While I was growing up, my most memorable religious experience consisted of a week of VBS when I was 7 years old, in which I learned the meaning of John 3:16, and memorized the books of the Bible. Since I was raised in a very secular home, that was the closest I ever got to knowing anything about the Bible. Little did I know, God had used that short encounter with Him to plant a seed in my heart. It wasn't until I was 25 years old that I finally chose to admit that I was a sinner, and accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and Friend. I was amazed to realize after all those years that the seed God had planted was still there -- it had just been waiting to be watered.
Once I started my journey with the Lord, I was eager to read the Bible and discover the truth about living free in Christ. Each time I came to open its pages was like sitting down to a meal with a friend. I learned who God really was, and why it was necessary to send His son to earth. I read all the stories that I'd only heard rumors of before....stories about Adam and Eve, Noah, Father Abraham who had many sons, and David. I found out that the Old Testament was really a wonderful foreshadowing of the coming of a Savior. And I was humbled to discover that the same God who created the heavens and earth, cared about me enough that He listened to my every prayer and couldn't wait to meet with me each day.
Today, I continue to spend time daily in His Word because I've learned to trust that it's real and living and sharper then any double-edged sword. I can use it to separate truth from the lies that the evil one would love for me to believe. I use it as a lamp to light my path when I've found myself lost and alone. I've encouraged others with a timely and purposeful verse, just when they needed to hear it. My husband and I have referred regularly to it as an active tool and handbook in raising our three children. It's not something that I just "check off my to-do list" each day. It's more like something that I do because if I didn't, I know I'd be lost.
Believe me, I've gone a few days without being in the Word, and I know the difference! I get edgy and stressed....almost like I haven't had anything to eat. It's no coincidence that Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
As a Christian, can we risk living our lives like waves being tossed around in the ocean? With no direction or purpose? How can we trust the world to lead us down the path of right-living? The Bible says, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped in every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) I don't think we really know what living is until we've spent time in the living and active Word of God.
Lord, thank you for sending your Spirit to live within the body of Believers, and for giving us the gift of your Word to remind us of the depths of your love for each and every one of us.
Hi! My name is Deborah, and I want to thank you for taking a moment out of your busy day to visit Home For Him. I hope in some small way that you find encouragement and ideas for not only your homeschooling experience, but also your walk with God.
The Boss ~ Bruce, my hubby and best friend, is a Project Manager for CrossRoads Missions here in New Orleans. He likes to listen to music, watch old concerts on Netflix, play practical jokes and be with family. He also spends alot of time in the Word these days, trying to be the best leader for our family and mission that he can be.
The Serious and Organized One ~ "Bri Guy" likes to read, play soccer, listen to music, build bionicles, collect pocketknives, hang out with friends, go to CBS, and be with family.
The Creative Dreamer ~ "Sissy Lou" likes to write on her blog, love on her pets, rides horses, scrapbook, read, play soccer, be with her girlfriends, and study the Bible.
The Extreme Goof ~ "Con Man" likes to do math, play football and soccer, snowboard, make people laugh, build bionicles, play with his dogs, play with friends, build forts, and go to small group at church.
