Written by Fiona Monaghan Ever find yourself looking at your horoscope? Or taking an internet quiz claiming it can tell what job would be perfect for you or what your name really means for your life? It is fun and sometimes a bit silly but it speaks to our desire to find direct and personal guidance in our lives.
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n this series “Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith” we’ve been looking at the ways God uses to grow our faith. The first way is the teaching we receive from God’s Word for our personal lives. The Bible is called the “Living Word” because, if you put it to the test, it will have relevance for your day to day lives, just as if it was written personally for you.
It is full of promises, direction, and encouragement. For example, the Book of Psalms, written thousands of years ago, is full of the entire spectrum of emotion. Written mainly by King David it has something for every mood we experience ranging from desperation (Psalm 25) to anger (Psalm 4) to joy (Psalm 95). Proverbs has words of encouragement like:
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. Proverbs 29:11
Ecclesiastes has the time honored verse about “a time for every season…” How to raise children, how to treat people, how to get along in business, how to handle our finances and our emotions…it all can be found in the Bible!
Isn’t that cool? There are so many verses that speak to your heart and mind. They give comfort, advice, and guidance. Truly a Living Word and much better than a horoscope or a buzzfeed quiz.
Give it a try! Start reading with an open heart. Take a moment to really pay attention to the practical teaching God provides us in His word. I think you will be surprised at how relevant it can be for your life today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMl5dT63Ny8