The Power of God’s Word
God’s word is infallible, powerful and true. It reaches out to us as individuals, healing our wounds, filling our emptiness, and guiding us in the path to walk.
To the people across East Asia, the Bible may not be readily available. There are many who still do not have the Bible in their heart language. For those who do, it can be life-changing to hold God’s word in their hands and read for themselves the truth of a God who knows their name.
Here in the U.S., where we own multiple Bibles in multiple translations, we may stop and think: What does the Bible mean to me? Three of our home-side staff have answered that question and share what the Bible means to them personally.
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The Word Is an Anchor
I have been blessed to have been born in a country where copies of the Bible are everywhere. The Bible is in hotel rooms across this nation, you can purchase it in convenience stores, grocery stores, department stores and countless bookstores across this land. So I, along with countless others, have taken it for granted; it is commonplace to see and have a copy of the Bible.
Yet, how can I begin to tell you what this book, The Bible, means to me, to my life? I begin with Jesus’ words in John 6:63 & 68, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” (ESV). It is in the Bible that I read about and found the one who gave his life so that I could have life. Jesus is his name.
It is in the pages of the Bible that I learn of my Heavenly Father. A Father who loves me with a love I cannot truly and completely comprehend. A Father with whom I walk daily and talk with and who speaks to me through His word. The Bible has led me to the Father who gives me advice, who shares with me His heart and His plan and purpose for my life; a Father who listens as I share my heart, my struggles, my joys, my pains, my hopes, my failures, my successes and who never pushes me away or condemns me.
[possible pull quote]As this world comes apart and I see all the pain, suffering, devastation and destruction, it is in the Bible that I find peace and security. I find in the word of God an anchor in the middle of this storm. In the Bible I find who I am and who I am meant to be. The Bible has brought me to the love of my life, my Father, my Savior, my Lord, my enabler, my guide.It is here, in the Bible, that I have learned what real, true love is. It is here that the longings in my heart are satisfied. It is here that life makes sense. It is here where I find the One who gives hope, joy and peace.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts,” Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV).
–Travis Judkins, Serve Asia Program Coordinator
The Word Is True
A pastor once asked his congregation, “If stranded on a deserted island, what two items would you want with you?” His choices: the Bible and a good hymnal. I agree. And we know that the Bible can replace the hymnal as it contains many songs and hymns.
The Bible, God’s word, is true. The world is uncertain, and scripture reminds me that even my heart and mind deceive me. I count on the Bible to show my sin and need for Jesus, my Savior.
God’s word reminds me of Jesus’ death and resurrection and that I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ before God. I trust God to apply His word to my heart so as to transform me by His Spirit.
Even when I do not experience the presence of my ever-present God, I trust his word before me in black ink on white paper.
His word teaches me to worship. All of scripture reveals why he should be adored. The psalms in particular give words to my stumbling attempts at worship. With the help of Psalm 96:1-4 I say: I sing to you, my Lord, a song of adoration and worship. Praise your Name, Father God. Be glorified in my life and in all the earth. Enable me to proclaim your salvation day after day. Send forth your servants to declare your glory among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great are you, Lord, and most worthy of praise. You are to be feared above all gods.
The Bible enables me to be confirmed again and again of God’s love and his truth, as well as his will for me and for this world.
–Lynne Morrow, OMF Payroll Coordinator
The Word Is Redemptive
The Bible saved my life. I was living the good life in Southern California – married, two kids, lots of friends and activities to keep me focused on my family and myself. I was living my self- centered, self- satisfied life with not a thought about God or any spiritual awareness.
Then in our mid-30’s my husband received a Bible correspondence course in the mail – anonymously. He began to search the scriptures in earnest, completing the studies and sending them back for the next installment. It worried me. I had no knowledge or interest in the Bible. We had been married for 7 years. Was this the beginning of the two of us going in separate directions?
I heard about a Bible study at a local church, Bible Study Fellowship, so I decided to try it. The study began in the gospel of John. I diligently read and studied each week. God began to open my heart. At about week number 6 in the middle of my study time I thought, either I believe this or I do not. If I do not believe it, why am I spending so much time studying? I got down on my knees in the middle of my kitchen and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.
From that moment and forever my life is new. The gift of faith continues to grow in me. My life has joy, purpose, and fullness.
The Bible is my handbook for wisdom and strength. I am forever grateful for God’s gentleness in drawing me into His word. God’s life-giving word flows through me and I am changed.
The transformation is instantaneous and ongoing. God continues to teach me through His word.
–Diane Halkowich, Development Manager
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