Friends, today I want to remind us that God’s word is alive and active. In addition to that powerful truth God tells us that his word will not return void. That means that as stumbling Christ followers we can’t read God’s word and it have an empty effect on us. It will have some sort of impact at some point in our lives. It might not be the moment you read it. It might be years later. But we can know that God’s word will do something inside of us. So we must fight the urge to set it aside in a life of busy chaos.
I was reminded of this truth of God’s word not returning void recently. Our ladies Bible Study was called Stronger by Angela Thomas and one week we looked at how God is stronger than our greatest fears. In our small groups we shared some of our fears. Fears of health issues, financial fears, fears of the unknown.
It didn’t take long for me to know my greatest fear. Lately I’ve been more aware of the physical distance between our families as our parents grow older and have health issues. They live 6 hours from us and sometimes I fear something terrible happening to my Mother, who is a widow, and I’m not there to help.
Fast forward to about 5 weeks later when my Mother had a significant injury at our house. To the tune of a 12 week recovery. It wasn’t until I was at her house caring for her that I realized God had prepared me for these things by readying my heart through Bible Study. During those intense care giving days he whispered into my soul that He would always be stronger than my greatest fear. That we would get through these difficult days of recovery, set backs and unknowns. I didn’t have to be afraid because he was her ultimate care giver not me.
God gave me this opportunity to see the fruit of his word. It was stored up in my heart and he activated it at just the right time. This is one of the many benefits and overflows of reading God’s word and it not returning void.
Need a Summer Bible Study resource? There are tons out there. Let me just share one with you. I am all about Margaret Feinberg. She speaks my language and she is a sound Bible teacher. I’m doing this Rescued study this Summer and I’ve really enjoyed it. Once again – his word is falling on me at just the right time.
A few other great Bible Studies I’d recommend are: Fight back with Joy, Scouting the Divine, Missing Pieces, Open your Bible, Discerning the Voice of God
But my all time favorite has been the book series by She Reads Truth. So it looks like it’s a Bible Study book but it’s actually straight scripture inside a gorgeous book with color images and with three key questions to help you pull out of scripture the application and meaning. We studied Matthew and Proverbs as a small group study and I loved it so very much. There’s also online groups and apps you can be a part of. I’m still old school – give me a book with a binding and a margin so I can write with a real pen. The only downside to this study is the expense in it. But I see it as an investment.
What studies are you enjoying and what is God teaching you? I’d love to hear – in the comments if you are willing.
Yes taking time each day can be challenging but so worth it. I have been studying verses and topics related to Grace, Blessings and Trust plus a Daily Devotional. Also studying the Light Bible. All are good and help you think the way God wants us to think and act accordingly to His will. God bless and thank you for the suggestions of further studies.