We have heard for years that a dog is man’s best friend. In some situations, that may be true. From the time I was a very small child until I was 17 years old my dog, “Fido”, was a friend and constant companion.
Other than real flesh and blood animals and people, my best friends have been books. I would like to introduce you to some of my “book friends”. I enjoy and learn much more by what I read than what I see on television or hear on radio. To part with an old book or even a new one is very difficult -- even though I give a lot of books to others.
Why would anyone be reluctant to part with their books? Some have been very important to me. I open them and see my hand written notes and begin to recall the pleasures of learning from that trusted old book. In others the author has written a personal note and autographed it. It is harder to part with a book if I know the author.
Here are things others have said about books.
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones said, “You are today what you’ll be five years from now, except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
Studs Terkel, the working man’s philosopher, said: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn taught me in the words of Martin Luther King, ‘There is something beyond the written law; there is the law of human decency.’ ”
New books coming to my attention in recent months include these.
“Where was God?”, Erwin W. Lutzer, (Tyndale House Publishers). One of the finest and most helpful to come my way. It deals with answers to tough questions about God and natural disasters.
“FireStorm”, Ron Susek, (Baker Books). A book involved with preventing and overcoming church conflicts. Its advice could save many churches from serious trouble.
“101 Most Puzzling Bible Verses”, Tim Demy and Gary Stewart, (Harvest House Publishers). It offers insight in dealing with some of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible.
METAMORPHA, Kyle Strobel, (Baker Books). Read and be transformed. Strobel points the way on the journey of spiritual formation through interaction with the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and community.
One of the most important books I have ever read is In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. I read it the summer I was 14, the summer after I had completed the eighth grade in junior high school. That book with its persistent question, “What would Jesus do?” had a profound influence on my life.
The most important book of my life has been the Holy Bible. No other book is even a close second to it. It is the greatest of all books ever written. There is no comparison. It can only be contrasted with other books. If the world can have only one book let it be the Bible.
What about your books? The ones you read and live by? Just how important are books to you?
Many churches, youth organizations, business leaders, schools, colleges and seminaries may be interested in buying Bibles in case lots either to resell, use or to give to others. I suggest that before you buy a quantity of Bibles you check with: www.BibleSurplus.com for the best buys and where the shipping cost is paid for you. This source is usually 40-50 percent less than others, plus paid shipping. Check it out.
Keep reading every day. Develop the habit of daily reading the pages of the book I consider to be the world’s greatest in every way -- the Holy Bible.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis, Award Winning
Syndicated Columnist, P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560.
Phone:304-757-6089
www.BillEllis.Net.
