MORNING DISCUSSION

Serene and the children stayed with us last night seeing Sam is away in China at present. As Serene read her Bible this morning she commented, "I used to read my Bible on my iPhone, but I now like to use my Bible. When they see me on my iPhone, they automatically think I am working on Trim Healthy Mama or doing research, but I want them to see that I love the Word and it is my sustenance and wisdom for the day."

Most mornings at our home we have great theological discussion, and often on other subjects, too. This morning this topic became our discussion. I agreed with Serene. Now that most people have the Bible downloaded on their iPhones or iPads, they don't need to pick up their Bible. I feel sad about that. Yes, I have the Bible downloaded on my iPad. I love it. On my King James Bible download I can click on any word and it takes me to the Hebrew or Greek word and also gives me every other place where that same word is used. Most informative. Did you know that sometimes there are 20, 50, or even 100 or more different words translated in the English from the same Hebrew or Greek word?

I also have many other translations downloaded and although I read the King James Bible, I love to refer to other translations.

But I like to use these helps alongside my Bible. I like to hold my Bible. I love my Bible. When I go to church, I take my Bible and my iPad. I follow the Scriptures in my Bible, but can refer to a word on my iPad that I would like more understanding about. I feel sad that it is rare for people to carry their Bible to church these days. Even most preachers preach from their iPhones. I'm certainly not against this, but I love to see the Bible open. There is something about it!

And can I let you in on a secret? I often feel disconcerted when people open their iPhones when I am speaking. I can never be sure if they are really following the Scriptures or if they are just checking their emails. Sadly, I have noticed women texting! Can you imagine how distracting that is? It can just about make you forget what you are saying!

Serene went on to say that her husband, Sam, reads the Bible on his phone. However, when he was away doing contracts, the guys would all play games on their phones. Although Sam was reading the Word, they most probably thought he was playing along just like them. He didn't want them to think this, so purchased a little pocket New Testament to read during those lunch hours.

The Bible is a testimony! I like to read it when flying. People get convicted seeing someone reading the Bible. They don't get convicted by iPhones.

I am not sharing these thoughts as law--just how I feel about it. If you joined our morning or any other time discussions in our home, you would soon find that we don't all agree. We all love to share our convictions as this is what sharpens one another. My husband constantly says, "We don't have to agree with one another, but we do have to love one another."

Love from Nancy