REDACTED: ‘To revise by editing or censoring, to select or adapt by obscuring or removing sensitive information.’ We do this don’t we? We do it in our life with scripture. We take ‘a lil here and a lil there’ and seem to remove the stuff (the sensitive information) we don’t agree with or think too hard to walk out. Or out of our laziness, we don’t even attempt to try or do it all on our own. We live our lives as if we redacted the Word, or try to add what is not there. I know I have, I had a ‘marked up, redacted copy’ and attempted to live according to that and have positive, God-blessed results. Didn’t happen!

Interesting, there is a marker (brand name, ‘Secure Marker’) you can purchase designed just for this. Black ink used to block out and obscure information. The advertising capturing with exciting motive: “Perfect for hiding personal information…”  May we not (metaphorically) pick one up, just in case we come across some ‘personal information’ we feel needs some blocking out.  God’s word to us IS personal!  Funny how we think if it is blotted out, it is not there. Taking away from the bible, so WE feel good about its instruction.

God’s word says: “The entirety of Your word is truth…” Ps 119:160 “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Do not add to His words, or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” Pr 30:5-6 Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Lk 11:28) He didn’t suggest it or offer alternatives, as if saying: “Well, if it seems a lil tough, I understand, just make what works for you, happen.” Jesus did say: “Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” Matt.11:29 (MSG) His word is true. Leave it as is. Live it as is. Living it with the help of the Holy Spirit according to a unredacted copy of the sensitive information, personal information we are called to.

Unredacted.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)