05/15/2026
Many years ago I heard a message by Evangelist David Barker. It was on the importance of reading your Bible. This is the poem which goes along with the message.
“I Put My Bible Down”
There was a man of God who sat in a prison cell.
He had preached the word of God; everyone had known him well.
Now he sits with his head bowed, he hardly makes a sound,
Because one day he decided to put his Bible down.
His cell mates they all wondered why to prison he did go.
If he had done his best for Jesus, why is his head so low?
They asked, “Why are you here, Christian?” as they gathered round.
The man then told this story, “I put my Bible down.”
“I thought that it was harmless to skip a day or two
Of reading my devotions, I had other things to do.
Then my new nature grew weak, and the devil came to town.
I could not win the battle because I’d put my Bible down.”
“I did not know how to fight him, I did not know what to say,
For I had not read God’s Word or took the time to pray.
Oh, I went on serving Jesus; how godly I did look.
But I did not have the power that comes from God’s dear book.”
“So now I sit in prison; an inmate just like you.
My reputation is all ruined, my preaching days are through.
That is why I hang my head and my face wears a frown,
because I regret that day I put my Bible down.”
O Christian hear the message from this man’s prison cell!
There are children who need a leader, and there are sinners going to hell.
There are blessings to obtain; we must win the victor’s crown!
May you never have to say the words,
“I put my Bible down.”
By David Barker
