A New Twist

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 NIV)

Sometimes we hear a Bible verse so many times in the same way that it loses its meaning for us. That's when I like to pull out other translations and versions. Read the translation above from NIV, then read this from The Message:

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. (Matthew 5:6 MSG)

...and this from Good News:

“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
God will satisfy them fully! (Matthew 5:6 GNT)

In this case, I especially like the way the Good News Bible puts it. We really are happiest when we are doing what God requires. And what DOES God require? The book of Micah answers that mquite plainly. Here it is from NIV:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV)

...and from The Message:

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously-take God seriously. (Micah 6:8 MSG)

...and The Good News:

No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God. (Micah 6:8 GNT)

In this case, I really like how The Message tells us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Looking at several different Bible translations and versions can make all the difference in understanding scripture. And it is so easy to do these days with every version available on the Internet. On Biblegatway.com, you can even open several different versions side by side.

If your Bible reading feels stale and tiring, shake it up by reading a different translation. Don't limit yourself. You may find a whole new meaning from verses or even whole bible stories.

Father,
Thank you for the broad range of ways that the scriptures are brought to us. Help us to explore them as often and as widely as possible. Amen.

Joys: planning a celebration for Kevin's graduation; planning a vacation; Morning birdsong outside my window... Sounds like Spring!