Introduction

An introduction from Margaret Ruth Baker, author of the book A Long Love Letter:

This has been written on my knees. I do not take lightly the awesome responsibility of touching God’s holy Word. I remember with reverent awe the stern warnings in the Book of Revelation: If anyone adds to the Book, God will add to that one the plagues in the Book and if anyone takes away from the Book, the Lord will take away from them their part in the Holy City and their name from the Book of Life.

I am so very grateful for the scribes who devoted their lives to scrupulously copying the Word of God. I am so thankful for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and for their proof of the accuracy of God’s Word. It is not my intention to change Scripture in any way, but simply to restate and amplify God’s Word. As far as I know, I have used every major reputable English translation of the Bible. If there are any that I have missed, I want to quickly acquire them and continue my search. I have not directly quoted from any one translation; instead, I have offered a new rendition, drawn from the many so that you will have gift upon gift, blessing upon blessing and love upon love from your beloved Bridegroom, the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Jesus is the Word of God, and He loves you.

I feel that our merciful Lord is smiling on this work. It was a labor of love. I feel especially privileged to have been able to spend so much time in the Word. The Lord gave me that time, and now, my gift to you is the fruit of that time. This is the best gift I can think of to share with you, dear Reader.

I have not even scratched the surface. There is such endless treasure yet to be found! I invite you to share my joy and continue the search. You will find nuggets of pure gold and priceless jewels of the Kingdom. Every word of Scripture is so precious and beautiful and meaningful.

Even though I got to read this love letter first, I knew, all the while, that it was to be passed through me to you—A LONG LOVE LETTER addressed to you. I hope and pray that as you read this book, you will be able to know and deeply experience, say and sing from your heart, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

By Margaret Ruth Baker

Instructions for following this guide:

1. Get ready with a Bible, a journal book, a pen and this prayer guide to kick start this journey.
2. This devotion is taken out in parts from the book "A Long Love Letter" by Margaret Ruth Baker. Please get hold of a copy of the book to read along, if you can.
3. Please find a quiet and comfortable place, which is suitable for reading and writing for your devotion time each day.

To start this journey please note in your journal:

Today, I decide that I will set my heart and devote my time for the next 49 days to read and interact with God following this reading and prayer guide. Lord Jesus, please help me and guide me to experience your love and discover your plan and purpose for my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Talk with God:

Write down what you would like to tell God at the starting point of this reading journey.