Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! NIV

Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! MSG

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. NASB

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ESV

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! NRSV

What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! NLT

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God - 2 Timothy 3:16 NRSV
All Scripture is breathed out by God - ESV

I still am uncertain which translation to use. I love my NIV, but after reading the difference between essentially literal and dynamic equivalence, I want to do a more literal one than the NIV. So I had narrowed it down to NRSV and ESV, but then read an article about it (by a KJV enthusiast, so add a grain of salt here). Today I read this article, which I think is much more balanced and helpful!

However, we must understand two things. First, we must keep in mind that the Bible must be prayed over, studied, and committed to the heart in order for it to function in the manner that God intended. The truth of Scripture is given to us for living. We may own every version of the Scriptures that is available and not be profited one bit. We must be doers of the Word. Debates can be multiplied regarding the correct way to translate the Bible. It certainly is a topic that merits serious consideration. But it is the power of the Word of God that effects the changes in thinking and doing that are so critical today.

Which is what I think God (and my pastor) were trying to say. It doesn't matter as much WHICH translation as actually applying what I read. God breathes inspiration into scriptures in a miraculous way. I believe that He will use the scriptures I memorize to convict and empower me.

So, even though I might have reservations about all of the versions, I think I'm ready to commit to the ESV - at least for this particular endeavor. I will keep my NIV and consult lots of other versions for bible study and devotions, but I will memorize scripture from the ESV...

Sound good, Lord? I want to be sure and get Your OK. I've been seeking Your wisdom in this matter and I think I'm getting more comfortable with what I just said. I'm SO grateful that I even have so many versions to choose from! I'm SO grateful for the work that has been done to preserve the integrity of Your Word. Whenever there is language, there is translation. The actual truth cannot be simplified by words (in any language) that both parties understand exactly the same way at all times. Reality is much to multi-layered and complex than that. You are MUCH more complex than that! But thank You that You gave us Your Spirit to bridge that gap - to clarify for us in Your own hidden language, to speak to our HEARTS, not our eyes/ears - so that we might know You and Your Words as accurately as You allow and we accept. As I think of how limited we are as humans, it astonishes me that we could even begin to understand and enjoy this amazing universe You've created. I look forward to the unveiling as we move from "life" to everlasting life.

Lord, You are so great. Watch over us, but more importantly, move inside us to glorify Your Name in all the earth. Protect Becky and the kids as they take a day trip to see family. Give Edward, Genevieve, and I a day of rest and security so that we can continue to enjoy our time with guests. Let Michael be encouraged and refreshed by his time away from the house. I love You, Lord. Your blessings, yes, but most of all, YOU.