Psalm 19

I grew up (literally and spiritually) reading the NIV Bible. For the last 5 or so years, I have kept in the New Living Translation. Two years ago I worked my way in a year through a One-Year Bible, also NLT. For the last few bible studies I've been a part of I liked Beth Moore's preference of the Holman Christian Standard version as well. This year, I'm starting reading a new translation (two actually) of the Bible - a NKJV/The Message Parallel Bible and I am really digging it.

Most recently, Psalm 19 from the Message jumped out at me and I can't help but share the translation. (verses 7-9, 11-14)

The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.

There's more: God's word warns us of danger
and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
Keep me from stupid sins,
from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
God, Priest-of-my-Altar.

Josh and I have somewhat set a goal this year to start teaching Noah exact Scripture for the purpose of memorization. We are still working out how this will look in our family, but I think these verses would be an excellent place to start with him. Maybe check out the wording in some kid-friendly translations...