THE COINCIDENCE OF THE COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE

In November of 2010, a small group I facilitate at my church asked me where in the Bible God is blessed. While wanting to share with them Ephesians 1:3, I turned to the Bible surrounding me in the library where we meet. Catching my eye was The Common English Bible. Pulling it out, I read to them, “Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ from heaven.”

Fascinated with this version of the Bible, I put it aside to thumb through more after class ended that day. I loved what I saw, reading verses in the Old and New Testaments. The added maps at the end of the Common English Bible were excellent. How great it was to see many a journey marked, following the paths of our ancestors. I knew this was a Bible I wanted in my own library.

I immediately ordered a copy of the Common English Bible that evening, receiving it in the mail within the week. It was a well- used copy, which I loved. It was nice to see someone else had thoroughly enjoyed this book before passing it on. As I began to enjoy it, new inspirations came to mind for me to post on my Twitter page, @ASpiritual Faith. I always say my inspirations come to me from God. Now, he was blessing me with new ones, being inspired by these beautiful and spiritual, readings.

I noticed that a message had been sent to me over Twitter, to join the Common English Bible tour. I wasn’t sure what this was, but as I was enjoying the Bible so much, I said to myself, ‘Sure!’ I clicked the reply button, not thinking too much more about it, getting busy with day to day happenings.

About ten days later, my husband brought in the mail, saying I had received a package. How fun, to get a package in the mail! I wondered what it was and who had sent me something. Imagine my surprise to see it was a Common English Bible! I laughed, saying I had just received a well-worn one in the mail, now here was a brand new one. I was somewhat confused, however; what was going on, did I somehow order a second Bible?

I pulled out the papers accompanying the Bible, welcoming me to the Common English Bible “Thank You-Come Again-I Promise” Blog Tour. I kept reading, seeing this tour was going to be quite exciting. Not only would I be digging deeper into the Bible and getting to write and post about I read, I got to give this Bible to others who enjoyed what I wrote, pulling a winning name from my hat once a week.

It has been an exciting trip, this tour taking me through many places in the Bible. I have met many people along the way, readers writing me to ask questions and commenting on what they wrote. Others have loved the passages, while the winners are thrilled to get a copy of this Bible.

To think it all began with a question from my little Bible group and me pulling out The Common English Bible, one among many in the library, to answer their question. Was this a coincidence? I do believe God was there, guiding me. For me to receive that second Bible in the mail, confused, but wanting to know more why I got it, was that a coincidence? I don’t think so. Someone knew, all along, that I would respond to that call. Someone knew that I would get others, too, to respond to the call. To that someone, I say, “Bless you.”

~Marie T. Morrison~
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A CORNERSTONE OF BLESSINGS

It is in hope my life rests, that all will hold the same faith in God as I. He is the foundation of every breath I take. He is “The stone that the builders rejected,” becoming my “cornerstone.” (Matthew 21:21,CEB) My life is built around God, making my life safe. I recall the passage, “Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, CEB) Hearing God telling me this is of great comfort, whether I am alone in the dark or enduring physical pain. Because He is there, my faith remains strong, knowing I can make it through any challenge I have been given. “Don’t be afraid,” he says, “just keep trusting.” (Luke 8:53, CEB) Laughing, keeping a positive attitude, not judging others, are all ways to show God my love for him, as well as my courage to face life, noting all the blessings I have been given. Picturing in my mind the passage, “See whether I do not open al the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough,” (Malachi3:10, CEB) is a beautiful image, to understand God never runs out of blessings to share with his children. While sharing all of those blessings, there is new strength. “The Lord God is my strength. He will set my feet like the deer. He will let me walk upon the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19, CEB) A deer holds such peace and grace, and so does God. He shares them, as he does the blessings, “Christ is our peace,” (Ephesians 4:14, CEB) and “You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith.” (Ephesians 2:8, CEB) I get that hope, my faith, my love for one another because of God . How fortunate I am. "You are one body and one spirit just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:3, CEB)
~Marie T. Morrison~
http://CommonEnglishBible.com

ONLY YESTERDAY

Only yesterday, I shared food with a table with complete strangers. It was the typical pizza, each of us laughing and visiting between bites of gooey cheese and bits of pepperoni. It was very relaxing, no one caring about the background of anyone at the table. God's goodness was felt, a time to count our blessings. All of our eyes sparkled, just as the eyes of the one smiling innocent child at our table, who had yet traveled many paths on the journeys of life. What a lovely hour of simpleness, a fine way to nurture the soul.
~Marie T. Morrison~

"They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God's goodness to everyone. " Acts 2:46,47 (CEB)
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WHY DID I DO THAT?

As a mistake transpires, a feeling of loss and frustration overtake the senses. Worry does not need to be on mind, for a new understanding from the experience is now present. The new knowledge and wisdom are there, to use the next time around.
~Marie T. Morrison~
“A person’s wisdom brightens the expression; it changes the hardness of someone’s face.” Eccl 8:1 (CEB)
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HARD WORK AND WEAKNESS

A friend of mine wanted to become a deacon in our parish. He attended my classes, one among many, being pulled by the Lord, to learn more about the faith. How excited he was, going through the interview process,waiting for the acceptance letter. The the mailbox remained empty, bringing tears to all of us knowing him. We offered our words of comfort, not understanding, upset that this outstanding man in our community was turned away.

This gentleman was discouraged, but he did not stop believing in what God gives, nor did he turn away from his faith. He did not dwell in what was not, feeling there was something else in store for him. We prayed with him, asking our Lord to lead this generous, committed,somewhat quiet man toward the path he should take on his spiritual journey.

Within weeks, my friend began talking a new community project starting in our town, an inter-faith shelter for the homeless. He attended a few of the meetings, quite interested in how the shelter would help many, no matter their background. His eyes had a new look to them, a sparkle of excitement, his voice raising a pitch as he spoke. Those in my class laughed, knowing he was now taking the path he was meant to follow.

We began to see less of him at the once a week class; we knew where he was. I got a phone call weeks later, apologizing for not attending, he had been so busy, going beyond meeting attendance, now doing the labor with others to make the shelter come true. His commitment was now toward the homeless, I told him. I loved having him in my group, but this is where God wanted him. Instead of being a deacon for one group of people, he was being there for a large community. He was too valuable to only be in one place! “Tom's Place” is even what some of those needing help started to call the shelter where he worked, giving his own time and energy, night and day. Hearing this, he grins, but says there are many making this mission a success.

If it were not for the hard work of Tom and those like him, the homeless would be outside in the freezing temperatures. There would be no food to eat , a place to sleep, a place to feel safe. There would be no place to call 'home.' What a blessing it is, to for all of those choosing to give rather than to receive.

~Marie T. Morrison~

In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way we remember the Lord Jesus' words: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:25 (CEB) (Common English Bible)

"In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way we remember the Lord Jesus' words: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (CEB)
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MANY THANKS FOR THE CHALLENGES (completed)

MANY THANKS FOR THE CHALLENGES
During our challenges, we give thanks to God our Father. It is through them we become closest to Him. We grow in our wisdom as we plunge ourselves into each obstacle, praying to God to guide us, to help us as we overcome the battles we have been given. As success comes, we have a special song in our hearts, filled with words of love, thanksgiving, goodness and compassion for our Lord.

We will never reach a dead end, no matter the conflict in front of us. God will be there listening to our prayers, giving us the strength and courage to prevail. A new song of thanksgiving begins, our Lord with us, as we travel every leg of our journey.
~Marie T. Morrison~
"Sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts; always give thanks to God the Father for everything." Eph 5:19,20 (CEB)
"Keep on praying and guard your prayers with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2 (CEB)
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HOW TO REPLENISH

Do not get spiritually drained by constantly tending to others. Give time to yourself, replenishing your spirit and feeling God's care.
~Marie T. Morrison~

“The LORD'S spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength.” Isaiah 11:2 (CEB)

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HOW FAR?

"The LORD! The LORD! a God who is compassionate and merciful, very patient, full of great loyalty and faithfulness, showing great loyalty to a thousand generations." Exodus 34:7 (CEB)

Imagining life without God is picturing life without wheels. We cannot go far.
~Marie T. Morrison~

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FOREVER FRIENDS

"Those who love discipline love knowledge." Proverbs12:1 (CEB)
It was always tough for students and parents to get used to the high classroom expectations I had in place. A learning setting with routine and boundaries was new to them. Within a week, however, there was a positive change in everyone. Parents even noticed the child was more responsible at home, eager to come to school to learn something new. I felt successful the day I thought a new student was entering my class, a seventh grader. Hours later, I found out he was ditching his own classroom to come to mine.
People do love discipline; they do not always understand this, as it is a learned behavior. Once it is mastered, the excitement of discovery begins. Holding one another, discipline and knowledge remain forever friends.
~Marie T. Morrison~

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BLESSING GOD

"Bless the God who lives forever, and bless his kingdom." Tobit 12:13 (CEB)

Friends were quite surprised to hear that I bless God. They said He did not need a blessing, that all went well for him; we were the ones needing the blessings. I laughed, asking them to imagine even five minutes in God's day. People never stopped asking him for favors and if anything went wrong, they got angry, blaming him. He may receive gratitude in prayer, but more often than not, he is taken for granted. Yet, he continues to take care of everyone, blessing all and loving his children unconditionally. He, too, needs a blessing! What a perfect Bible passage, showing how great it is to bless God and his Kingdom!
~Marie T. Morrison~

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GOD'S WILL

"But as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and always." Micah 3:5 (CEB)

We are to live according to God's will, having the freedom of choice. Doing an act in his name, whether it is a thought, word or deed, will keep us walking the straight path, never leading us astray.

~Marie T. Morrison~

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THAT TWELFTH DAY

I always love the 12th Day of Christmas, the day the Magi gave their gifts to our Christ child. Matthew 2:10, tells us of their great joy, after following the star in the east and seeing it placed over the manger, “They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (CEB) What precious gifts!

There was the valuable gold, cited back in Genesis 13:2, “Abram was very wealthy in livestock, silver and gold.” (CEB) Moses was instructed by the Lord to tell the Israelites to collect gold for him In Exodus 25:3, “These are the gift offerings that you should receive from them, gold, silver and copper.” (CEB) As the Bible books progress, gold is there for the rulers, objects and for gift offerings in the temple, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:3-4, “I have dedicated my own private treasure of gold and silver to my God’s temple, in addition to all that I’ve provided for the holy temple: three thousand kikkars of gold from the gold of Ohir,” (CEB) as well as the gold altar itself, “He took the gold altar..” (1 Macc 21:2, CEB). Such symbolism, to have gold brought to newborn King!

Frankincense, a sweet spice, considered a gum resin (tree sap) and having a captivating fragrance, was mentioned as far back as Exodus 30:34-36 (CEB), when the Lord told Moses to mix it among other spices, making an incense formula, ‘perfectly holy,’ only to the Lord. In Leviticus 2:16, we read how the priest will completely burn the token portion-some of the crushed grain and oil along with all of the frankincense-as a food gift for the LORD,” reading it is a food gift again in Leviticus 24:7, “Put pure frankincense on each stack, as a token portion for the bread; it is a food portion for the LORD.” (CEB) Because of it also being burned and having its pleasant aroma, the smoke rose to the heavens while in prayer. Envision the sight and aroma!

Myrrh, also considered a resin and costly spice ,though bitter in taste, was applied as a perfume, mentioned in Song of Songs 3:6, “She is perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, selected from all the spice merchants powders.” (CEB) Myrrh also had the symbolism of mortality, an attempt to give to Jesus, “They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he didn’t take it,” (Mark 15:23 CEB), as it would help numb his pain. It was later used for the embalming of Christ, a commonly used for funeral purposes during this time. “Nicodemus, the one who at first had come to Jesus at night, was there too. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloe, nearly seventy pounds in all,” (John 19:30 CEB)

Wealth, sweetness, a portion of food, and a symbol of mortality, God’s Spirit becoming flesh. God knew His people were ready to receive and welcome His Son into His world!

~Marie T. Morrison~

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IT IS A BLESSING TO SUFFER

A BLESSING TO SUFFER

When it comes to physical pain, I have been blessed to suffer more than others. Though some may look at me oddly when I say this, I truly do feel I carry an honor. Not everyone gets to be so close to Christ, being reminded of him and what he did for us because of my own pain. It is the passage, “You were called to this kind of endurance because Christ suffered on your behalf. He left you as an example so that you might follow in his footsteps,” (1 Peter 2:21) (CEB), that leaves me in many conversations with our Lord. He is my companion, always there, putting everything in perspective for me. What I go through is nothing compared to his suffering, nor am I mocked and tortured as he was. Though people tell me I am their inspiration to carry on, I tell them it is Christ who is mine.

Granted, I do not always stay so cheerful about it, wishing some days I could walk the dogs, one of the things I miss the most. However, staying in the wishing mode will not get me anywhere, not making me stronger. All I have to do is remember what Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “Remember the Lord your God! He’s the one who gives you strength!” (CEB) I am ready to move on, a bit stronger in my mind, body and soul than the moment before. I have another conversation with God, saying, “Okay, God! Let’s do it together!,” and off the two of us go.

I know I am never alone. Only once, did I have that down moment when talking to him, asking him to show me the way to keep moving. I wanted to, but I needed urging. Oh, how my pain was trying to take control of me! It was the passage from Daniel 10:18, that God showed to me, “"Don't be afraid. You are greatly treasured. All will be well with you. Be strong!" I shared a grin with him and immediately moved forward. Never have I let my pain take over my life; I am in charge!

I did just what Jeremiah 29:13,14, said to do, " When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will be present for you.” (CEB) It took me only a minute to search for him. He was right there, waiting for me. By the excitement in his voice, I knew he was hoping I would ask for his help.

What a full life I have! As Amos 5:6, states, “Seek the Lord and live.” (CEB) How truly blessed everyday can be!

~Marie T. Morrison~


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