The Message

"Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive to hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. " I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or it he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise hi with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good."
Romans 12:9-21

My sister Keren just gave me a "Message" New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. I had said something about wanting to get one and the next thing I knew she had gotten one for me. Thanks Keren! I have enjoyed hearing others read from the Message over the last couple of years. Though I wouldn't use it for my regular bible (I like the NAS for that) it is really fun to read from too. It makes you sit back and think about verses that you have heard all your life. Check out Keren's post that made me want to get the Message even more.

What version do you like best for studying from? How about for reading from? What do you think of the Message?