Introduction -- Read me first

I once lived next door to a friend who loved to ask me to tell her a Bible story.

On any given warm, snowy, or sunny afternoon, she texted, Wanna go to Sonic? And of course I’d say, Be right out, and we’d soon be off for a snack and a chat.

We’d hardly be clear of the neighborhood before she’d turn and say, OK, I’m ready for another true and beautiful story. 

She wasn’t raised with the Bible. In her religious, formulaic upbringing, she hadn’t heard about the God who rescues people.

Or who made the sun stand still.

      Or who made us rest by still waters or under the stars.

            Or about the One who washed His students’ feet.

                   Or forgave the unforgiveable.

                        Or restored what life had crushed.

                             Or went looking for who was lost. 

                                     Or who’s coming back to get us.

Are you sure these stories are true?  Yes, I’m staking my life on it.

I never knew the Bible was so beautiful. Yeah, it really is.

Not all the stories feel beautiful on their own of course, just like not every day feels magical. But when you put them all together in one grand story, then like life, the wonder surprises you.

That’s what True & Beautiful Things about the Bible is all about. Individual stories from each of the 66 books tell the big story. Book after book, we’ll follow the clues and discover a complete, true and beautiful story.

Here’s a challenge: look for the words, true and beautiful in every day’s reading.

Then train yourself to look for something that God is making true and beautiful in your life every day.  Follow that thread and you’ll find Jesus. Follow Jesus and you’ll find life.