and I love excessively. I live today knowing I have no other day until tomorrow. Now is my moment. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is a mystery, but today, today is my gift (present).

Sunday 7 September 2008

Bible Versions

I lost my bible (The Amplified) a few Sundays ago, and I thought I’ll get a totally new version. King James, I thought, why not, everyone in church had one.

I’ve been surrounded by challenging issues lately, and turning to my new bible (KJV) did not make sense (I guess KJV is only useful on Sundays when you have to keep up with the preacher). I tried praying, the prayers bounced back unanswered (I think). It didn’t matter how loud I shouted, it felt like no one was listening. At this point, I normally turn to my bible. I really miss it, especially now that KJV is not working the miracles.

My broadband was down, so no reference to the online bible. It was devastating. I was almost giving up when I thought of my son’s bible (God’s word for boys). I‘ve no idea what version, but as I read through in a simplified version, there was clarity in the word.

Then I noticed the simple prayers (referred to as ‘Good Morning, God’) at the end of every 2-3 chapters. They are simple one sentence prayers for small boys, and I knew I had to be a kid again. It’s amazing that I just paid attention to them now, even though we’ve been reading the same bible for the last few years.

I concentrated on the book of Job, the only person I could relate to, and here are a few samples of the simple prayers.

Dear Lord

Job 3:1-3. Please help me not to be afraid to tell you how I feel whenever I have problems.

Job 7:17-21. Help my faith to grow stronger than my doubts when I go through tough times.

Job 12:12-25. When I do not understand, help me to remember that you know best.

Job 23:1-12. Help me to continue doing what is right even when it’s hard.

Job 42:7-16. Remind me of my future in heaven whenever I am feeling down.

Ps 16:8-11. Let me experience the joy that comes from a close relationship with you.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen

I looked at 2 scriptures, and compared the two versions.

Job 5:8 I seek God’s help and present my case to him. He does great things that we can’t understand and miracles that we can’t count. (I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause; Which doeth great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number).

Job 4:6 Doesn’t your fear of God give you confidence and your lifetime of integrity give you hope? (Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?)

I know which version I prefer now.

10 comments:

Tandra said...

reading ur son's version was so uplifting coz sometimes the msg gets lost in the "bigness" of the words.

thank you

KK said...

I truly have never been able to read the KJV... and yet most of the Pastors I listened to swore by it...

Maua said...

@Tandra, I hear you, we forget the word and look concentrate on finding the meaning of the 'bigness'.

@KK, Maybe most pastors rely on other versions for understanding, but they have to use them for the originality. Just me thinking.

xxxx said...

Maua there is a new king james version its really good doesnt have the thous and all that. Like the message as well, puts it simple. loved the verses you quoted and the simplicity of them and that all it comes down to. Trusting the He knows best even when we think we could do better. Keep your head up gal

Shiko-Msa said...

I want one of those! That one, the one you prefer too. Si you know which one it is.

Pete R Njenga said...

I remember using the Revised Standard version Bible in High School (it was recommended for CRE). I even saw they use this in the Zimbabwean parliament.
Later in Campus, I used the Devotional Bible (NIV version). I really like this version - the insights, the commentary, timelines and much more...
Nowadays, I spend all my time looking at a computer screen. I use a Bible called eSword, with nine integrated versions on my desktop. I can even download and install other versions when and if I feel like.
eSword is great!
Check it out at http://www.e-sword.net/

Maua said...

Extra..grace, thanx for that, I'll look at the new version. I'm using the online one which I've put in my blog, and it comes in different versions.

Peter, thanks, I'll look at this as well. At times you need a quick fix, and you just don't know where, e-sword i'll remember. RSV was great in school, this has taken me back more than 20 yrs ago. I miss my CRE.

Maua said...

Shiko, I know the one, it's mzuri.

Anonymous said...

The Bible is an expression of God's divine will for mankind not a remake of shakespeare or old Gregorian english...I prefer reading the Bible in english that is relevant and understandable in modern day living!

joyunspeakable2011 said...

The Message, the New Living Bible translation and New King James Version do it for me.....