Presence & PowerSample

## HIS WORD How does God speak to us? God has made us unique, and His voice is heard in different ways - it could be a thought as you meditate on Him, a picture, or even an audible. According to our personalities, our surroundings can help us feel closer to Him, in nature, looking at art, or just being still. God frequently speaks to us through godly relationships to encourage, support and love but also to correct, challenge and instruct. It was His idea, after all, to place us in this family called ‘Church.’ A foundational way that God promises to encounter and speak to us all, is through the gift of His word, the Bible. Romans 10 tells us, ‘so faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” The word is His truth in written form. 2 Timothy tells us, “all scripture is God-breathed'' and “it will equip us for every good work!” The discipline of reading His word is essential to every person in their relationship with Him. Psalm 119 tells us that His Word stands firm as it preserves our life, giving wisdom and understanding, like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It is a sweet joy that will keep us from evil paths! Who wouldn’t want these benefits of the Word of God? Hebrews 4 also tells us that the Word will challenge us, “for the Word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Yet the Psalmist also tells us that they “sought out His Word, meditated on it, kept it in their hearts, set in their hearts to follow it and have chosen to follow His Word.” The key is to read the Word in relationship with Him, to love His Word, to recognize His voice, and to allow your desire to become that of listening and following His ways. Today, think about different ways that God has spoken to you. What did you sense? Did it confirm or contradict His Word? Maybe this is the first time you are trying to hear His voice. Start by reading scripture and allow God to speak to you through it. A great practice to follow when reading is ‘SOAP’ (read Scripture, Observe, Apply and Pray). If you are reading His Word for the first time, why not share this with a friend so they can support you?