April - Connect with the Word of God

One of the most important verses in the Bible reads: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

The Word did not just appear to be human; the Word became flesh.

This assertion stunned the Greek mind for whom the separation of the divine spirit and the mundane world (flesh, sarx) was an axiom of belief.

But the second phrase is equally stunning for the Jew. This Word dwelt (skenoo) among us and revealed His glory (doxa). This verb for dwelling is employed in the Greek Old Testament for the tabernacle of God

To connect with the Word of God, we need to engage in regular prayer, Bible reading, and meditation, seeking to understand and apply the principles taught within Scripture, and actively participate in Christian community. 

Word:

1. Prayer and Meditation:

• Regular Prayer: Make time for daily prayer, both personal and with others, to communicate with God and seek His guidance. 
• Meditation: Slow down and reflect on scripture, allowing the words to sink into your heart and mind. 
• Pray from the Bible: Use God's word as a guide for prayer, praising Him, confessing your sins, and asking for His help. 

2. Bible Reading and Study:

• Read Regularly: Make reading the Bible a daily habit, whether it's a few verses or a whole chapter. 
• Engage Actively: Don't just read passively; actively engage with the text by asking questions, reflecting on the meaning, and applying it to your life. 
• Study Different Translations: Explore different translations to gain a deeper understanding of the text and see the same truths from a new perspective. 
• Read Out Loud: Reading the Bible audibly brings different benefits to reading silently. 
• Read with Others: Reading the Bible with others strengthens your faith. 
• Memorise Scripture: Memorising verses can help you to internalise God's Word and apply it more readily. 

3. Christian Community:

• Attend Church: Participate in church services and small groups to connect with other believers and learn from their experiences.
• Serve Others: Find opportunities to serve in your church or community, allowing your faith to be expressed through action.
• Share the Gospel: Prayerfully seek opportunities to share your faith with others. 

4. Live Out Your Faith:

• Apply the Word: Live out the principles and teachings you learn from the Bible in your daily life. 
• Speak Life: Use your words to create positive vibrations and reflect God's love. 
• Act in Faith: Your actions should reflect your faith in God's promises. 
• Declare your feelings: Tell God how you feel about the ancient text filled with battles, rules, exile, atonement, and a Saviour who transforms everything. 

A testimony about Reconnecting with God’s word

“Most of my Christian life I've been afraid of the Bible. In my family, the Bible was a weapon of control. There was no wonder in the wondrous story.

I wanted to know God, but in His Word, I found only condemnation. I looked at the Bible and felt judged and afraid. 

I had never heard that the Bible is God’s love letter? To me, the 66 volumes of letters, stories, poetry and prophecies didn’t feel like outpourings of love. 

I could not hear God speaking grace. Then a friend gave me a translation I’d never read; everything changed.  Between black letters on white pages, I met a Jesus who I could talk to. In the gospels, I could talk with a Saviour who cares. 

I read Ecclesiastes and found encouragement to truly, unashamedly live.

In the Psalms, I found people shouting out to God.

In Acts I read stories of courage, humility and practical, everyday love. 

Ours is a God who makes sure the world remembers a powerless social outcast.

In the Bible I met a God of endless grace. I found a God who encourages us to dance, to sing, to live and love, and to let ourselves be loved.

A God who takes the time to speak to one lonely woman at a well; a God who fights against oppression and who knows us by name. 

I found a God of the imperfect, the forgotten, the powerless. I’m in awe of this God, but I’m not afraid of Him.”