God Eats Pop Corn
Posted: Sunday, August 17, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
The air is cool--the wind blows softly--the dogs are asleep on my lap. Finally, there is peace, a moment to myself.
As I flip through the Bible, I say "the Bible", because it's not "my Bible". Strange as it may seem, there is a difference.
~~~~~
In my Bible, I know where everything is. I can open it to the book I want just about every time--give or take a few pages. My Bible is the one I use everyday. It has my personal notes, my thoughts, and my prayers written on its pages-a textbook and journal all in one. I even know what side of the page I will find the verse I am looking for. I know it well, too well.
On the other hand, "The Bible", is a Bible that sits in my library of Bibles and is handy when mine is not close by. It is foreign to me, however, and I don't know where to find anything. Before I open it, I examine it and then open up to where I think I should be. To my surprise, I am way off. If there is anything that bothers me, it's not knowing exactly where each book of the Bible lands based on the size alone. The other problem with this is it seems so generic; a big book filled with many little books--just words on a page. It is unfamiliar, too unfamiliar.
~~~~~
Still flipping, I decide I want to read the book of Philippians--a book on brotherly love. Four chapters packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a beautiful picture of the humility and humanity of Jesus. Just one problem; it's not where it's supposed to be! Nevertheless, going to the Table of Contents is out of the question and it's not because I'm stubborn, I'm just testing my memory:
What was that I learned when I first tried to memorize the books of the Bible?
After staring down at the pages a moment, it comes to me: God Eats Pop Corn.
G = Galatians
E = Ephesians
P = Philippians
C = Colossians
Thank you, Jesus! All I had to do was find Galatians and I was there. Now I'm ready to read. The cool breeze had a calming affect, making it easy to close my eyes for a quick prayer.
~~~~~
Not only was this Bible not my Bible, it was also a different translation--thus being twice unfamiliar. The translation I was reading is called, "The Message"--a reader's version, also known as a paraphrase. It is designed for people who have never read the Bible and want to get the "gist" of its message. In many ways, it reads like a novel--extremely unfamiliar, surprisingly refreshing.
These are Paul's words to the believers in Philippi:
"If You've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human. Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that-a crucifixion." Philippians 2:1-8
Wow! The words jumped up at me so fast, I almost choked.
"Forget about yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."
It doesn't say it that way in my Bible. Mine says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (NKJV)
I get it. Don't be selfish, think of others as well. So how often do I do this? And is it only after I take care of myself? Surely Jesus thought of himself last. In my mind, I know this. In my theology and scripture memorization I know this, but how long do I forget about myself to help others? Is it long enough?
Suddenly, I realize I have so much more to learn. As I close my eyes and ponder this amazing find in the Bible, I drift off to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept with my dogs cuddled on my lap, but when I woke, my desire to renew my mind with a fresh reading of God's word was stronger than ever before. I am thankful for the unfamiliar and the sweet conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings me to a place of humility before my Lord Jesus as I am washed clean by the water of His word.
Sometimes we are too comfortable. We have confidence in what we know, and it cripples us. I must disagree with the idea that "The Message" translation of the Bible is only good for new believers or people who want to get the gist of its message.
I am convinced it is also good for those of us who have read and reread the Bible--especially for those of us who have a special one we call our own.
It is important to have a teachable spirit; one that is open to the new things God has for us. The word of God is alive and active, it convicts, encourages, and challenges those of us who claim to follow Jesus.
I want to remember that God Eats Pop Corn. Reading a different translation on occasion just might be the solution.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
As I flip through the Bible, I say "the Bible", because it's not "my Bible". Strange as it may seem, there is a difference.
In my Bible, I know where everything is. I can open it to the book I want just about every time--give or take a few pages. My Bible is the one I use everyday. It has my personal notes, my thoughts, and my prayers written on its pages-a textbook and journal all in one. I even know what side of the page I will find the verse I am looking for. I know it well, too well.
On the other hand, "The Bible", is a Bible that sits in my library of Bibles and is handy when mine is not close by. It is foreign to me, however, and I don't know where to find anything. Before I open it, I examine it and then open up to where I think I should be. To my surprise, I am way off. If there is anything that bothers me, it's not knowing exactly where each book of the Bible lands based on the size alone. The other problem with this is it seems so generic; a big book filled with many little books--just words on a page. It is unfamiliar, too unfamiliar.
~~~~~
Still flipping, I decide I want to read the book of Philippians--a book on brotherly love. Four chapters packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a beautiful picture of the humility and humanity of Jesus. Just one problem; it's not where it's supposed to be! Nevertheless, going to the Table of Contents is out of the question and it's not because I'm stubborn, I'm just testing my memory:
What was that I learned when I first tried to memorize the books of the Bible?
After staring down at the pages a moment, it comes to me: God Eats Pop Corn.
G = Galatians
E = Ephesians
P = Philippians
C = Colossians
Thank you, Jesus! All I had to do was find Galatians and I was there. Now I'm ready to read. The cool breeze had a calming affect, making it easy to close my eyes for a quick prayer.
~~~~~
Not only was this Bible not my Bible, it was also a different translation--thus being twice unfamiliar. The translation I was reading is called, "The Message"--a reader's version, also known as a paraphrase. It is designed for people who have never read the Bible and want to get the "gist" of its message. In many ways, it reads like a novel--extremely unfamiliar, surprisingly refreshing.
These are Paul's words to the believers in Philippi:
"If You've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human. Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that-a crucifixion." Philippians 2:1-8
Wow! The words jumped up at me so fast, I almost choked.
"Forget about yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."
It doesn't say it that way in my Bible. Mine says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (NKJV)
I get it. Don't be selfish, think of others as well. So how often do I do this? And is it only after I take care of myself? Surely Jesus thought of himself last. In my mind, I know this. In my theology and scripture memorization I know this, but how long do I forget about myself to help others? Is it long enough?
Suddenly, I realize I have so much more to learn. As I close my eyes and ponder this amazing find in the Bible, I drift off to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept with my dogs cuddled on my lap, but when I woke, my desire to renew my mind with a fresh reading of God's word was stronger than ever before. I am thankful for the unfamiliar and the sweet conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings me to a place of humility before my Lord Jesus as I am washed clean by the water of His word.
Sometimes we are too comfortable. We have confidence in what we know, and it cripples us. I must disagree with the idea that "The Message" translation of the Bible is only good for new believers or people who want to get the gist of its message.
I am convinced it is also good for those of us who have read and reread the Bible--especially for those of us who have a special one we call our own.
It is important to have a teachable spirit; one that is open to the new things God has for us. The word of God is alive and active, it convicts, encourages, and challenges those of us who claim to follow Jesus.
I want to remember that God Eats Pop Corn. Reading a different translation on occasion just might be the solution.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
This Article has been viewed 492 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More comments"Good Day" to you Teresa. I really enjoyed this article. I have a Study Bible that a friend gave me sometime ago, and I've never been without it until now. I've just recently loaned it to another friend for special studies, and it's like I've loaned out one of my children. The Bible I'm using now, if it wasn't for the tabs I would be lost.However, although the Study Bible, seeing the smile on my friend's face is worth it all.Hi Deborah,I know what you mean. When my last bible fell apart, I kept putting off getting a new one. I finally broke and am getting used to my new one, but sometimes (a lot) of times I tend to gravitate to the old ones. I am trying to look at each new one as an opportunity for new adventures with God. New notes, new thoughts and new prayers :-)Have a blessed day! Which study bible do you have? My last one was the Spirit-Filled Study Bible w/Jack Hayford. My new one is the Life Application Study Bible. I love all the character studies it has in it.
hi t,your writing just keeps getting better and better.i know, i know, you want me to get "The Message" translation of the Bible"maybe it will find it's way into my hands one day, say, when i have a few dollars to my name :)i enjoyed this article, it was smooth, easy, interesting, and the dogs made it cuddly, too.excellent job,my best,sueHi Sue,Thanks for the words of encouragement. Of course I would like a copy of "The Message" in your hands and in your heart as well :-)--and everyone elses too.It was a great Sunday afternoon. I could go for another one just like it.As always, I appreciate your reading and commenting. Have a peaceful day
Hi Teresa. Great article. I too have found it very important to look at things from different perspectives. For me, I have several different translations of the Tao Te Ching. I also thought your response to the anonymous comment was excellent. Talk about a non-sequitur.DianneHi Dianne! Thanks for the comment. Perspective always helps. What is the Tao Te Ching? I didn't quite know how to answer anon, so I just figured I would write the first thing that came to mind. :-) In the most gentlest of ways, of course.This morning, I was thinking that I still needed to get back to you. I will write tonight when I have more time. I am so glad you had a wonderful time away, even if it was brief.Have a great day! Hugs :-)Hi,It was written a very long time ago by Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher. Because it was written in Chinese, there are a lot of different English translations and each translator also puts a little of their interpretation of the meaning of each "lesson" into it.One of my favorites is #9:Fill your bowl to the brimand it will spill.Keep sharpening your knifeand it will blunt.Chase after money and securityand your heart will never unclench.Care about people's approvaland you will be their prisoner.Do your work, then step back.The only path to serenity.But that is only from one translation. Each translation has it's own insights to offer.Don't worry, write when you have time.DianneHi Dianne, thanks for letting me know.I have heard a few chinese proverbs before, but didn't realize that was the name of the book or writings as a whole.The one you quoted is very similar the many of the proverbs in the Bible. Thanks for sharing it. There is great wisdom in those words.
Dear Teresa, this article led me again to thanksgiving to God for His inspired, written Word that introduced me to His love most fully expressed through His Son, and that keeps teaching me all the time. So glad you are writing on these themes. I look forward to your next writing like this.HI Jane, I am so glad you were blessed and led back to the Savior. His word is very precious. I do plan on writing more like this as the Lord speaks to my heart. His Spirit is moving and I don't want to miss the boat :-)Thanks for the words of encouragement. Join in prayer for Michelle's mom. She added an additional comment on this article and recently wrote an open letter to her mom that she posted here. Check it out if you haven't seen it already.Lord bless you and continue to bless the work of your hands.
Wonderful article, Teresa. I, too, have my favorite Bible and am learning where most of the books are so that I can open it to a certain book, chapter, and verse without a lot of searching. If I had to pick a favorite a favorite part of my Bible, it would be all of Jesus' teachings. I love to read everything that Jesus said and close my eyes and picture myself there with His listeners. He is so wonderful; my heart overflows with love when I think of Him.Thank you for a wonderful article.SandraHi Sandra,It's awesome to hear the joy in your heart come through your words. I'm praying the we never grow indifferent toward Him word! I know what you mean about thinking of being right there to hear the words straight from His mouth. I tend to gravitate to Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians and Colossians. It's everything all in one; Old Testament, Prophesy fullfilled, Jesus, Grace, lifestyle and prayer. I think of them as a Bible within the Bible. Also, I can never get enough of the book of Romans. Have you studied Romans lately? This book answer's a lot of questions about law vs grace and gives us a beautiful picture of what it cost God to save us.Thanks for the encouraging comment. Lord Bless you with all wisdom and understanding as you seek to know Him more. I would love to hear your thoughts on the book of Romans :-)Have a blessed day!
Excellent job and full of wisdom. I look at it this way, God has already preordained it all to come to be. Youare either chosen or not and if chosen you will not be lost, why Jesus said it "He would not lose a one". The rest well we have the answer. I also believe while you can seek something you can't buy it or pray it to be so. In fact faiuth doesn't even work if it is against the will of the Father. Now I know that is hard but that is why so many leave their faith. No answer. We all have a purpose and that is enough. Blessing and keep up the good work.Hi Robert, thanks for reading and adding your comments. I always love them :-)You brought up my thoughts for my next article. I am going to be writing on free will and election. I think we disagree here. I do not believe the Bible teaches that God created those whom he would destine to hell, but rather, according to His foreknowledge he knows who will and will not. Yes, the book of life has been written already, because of God's knowledge. I better get it done asap :-) Anxious to hear your thoughts on it. Or did I misunderstand your "you are either chosen or not" statement ;-) Blessings to you as well! And thanks so much for your faithful encouragement.I was referring to Revelation 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:17, 22:19.To quote one " all the inhabitents of the earth will worship it, all whose names were not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life, which belongs to the Lamb, who was slain.As I read it seems that God did know who they were since they were not in the book? Of course there are otehr passages relating to those created for the wrath. If your writing I always love to hear your point of view?best wishes, Robert.Yes I agree with those passages in the context that it was explaining those who are in the book and those who are not. It's why some are in and some are not that I was referring to.Thanks for clarifying :-) Hopefully I will have this new article done by the end of the week. For now I am going to write something that will encourage those who are hurting right now. There are many.
HI Teresa,Amazing article and I have been blessed beyond your imagination with the your article and the message that you left for Michelle. The one where your wrote, "Don't be afraid, i've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. when you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down." Last week was one of the roughest weeks I've had in a long time. I had a migraine that started on Saturday and lasted until last Friday, and within that 7 days, one of my daughters had a devasted event take place in her life. That event caused me to spend 3 hours at work just crying and praying that God would spare her life. I felt over whelmed, like I was drowning with no way to get back to the top for air.That was beautiful and I needed to be reminded of how much Jesus loves us and he's always there, even if don't feel like it.I think I would like to get that Bible with the different translation. The complete name is called "The Message."? I to am stuck with liking my Bible and not wanting any other. I actually miss placed it in my move and lost it for a month. I was dying because when I went to get another one just like it, I couldn't find one. I finally found it. YEAH!!!! Thank you for your comforting words, and gently reminding me that he will never leave me.IThank you , Angie, you brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. God is so good, isn't He? Yes, the full name is "The Message" it is unique in that it is written by one person, like I mentioned, it is a paraphrase. Even he recommends you continue to use a study Bible or a word for word translation. But I tell you, you will be blessed by the freshness of the word.I will add your daughter to my prayers and even now, hope that everything is coming together for the good and the glory of God.Lord Bless you. Thanks for sharing, I am blessed.HI Teresa,I am new to searchwarp, but I would like to invite you to join my fan club. I have only posted two articles and I am currently working on the third. Thank you for keeping my daughter in your prayers. She really needs them. God bless you.
Hi L! When I first happened upon this article, I really thought the title was literal as I never heard the "God Eats Popcorn" thing before -- how clever! (but I bet He likes pop corn as well... smile) This is an extremely inspiring piece that we all need to read - clearly, Miss Teresa aka Lucy, God is using you as your gifts are shining brightly and many are attracted -- Keep it up and thanks!Hey E, thanks for the encouraging words. I'm glad the title grabbed you :-) I learned that in one of my first bible studies I attended 20 years ago! There is aslo another one "General Electric Power Company", but that doesn't suit my personality. I much rather like to think that God Eats PopCorn. Hee, Hee.Have a blessed day! One of these days we will actually speak to eachother intead of our voice mails :-) Love, L
Hey Teresa! Great article! I found an awesome translation last Christmas for my dad since he isn't a committed Christian. It was two translations parralled in one. It was the Message and NIV side by side on the page. I really thought it would be beneficial! Loved the article and totally agree-not sure how often I put others first-thanks for the message!-LauraHi laura, what a great gift to give your dad. It's nice to have them side by side. Everytime I go to Christian supply, i look at those but have never gotten one. Maybe next time :-)Thanks for taking a moment to share you find and thanks for the kind words.
Boy, could I ever relate to this! The Bible I use on a daily basis is limp, dog-eared and taped together in various places. The one I take to church with me is stiff and neat. I like the "taped together" one the best. I also love to collect different translations. Every time I enter a used book store, I rummage through the Christian section looking for Bible translations. When I am putting together a lesson for my weekly Bible study group I use as many translations as I can.Hi David, thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment. I too love being surrounded by different translations and the dictionary when I prepare bible studies as well. What a previlege we have in the country to freely read and study the bible. It makes me sad when so many Christians do not open their bible other than Sunday morning. Althought these days, many churches have the Scriptures on the big screen, so I have seen where some people don't even take a bible to church.Sad. I do have a few bibles that are falling apart and I am like you, I keep running back to them. My new Bible is staying fairly new :-)God Bless.
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