I get overwhelmed with joy at the life, the hope, the peace that comes from reading the Bible.
A book written thousands of years ago, but feels as though it was written for right now.
Wisdom. Correction. Purpose. Identity. Focus.
This plus so much more is written down on these pages for us to embrace, to reflect on, to be encouraged with and by.
Many people in the world have the Bible written in their first language. And there is so much time and effort going in to getting the Bible recorded by people speaking their first language so those who can’t read their language can hear and understand what our Creator God says to them through His Word.
Here in Central Australia, much of the Pitjantjatjara Bible is now available in audio. And to hear friend’s voices speak God’s Word… what a joy!!! May God give grace and favour to those translating the Arrernte, the Walpiri, the Anmatyerr, the Ngaanyatjarra languages (plus many more). May this happen quickly so more people can hear the Word of God in their first language.
I wonder which Scriptures, which verse, and which books of the Bible encourage/challenge you?
The diversity, with conciseness and consistency, of the Bible is just incredible.
From Genesis to Revelation, from beginning to end, the Bible paints a beautiful picture of Creator God, who He is, and what we mean to Him.
Genesis 1:27, we are created in the image of God Himself.
Psalm 139 tells us that God sees us, understands us, made us, and directs those who seek Him.
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) paint a clear picture of who Jesus Christ was and is. They portray His passion, His life, His character, His love for all people, His power over all things (including death) and fill us with a confidence of who Jesus is.
The book of Acts gives us a wonderful picture of the fledgling Christian church forming and tenaciously living life with a healthy fear and respect for their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The book of Ephesians helps the believer to more fully understand our identity of being in Christ. It clearly shows us how to sit, walk and stand in confidence as disciples, as followers of the Living God.
Hebrews 4:12 encourages us with these words: – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
And 2 Timothy 3:16 says All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I am so incredibly passionate about the Bible.
I am so thankful for those who gave and give their life so others have the opportunity to read and/or listen to the Bible.
Every book, every chapter and every verse reveals more of God’s character.
We can know the Author of life more and more intimately as we read/listen to these ‘God-breathed’ words.
I am also saddened by people who wield God’s Word as a weapon or use it as a control mechanism against those they have influence over.
This happens far too often.
Just as a hammer is a very useful tool to build and strengthen structures, but in the wrong hands it can be used as a weapon; the Bible, though a life-giving book, can also be misused to bring destruction and manipulation to those applying it maliciously.
This is not God’s plan.
God’s plan is that all people can know Him through reading the Bible partnered with prayer. Reading with confidence that God will speak through these words by the power of His Holy Spirit with the hope that all will choose to make Him Lord and honour Him with everything that they do.
Worshipping Him through our work, our study, with how we treat our family. Adoration of God overflows through our words, through our thoughts, through our actions.
God’s plan is to be in a living relationship with us so we may live life to the full.
And every person can have this relationship with the Living God.
My hope and prayer is that you will be encouraged to read God’s Word; the Bible.
That the words on each page will come to life.
That your ears will hear what the Spirit is saying to you through these words.
And that you will be transformed further into God’s image as you read, listen, and hear these life-giving Scriptures.
If you don’t know where to begin, here are a couple of links to online copies of the Bible:
https://www.blueletterbible.org
And here is an app that I use daily from my smartphone:
You can start at the beginning (Genesis), or you can start with the birth of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Another good place to start is Ephesians or Psalms.
But please start.
And read/listen a little (or a lot) each day.
I try to start and end each day with God’s Word.
But don’t get overwhelmed with this.
My prayer, is that you can trust our Father in heaven with confidence that He will guide you and bring life with the words on each page.
I have full faith that God will do this.
Enjoy reading and/or listening.
Enjoy your new life 🙂
In Christ
Ben
