"When we engage with the word of God, we engage with God."
Those words rang out through the Shuffleboard Club on Sunday, from Blake's mouth to our ears. It's a simple statement, but the more I think about it, the more amazing it becomes.
I've been spending a lot more time with God these days. I've carved out time in my morning to read the word and spend time in prayer. It is in those times that I can go to God, thank him for all that he has done in my life and in the lives of the people around me, to confess my sins to him, to share my fears, doubts and worries with him, to praise him for all his goodness, and to listen to him.
Admittedly, I probably don't spend as much time just sitting and listening as I should, but I feel like I hear God most when I am reading his word.
In the pages of the Bible I can find answers to questions. I can find new insights and perspectives into the things that I face on a daily basis. I can find relatable examples that aid me in my work and personal relationships.
One of the lies that I tend to believe is that God is angry with me because of my win; that in those times that I feel myself moving away from him, I cannot go to him in prayer. I know that this is how the enemy isolates us from love so that I can tear us down, but I still believe it in those times. I still have this lingering idea in my head the my deeds dictate God's love for me. Recently, during my morning reading and prayer time, God reminded me of this truth,
God loves you regardless, no matter what you do, because of what Jesus did for us, God loves us unconditionally. The price has been paid for all of your sins; past, present, and future. No matter what you are going through, God is always there for you and wants you to come to him. Now, it is up to you to decide what to do with that love.
God reminded me that I have a choice, every day, to either take his love and do nothing with it, or to give his love to the people around me; to my neighbors. When I am giving love (real love) then there is no room for sin to interfere. It is only when I choose to not accept God's love that the enemy can get a foothold in my life.
Perhaps God would have revealed that truth to me in some other way had I not engaged with him through his word. Maybe I would have heard it on a Sunday, or in small group. But, it felt much more personal when it was just me and God sitting at my dinning room table in the early morning hours. It felt like it was just for me. It felt like God loved me.
If you want to experience God. If you really want to hear from and speak to God, then get in his word. Take time with God.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Here are some resources you can use to engage with God.
YouVersion - This website/app holds pretty much every available translation of the Bible, provides reading plans, and allows you to highlights, comment on, and share verses.
BibleGateway - This is pretty much my go-to website when I need to find a verse or lookup verses on a particular topic.
The Bible Project - This website provides free videos an d resources that explore the narrative of the Bible.
Gather with us this Sunday as we continue in our Pages series. In the mean time, listen to Blake’s thoughts on engaging with God through the Bible here.
