Your word is a lamp for my feet...

This blog entry came out of nowhere.. Goodness its been a while. I have been busy with other projects, recently launched a Women's Study Journal, and I designed my own tote bags. I chose Psalm 119:105 because It's one of my favourites. It has become "my life verse", which simply means it's a scripture that I reflect on frequently. But let me start off with a short introduction/ testimony of how this verse has changed my life. There was a time not long ago, where I didn’t believe that the Bible offered any direction to my life. Truthfully, I didn’t take it seriously, nor did I make reading it a priority, until I personally began to truly seek God.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Three years ago, I'd never imagine that I would be encouraging others in faith, writing blogs about Jesus, creating a women's study journal, and finding my identity, and purpose. In fact if you don't know the story by now, shortly after my husband was saved I was anything but encouraging! Quite the opposite, I had even considered leaving him months after we got married. Fast forward to a divine miracle ordained by God. He saved me, changed my heart and my desires. This didn't happen until I began to earnestly seek Him with my heart. Without reservations, without my terms conditions, and comforts. If we genuinely want our faith to grow, and if we desire to get familiar with the attributes of God, we must do that through getting acquainted with the God of the Bible. We can’t solely rely on a Pastor or a family member, or a Christian influencer to teach us about God. God is a personal God, and He wants a relationship with us. The only way to reach God, is through having a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus said- “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 -

Jesus, the greatest Teacher of all time! He is the perfect example of what it is to love and serve God, and others without compromising the truth of scripture.  Jesus bridges the gap between God and mankind. I once heard this quote and it will forever stick with me. "Religion is man's attempt to reach God, Jesus is God's attempt to reach man." It’s no coincidence that The Bible from front to back, Old Testament throughout New Testament points us to Jesus.

Jesus, literally is The Word of God!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1–3

The apostle Paul describes the Spirit's work as “God-breathed.” God, through The Holy Spirit breathed onto the writings of the Bible using human Authors to write what He revealed to them. This implies that God is the literal source of what was recorded throughout scripture. Many people today have a hard time accepting the Bible to be true, because it was written by men. But stop and consider this: Why then, does the Bible go against men’s desires? There was a time when much of my (mis)understanding of Jesus was based off my assumptions of who I thought He was. This was a stark contrast from the Jesus I'd personally know through the pages of the Bible. I was quickly humbled. Suddenly I held a reverence and appreciation for God, and how spiritually valuable my time during studying is. I began to see that the time I devoted to study, is time spent with the Lord. 

Prayer is the way we communicate to God, the Bible is the way God communicates to us! Relationships will not stand, nor grow without commitment, and prioritizing mutual communication. I went from reading the Bible here and there, to studying the Bible in hopes to expand my knowledge. I can say that it has been a pivotal step in my walk of faith. It is essential for us as Christians /followers of Christ to meditate on scripture, proclaiming God's promises over our lives, and the lives of others. But how are we encourage others in spirit and in truth without knowledge of what is true. Now.. people can read the bible all day, that alone won't save souls! But if you are seeking to expand your faith, open up the book, with an open heart and pray to God. Search, and ask Him to speak to you.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened". Matthew 7:7-8

There’s no doubt we live in a dark, and broken world, that is in desperate need of light and truth! Though we see the darkness and brokenness of this world, we also see traces of beauty! God created all things including us! God has given us free will. Naturally, we are rebellious. We don’t like to submit, nor deny our wants and desires! But if we aren’t holding the word of God as authoritative in our lives, than the world will feed us with lies.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Honestly, I wish I could say I read my Bible every day, but my excuse is the same as many others...Life can get so busy. But I know that it is essential for me because when I go a couple days without prioritizing time in the word, I literally feel lost, and directionless. I can be easily overwhelmed by my emotions and worries, that often just pull me away from abiding in the Lord.  Reading the Bible allows us to lift our eyes off of our current circumstances, and our ever-changing feelings; onto what truly matters! I’m not saying it’s not important to be aware of our feelings, and suppress our emotions. No, I’m saying that we can bring those emotions, and worries to God. Because of His word. Though life is busy, let's be real..we make time for many things. Reading the Bible will actually enable us to be a better Mother, wife, and friend.

The Word of God is a lamp that shines on our path to guide us and keep us from stumbling off course. The light of God's word allows us to discern error even within the faith! There are many "gospels" preached today, but there is only one true Gospel. To Know the Bible is to Know God!

In Psalm 119:105 The Bible referred to as a "light on our paths", which means it offers us direction, and guidance, illuminating the path, the plans, and the purposes God has for us! How do we learn what God's will is for us if we aren’t guided by the word? It is foundational for every follower of Christ.

Jesus said- “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21

The bible says that "we are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." As Christians, we are called to not only walk in the light but to be the light for others. It has become my great desire to encourage others who are seeking. When led to, I've gifted Bibles, and invited others to join in on my Bible studies. I choose not to be discouraged by people who decline, allowing their bibles to sit and collect dust. Trust me mine once did too, and I see the biggest hinderance is our comforts, and many times those comforts separate us from God. Without God and His Word, we are spiritually walking in the dark.  The word of God is not limited to only certain people!The invitation is there for all! However, we must make the personal choice to seek God for ourselves.