I can’t remember when I first realized that it was a coveted item.  I think, like many traditions in our world, it was passed along to me in story.  I think the story went something like this . . .

 

Jim Rayburn and all the patriarchs of Young Life used this bible.  Bob Mitchell, Tom Raley, Harry MacDonald, Bill Starr, Doug Burleigh, and Bob Reeverts.  They ALL had a J.B. Phillips bible.  All of the speaking that took place at clubs and summer camps – a Phillips bible was in hand.  Start looking, and you’ll see!

 

So, I did.  Sure enough, it was true.  I not only saw all these giants in Young Life holding a Phillips bible, but if they didn’t have it on them, I asked.  Everytime there was not just an affirmative response, but rather, a revered response when talking about their “Cookbook” bible.  Some of them said it was “tucked into a special place.”  Others talked about only speaking from it, and not traveling with it.

 

One thing was sure – it was special.

 

In my 20’s I had a habit of stopping at all used bookstores.  I can still remember all the bookstores from Salem to Portland and all around the Oregon Coast.  I would walk through the front door and ask for the “religious” section.  9 times out of 10 it would be a “whiff.”  Every once in a while I would see that colorful bridge of the “cookbook” and what a day that was!

 

Today, there is no need to travel to used bookstores.  Although, it is still very “Charlie – Wonka – Golden- Ticket – Like” to stop at a used book store. Today, with Ebay, Craigslist, and the like, I never don’t have a supply on hand to give as gifts.

 

There are MANY types of J.B. Phillips bibles.  Here are the ones that you should look for:

 

The Cookbook:

The Leather Bound:

 

The Mini-Phillips:

Remember this key point . . . the publisher MacMillan is not the correct bible.  The publisher Bles is the correct bible.  Many a “newbie” has made that mistake early on.

 

One week from today, anyone who is signed up to receive this Blog via email will be put into the “drawing pool” to receive one of two Cookbook bibles I have on hand.  Sign-up to receive the blog in email form and you are in the pool.  Two bibles will be sent out next Thursday! 

 

Have a great day, and happy hunting!

Eric