When His Word Changes

In my youth the Bible was a book that didn’t make sense to me. And since it didn’t, I chose not to read it.

I purchased my first Bible when I joined Bible Study Fellowship in 1997. My faith in Jesus began six years prior, so even though I loved Jesus through those years, I didn’t have a Bible.

I guess I didn’t think I needed one. Maybe I was fearful I again wouldn’t understand it.

But as I began to open my Bible through our BSF lessons, it was as if the words came alive to me. The words seemed to jump off the page and land in my heart. Sure, there were things I still didn’t understand, but I found such hope, encouragement, and life in what I was reading.

Much has changed as I’ve studied God’s Word (the Bible) in the last nineteen years through BSF.

His Word hasn’t changed, but His Word has changed me.

And it’s still doing so.

So when someone says they don’t read the Bible, I get it. I totally get it. But I also understand what he or she is missing out on.

Only when I began reading God’s Word was I able to comprehend His love for me, the sacrifice He made on my behalf, and the hope I have in life with Him. I’ve been able to see His attributes, His plan for His people, and how the Old Testament fits in with the New Testament.

Reading His Words in the Bible has transformed my life.

It may sound strange, but…

God’s Word is as much a part of my life as brushing my teeth.

I guess that’s why I share much of it here. Not to push it in anyone’s face, but because it’s such a big part of my life.

Today I came across a passage that has caused me to pause. It has prompted me to again align my simple and imperfect life to His Word. I desire to live the words below daily. Take a look at Psalm 112:1-9.

Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
    and delight in obeying his commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.
Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
    They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil.
    Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly.
They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.

Joyful, blessed, generous, compassionate, righteous, conduct business fairly, trust the Lord, confident, fearless, share freely, give generously. I’d love for those words to describe yours truly.

Yes, I’m still a work in progress.

I pray God’s Word has a part in your life, too, but friend if it doesn’t, I also pray you’ll give it a shot. Later this week I’ll give suggestions and ideas for doing so.

May we allow the Words above to impact our hearts, our thinking, and our lives.

Blessings,

Julie