Treasure Hunt
Does anyone have a physical copy of the Bible anymore? Technological advances have made access to the Bible literally right at your fingertips. We can download apps that have tons of translations of the Bible. And I’m talking translations that I never knew existed. My Bible app has been my go-to for so long that I wondered what I even did with my physical copy of my Bible. I decided it was time for a treasure hunt.
The hunt didn’t last long. My Bible was on my bookshelf nestled comfortably in its carrier. You read that right. Back in the olden days when we actually brought our heavy Bibles to church, I used a Bible carrier (I mean I’m sure that’s not the official name). The carrier has 2 zipper sections. The Bible fits nicely in the largest zipper section. A smaller zipper section on top reveals pockets for papers, 4 holding sections for pens, and enough room for candy or any other treat you might want to throw in. The carrier has a nice handle that made it easy to grab up and go.
I was eager to open up the smaller section. Maybe I had money in there that I forgot about. Or old candy that needed to be thrown away. Drum roll please……no money…no candy. While I did not find what I was looking for, I stumbled upon the true treasure of this hunt. My old sermon notebook!
You may be wondering what a sermon notebook is. In my early 20’s, I was hungry for Jesus. I did not just want to go to church and sit and nod. I wanted to really use the sermons that I heard on Sunday to help me live a life that was pleasing to God. So I went out and purchased a cute notebook. And I began to take notes of sermons on Sunday. I’m a major nerd, so each sermon has the date, sermon title, scriptures used for reference, the name of the person preaching and the location that I heard the message. I know I’m extra.
The first recorded entry is October 9, 2005. Almost 17 years ago!!!! And can I tell you something???? (In my Sweet Baby voice…lol) The message hit HOME today! In a very real way. I have notes from sermons and Bible studies until the last entry dated January 11, 2015. I literally got goosebumps thumbing through the pages and seeing notes in my own handwriting that were convicting me years after they were initially written.
That lets me know that God’s word is alive. God’s word is timeless. And it also lets me know that every pastor I have had has been preaching fire. From Georgia to Texas and right back home in Arkansas. It also gave me a new direction for my personal Bible study and blog posts. Ya’ll, I’m going back in time. I want to unearth treasure from all the good preaching and teaching I have experienced in my life. Grab your shovels folks. We are going deeper in God. I’m excited to see what we find. #wepreach