Did you know that this week is National Bible Week? What a perfect opportunity to reflect on what a gift the Bible is and why it's so important to read it on a daily basis!
I so love the Bible! When I look back at myself twenty years ago, when I was just starting to discover it for myself, I can see just how transformational God's Word can be!
Spending time reading and studying Scripture has changed my life! How?
Experience God's Love
Ever since a friend asked me how the Bible applies to everyday life, I've been keeping a list of topics and verses that apply to them. The most repeated message by far is God's love for us. Over and over we read how God rescued us, chose us, adopted us, delights in us, and rejoices over us. There's no way anyone can read Scripture and come away feeling unloved.
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17
Inspires Hope and Joy
I've experienced my share of struggles and seemingly hopeless situations. God's Word reminds me that times of suffering will not last forever.
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. ~ Jeremiah 31:4
Encourages
The first verse that God ever spoke to me through was Jeremiah 29:11. Whenever I get discouraged and feel I'm not going anywhere I remember that I'm really not wandering aimlessly. God has a plan that He's executing even now.
Spending time reading and studying Scripture has changed my life! How?
Experience God's Love
Ever since a friend asked me how the Bible applies to everyday life, I've been keeping a list of topics and verses that apply to them. The most repeated message by far is God's love for us. Over and over we read how God rescued us, chose us, adopted us, delights in us, and rejoices over us. There's no way anyone can read Scripture and come away feeling unloved.
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17
Inspires Hope and Joy
I've experienced my share of struggles and seemingly hopeless situations. God's Word reminds me that times of suffering will not last forever.
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. ~ Jeremiah 31:4
Encourages
The first verse that God ever spoke to me through was Jeremiah 29:11. Whenever I get discouraged and feel I'm not going anywhere I remember that I'm really not wandering aimlessly. God has a plan that He's executing even now.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Keeps Me on the Right Track
I don't think we realize how much we're influenced by what we see and hear, that we tend to make our decisions based on what's around us. The more time I spend with God, the more I see the world trying to pull me away from Him.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. Psalm 119:2-3
Ignites Desire I don't think we realize how much we're influenced by what we see and hear, that we tend to make our decisions based on what's around us. The more time I spend with God, the more I see the world trying to pull me away from Him.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. Psalm 119:2-3
The more time I spend in God's Word, the more time I want to spend! At first, it took discipline to read my Bible every day. Now, it's something I can't wait to do! It's His Word that ignites the desire for more of Him.
I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. ~ Psalm 119:131
I could go on and on - there's so much more!
I'd love to hear from you! How has Scripture changed your life?
Father, thank you for the precious gift of Your written Word. Forgive us when we ignore it or take it for granted. Ignite a passionate desire within us to sit at Your feet and transform us from the inside out!
I'd love to hear from you! How has Scripture changed your life?
Father, thank you for the precious gift of Your written Word. Forgive us when we ignore it or take it for granted. Ignite a passionate desire within us to sit at Your feet and transform us from the inside out!
Lisa
TweetLinking up withSoli Deo Gloria, Inspire Me Monday, Titus 2sdays, Tell Me a Story, Teach Me Tuesdays, God Bumps & God Incidences, Word-Filled Wednesday, Winsome Wednesday, Simply Helping Him
Love this! I did NOT know it was National Bible week!
Great post- love those verses!
Wow! Have no idea that is national bible week. Anyway, i feel like you. Gid's words changed my life. Molds me everyday, inspires, guides, comforts, source of wisfom. The list is endless. Dropping by from Tell me a story" my entry: washing machine: willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com
I didn't know it was National Bible Week!!! Everything you said about diving in is so true. His word is so transforming. Hearing people call it the "Living Word" couldn't be more true. It's one thing to read it. It's another to be transformed by it!! Great post.
Stopping by from Wisdom Wednesday! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Falen
www.upwardnotinward.com
Scripture has made God's love personal. I remember the first time I read the words, "Jesus wept." I bawled like a baby.
There are so many precious promises we can discover in our Bible. Reading God's Word daily has kept me from trouble and brought me peace. Thank you for sharing at "Tell Me a Story."
Yeah for Bible week! Scripture is to me sweetness, love and holiness. I love God's revelation of Himself through ordinary people. The beautiful metaphors that He designs to help us understand I am still discovering. I have read it for years and it just keeps getting more precious to me. It not only gives perspective on life's issues for me, it just gives life.
Bear With Me...Thanks for sharing, love the photo♫♪Singing/writing hymns based on scripture always is uplifting♥
I didn't know there was a National Bible Week! Thank you for sharing that and your beloved verses with me and my readers at Simply Helping Him last week! Blessings!