The Difference

The two oldest Bibles I have are taped up at the seams from many years of use. One is a Life Recovery Bible and the other is mentioned in the next paragraph. Often I wish I had read them more but the absolute truth is, when I have read them, meditated on the words within, they have become The Difference in my life.

One is 31 years old given to me at Christmas by my ex-wife Paula who was with me when we came to the Lord and quit using drugs and alcohol. She wrote an inscription within that I will disclose here unedited:
"It seems so appropriate to buy the "Book of Life" for you, as we celebrate the beginning of life - the birth of Christ. And I know without a doubt that you will continue to give your life for Him, thru the words of this book."

Through heartaches, divorce, death of a child, personal failures and a tough love ministry, these books have given me light when it seemed darkness was falling. Truly we give our lives to Christ, and we pray and speak with him daily, and we love good sermons, but reading the words of this Book of Life produce strength, courage and character necessary to fight through life's most difficult moments. Thank you for reminding me Paula!

And just like there is a reminder to you through my words here, the reminders of those who know us most intimately resonate loud and clear even after many years, that's why we keep their cards, letters and inscriptions, they also make a huge difference.

In that same Bible is a card that I taped inside from the Elders at Campus Church with an inscription by one of them: You are a light that attracts people to God. Yes, but only because the words of these books made the difference between turning that light on and off. And, these men took the time to shepherd me, teach me and help me to become a different man than I used to be.

What is your difference? Here's a great scripture to close with and ask you to consider: Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

That light is truly The Difference!