Lysa talks about trying to find the nuggets in the Bible, “… since I had no idea how to get them for myself, I avoided the Bible and settled for whatever I could glean from other people.” [pg 7] For years I had not paid much attention to God, then a call in my heart began growing. So we started attending church. There I heard a pastor teach using a Greek Hebrew Key Word Study Bible. He said if we wanted to know more about God’s word, that bible would be a good help. I deeply wanted to understand more, so I bought one, and even though the title sounds intimidating, it was simple to use. It was exciting to find answers on my own, but that learning brought different questions. A couple years later we had become part of the church family and were attending regularly. I was still using that bible, having quenched some questions with God’s truth, now I was looking for answers to my new questions. That call, the one for more understanding, the one my heart wouldn’t let go of, was growing. In a response to that relentless desire I began formal study where a Thompson Chain Reference Bible was introduced. It was immensely satisfying to use, but again, as some questions were settled through God’s word new questions arose. (Which is just how God does things, the more you learn the deeper in he draws you.) I have often taught that different bible translations like NKJ, NASB, NIV, etc., and even a good English dictionary can help give us broadening understanding. Other reference materials can help too. But, God has given us a remarkable advantage over all other created things. We have an intellect, full of curiosity, that can process, analyze and grow. It seems that the core of the desire to know more, and even more yet, isn’t so we can answer questions and look smart or religious. No. The center of our feeling comes from our need to make God more real in our world. It’s our hearts deepest desire to more fully connect, more deeply experience, and even, if we dare, to one day touch the heart of the One who loves us. That call to learn is personal. ~ Andi
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