I’ve picked up many books to help me change some aspect of my life. “Eat Your Way to Happiness” was supposed to help me make better food choices and pull me out of a rut. “Shape” magazine was supposed to inspire me to exercise. “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” was supposed to help me kick my procrastination habit for good!
I might have picked up a thing or two from these books, but none of them brought the kind of change I was really seeking. But, after I made Jesus Lord of my life, the Bible started to answer my questions. In the mornings, I would turn to my Bible and WHAM! the Scriptures would speak answers to my heart. Over and over again this happened.
I remember the day I told God, “people are going to think I am going crazy since Austin died. They will never believe this!” But, my experiences were so amazing that I knew I had to share them. So, I asked God, “how do I help others understand how Your Bible works like this (without them thinking I’m crazy)?” When I turned to my Bible that day, I opened it to Isaiah 55.
The Lord paints a picture of how the Word of God is purposeful, personal, and powerful. These are the 3 reasons you CAN change your life:
The Bible is Purposeful: Isaiah 55:10-11
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout,” …
“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
God’s Word is here for a reason… What is written in the Bible and how God intends to use His Word in your life will be accomplished. God’s Word will succeed. He will not allow the Bible to be meaningless or irrelevant.
The Bible is Personal: Isaiah 55:10
“And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;”
… and that reason is exactly what you need. Whether you need seed to sow or food to eat, God’s Word gives each person what is needed. Although the Bible was written way before your time, God still intends to use it in your life today.
The Bible is Powerful: Isaiah 55:12-13
For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the Lord, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.
Peace and joy. Moving mountains and trees. Instead of “bad” things, good things will happen. Others will see your life and be led to the Lord and His Word. Wow ~ that’s powerful!
3 Ideas to Help You Claim the Power to Change Your Life:
- Get a Bible you like to read.
- I didn’t have a Bible until I was 38 years old. I didn’t know there were different versions, some easier to read. So, go explore and find one you like!
- Start asking God for help before you open your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak into your heart as you read.
- I think even those of us who read our Bibles a lot can forget to slow down and ask the Lord to reveal himself before we dive into the Scriptures.
- Set a timer. Just 15 minutes is a great start! (kind of sounds like “Shape” magazine, eh? But, I promise this will be different because God said so!)
Let’s talk about it:
Have you experienced God while reading your Bible? Do you think I’m crazy?
Do you think the Bible is relevant in this modern day? How has the Bible helped you?
Do you have other ideas for how you can use the Bible in your life?
The slow down when you read your bible hit hard. I am a scanner kind of reader. So I do the same thing when I read my bible. So, now I will try to slow down and attempt to digest it more. And no, I don’t think you’re crazy!
I get it – there are so many, many things we have to do every day, but I promise if you slow down, you will reap the benefits in so many ways!
Kim: “Start asking God for help before you open you Bible.” that really spoke to me as I read Mighty Monday. There I was just reading but did first speak to God and ask for help or open up for the Holy Spirit to come into my heart. Oh no. Thanks for the heads up! Loved it and you.
Kim, I have to correct my last comment—I had NOT asked God to hear me and come into my heart before getting into the Bible. I really need to slow down not only when I read my Bible but also when I write a comment. Do you agree??? Love ya
Oh Connie, this is so funny! I was in such a hurry that I didn’t notice your error anyways! I guess we both need to slow down, eh?
There is definately a great deal to know about this topic.
I really like all the points you have made.
So true ~ we could probably study this topic the rest of our days and still have more to learn! Thanks so much, Kim
Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will
just book mark this web site.