I have this old Bible that was my grandfather’s. When I inherited it, it was worn, tattered, and falling apart. I considered having it rebound but knew it would not be a Bible I’d use to read or for study purposes. However, I could not part with it. I have many extended family members who have been/are wonderful examples of what it means to be a faithful servant who loves God and His Word. Many of these faithful servants of the Lord have served or are serving in full-time ministry. They are beautiful examples of those who walk out the Word and share Jesus wherever they are, as part of their daily life. I am very grateful for their influence and impact on my life.
My Grandpa Hutchings was special to me. He was kind and gentle, but he was not a man I thought of as having a vibrant faith. He rarely talked about God. He made many, many mistakes in his early adult life. I received his Bible after my father passed away over 18 years ago. My Grandpa Hutchings’ Bible was marked with passages on the weight and struggle of sin, and the amazing grace and love of God. This resonated with my heart and seemed to parallel my own life in some ways. I identify with being a wretched sinner saved by amazing grace!
This Bible has remained in a box in my closet for the last 18 years. I’ve had an artwork idea rumbling in my head for several years now. I finally took the plunge! I used some pages from my grandfather’s Bible to create this artwork that now graces our home. My sweet husband built the oak shadow box. I found a plumb in an antique shop to represent the fact that God’s Word is the plumb line in my life. Kimberly Campbell of Kcreatives helped to finish off this project by hand-lettering a portion of Hebrews 4:12 on these precious pages.
I’m thrilled to have this piece hanging in my home as a beautiful reminder of the transforming beauty of Jesus and His Word in my and in the life of my family!
Scripture speaks in several places to the power of God’s Word in our daily lives. Here are a few:
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
—Psalm 19:7-11
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. —Psalm 119:10-11
Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors. —Psalm 119:24
Would you commit to spending time in God’s Word each day, weaving its truths into the daily fabric of your life, and watch expectantly as the Lord transforms your heart and mind, words and ways?
Rejoicing in Him!
©2018 Susan Cady, susancady.com