Recently we were asked to tell of the book that was the most help to us in writing. When I thought about it I realised the book that has the most influence on my writing is the Bible.

This book has just about every kind of writing in it.

• It has poetry of many kinds
• It has a wonderful collection of proverbs and wise sayings
• A lot of it is historical narrative to tell what happened in the past
• It also tells of the future
• It has great examples of allegory
• It tells people’s stories
• These stories have love, hate, jealousy, conflict and resolution
• We learn how to live in harmony with God and each other

Jesus often used stories, both fact and fiction (parables), to explain God’s story. He had great ability to take examples out of everyday life and use whatever was in front of him to explain great life truths and teach life lessons.

The Bible is a compilation of 66 books which have been organised into one book which has a single theme and message; God made us, God loves us and God wants us to live with him for ever.

The Bible has much to say about words and communicating by writing. By studying its style and makeup we can learn a lot that we can use in our own writing.

When I started writing and was very unsure of myself I came across these words about Solomon, known as the wisest king of all time.

‘Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.’ Ecclesiastes 12:9-10.

In our writing we research and try to find the right words. 
In Luke 3 in The Message John is said to have spoken 
many ‘words that gave strength to the people, 
words that put heart in them’.

What a goal for our writing. To bring God’s message,
 to write words that are upright and true, to write words that give strength and put heart in the people.                                                                                                               

Check out five awesome reasons for reading the Bible at    www.ptl.org/alive/whyscripture.php 

                                                                                                                                Images from internet