"Torn Paper"

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) 
²³  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

John 1:12 (NKJV) 
¹²  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Christmas wrapping paper has come a long way.  If I recall correctly, there was a time when it was so thin that you could literally read the name of the gift through the paper.  Anyone been there?  It would tear easily, and when you cut it with scissors, it tore as you cut.  Stores like  Elder Beermans,  J.C.Penneys, (Rikes) had gift wrapping available.  This year it is hard to even get a free box to wrap a gift.

This week as Renee and I wrapped some gifts I was surprised to find out that the back of the paper of a certain brand had a grid on it.  A straight line grid to help you cut more accurately.  Now there is a great idea.  Something to make sure I stay on track.  Do you realize that God has given us a life grid, something to help us stay on the right track and that is His Word, the Bible? It is the bestselling book of all time. There will be many Bibles given and received as presents this year for Christmas.  I recently had my preaching Bible returned after be rebound and I love it. It cost the price of three new ones, but it is special to me.

The purpose of any Bible is to be read, not left in your car until next week, or packed away to preserve it's newness.  We all love new Bibles, but it's purpose is to be read. Read, internalized, then applied to your daily life.  It is the wrapping paper life grid for the believer.  Hey, every now and then the paper may get torn, and life may get a little off the line,  but there is One who specializes in torn paper, torn lives, torn relationships, torn hearts, who is in the business of repair and restoration.

Someone once said, " A Bible that is falling apart, usually represents a life that isn't."  May that be true for all of us.

Merry Christmas!  Bro. Greg